The Kings of Ryukyu and the Martial Arts

In Japan, since the enactment of the Laws for the Military Houses in 1615, the feudal lords of various domains were required to study literature and martial arts. This is because the laws include a clause that states, “The ways of literature, military arts, archery, and horsemanship are to be studied together exclusively.”

Although Ryukyu was under the control of Satsuma, it was not subject to the Laws of the Military Houses. However, the kings of Ryukyu probably could not escape the indirect influence of the laws, and trained in the martial arts like feudal lords in Japan. The following sentences are from “Martial Arts of Okinawa (1)” (1914), narrated by Asato Ankō and written by Shōtō (Funakoshi Gichin).

King Shō Kei and King Shō Kō were the yūkun (literally, brave monarchs) among the feudal lords (kings). Tekken (Iron Fist) Miyagi was an attendant military officer of King Shō Kei, and Matsumura Pēchin was a chamberlain military officer of King Shō Kō. (see note)

King Shō Kei (reigned: 1713–1751) and King Shō Kō (reigned: 1804–1834) were particularly monarchs of military prowess among the successive kings. The name “Matsumura Pēchin” refers to Matsumura Sōkon, but who is “Tekken Miyagi”? I think “Iron Fist” is a modern expression, so he was probably nicknamed “Tījikun (Fist) Miyagi.”

King Shō Kei

What were the positions of the attendant and chamberlain military officers? In Shuri Castle, there was a place called “Kinjū-Tsumesho” where there was a department called “Kinjū-hō” (literally, the office of attendants) that took care of the king’s personal affairs. In addition to guarding the king, the attendants who served there sometimes instructed him in learning and martial arts. Therefore, the military officers may refer to the attendants.

The photo above is a portrait of King Shō Kei, and perhaps among those holding swords beside him was Tekken Miyagi.

Note: “Martial Arts of Okinawa (1),” narrated by Asato Ankō and written by Shōtō, Ryukyu Shimpo, January 17, 1914.

The original English translation was posted on the Ameba blog on December 14, 2020.

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