Patrick McCarthy

A Canadian with dual Australian citizenship, Patrick McCarthy, is a permanent resident of Japan and resides in Okinawa, the island birthplace of Karate. A childhood passion, karate became a competitive preoccupation during his teenage years and ultimately helped shape the direction of his life. Deciding early on to dedicate his life to the fighting arts, McCarthy Sensei has been teaching since 1974. His two principal Karate instructors, Kinjō Hiroshi [1919-2013], and Richard Kim [1917-2001] trace their lineage back to the tradition's most visible pioneers: Toyama Kanken [1888-1966], Hanashiro Chômo [1866-1945], Gusukuma Shimpan [1890-1954], Ōshiro Chōjō [1887-1935], Tokuda Ambun [1886-1945], Itosu Ankō [1832-1915], and Matsumura Sōkon [1809-1899].

Today, McCarthy Sensei holds the title of Hanshi and 10th Dan recognition in both Karate and Kobudo, with yudansha recognition in Japanese swordsmanship [TSKSR] and [AKJJ] Ju-jutsu. He is credited with creating the first tertiary-level Karate Instructor’s program, by establishing a pedagogical standard for instruction across all styles by integrating the study of the art’s history, culture, language, ethos, and technical theories.

In 1988, McCarthy Sensei established the International Ryūkyū Karate Research Society (IRKRS), and in 1993, he founded Koryū Uchinadi, a contemporary interpretation of classical Okinawan fighting arts.