Sueyoshi Jino (1846–1920s) was an influential Okinawan martial artist who played a key role in the development of early kobudō and the transmission of traditional fighting methods during the late Ryukyu Kingdom and early Meiji period. Born in the Shuri region of Okinawa, Sueyoshi grew up in a time of political and cultural transition, witnessing the end of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the integration of Okinawa into Japan. He served as a guard for the Ryukyuan royal family, a position that required not only loyalty but also martial proficiency, particularly in the use of traditional weapons.
Sueyoshi was especially renowned for his skill with the bo (staff) and sai, making him a key figure in the preservation and refinement of Okinawan kobudō. His techniques and training methods were deeply rooted in the classical Ryukyuan warrior traditions and focused on practical combat effectiveness. He was known for his serious character, strong discipline, and deep respect for the martial way, which he passed on to his students through both physical training and ethical guidance.
Among his students was Kenwa Mabuni, who would later found the Shitō-ryū style. Sueyoshi’s influence on Mabuni was particularly significant in shaping Mabuni’s appreciation for traditional weaponry and formal technique. Mabuni would later incorporate elements of kobudō and classical kata into his comprehensive karate system, helping to ensure that the teachings of Sueyoshi Jino were preserved and transmitted into the modern era. Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Sueyoshi’s place in the lineage of Okinawan martial arts is foundational.
Master Sueyoshi Jino is remembered today as a guardian of the old ways — a martial artist who stood as a bridge between Okinawa’s classical warrior traditions and the evolving martial culture of the modern period. His contributions helped maintain the integrity of traditional weapon arts during a time when such practices were at risk of being forgotten. While he may not have left behind a formalized system or school, his legacy lives on through the masters he influenced and the techniques that remain part of Okinawan martial heritage.
