In Memoriam Isao Kise (Kaicho)

July 27, 1957 – February 4, 2025

Known to many as “Kaicho”, meaning President, he was not only the head of Shorinryu Kenshinkan, but a great karateka, Sensei and friend to many and father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

I first met Kaicho in Okinawa in 1975 when he was just 18. While working out in the dojo and the son of Master Fusei Kise, he wasn’t treated any differently than the rest of the students. Over the years, I have had the privilege of both training with him and being a friend. On his many trips to the NorthWest Budokan, Kaicho stayed at our house and the private times my wife, Bernadette, and I enjoyed with him were priceless. At those times we would sit on the floor and as Bernadette and he would trade stories of the younger kids, he would laugh, and we would truly understand the similarities between the kids in the US and kids in Okinawa. At other times we would talk about karate and techniques. The time off the dojo floor would also be a time to learn those techniques reserved for “secret” techniques of which I am extremely grateful.

For those of you who knew him I invite you to share some of your pictures and stories. I have created this site to celebrate his life and for all to enjoy. Here are just a few of the many pictures we have. – Shihan Jay Gravelle and Sensei Bernadette

Kaicho and I met in 1984 and became good friends, since he was only a year younger than me, we had a lot in common.  He would call me his American Tomodachi and I would call him my Okinawan Tomodachi but always referred to him as Kaicho.  He did not speak much English back then.

We had many good times together.  He would always tell me to call him after I was done with Master Kise (at night hours) and he would then surely send a Takushi or a Tomodachi to pick me up and deliver me to wherever he was.  He usually was accompanied by a friend, high school classmates or a few of his students.  Some of the most entertainment that I experienced was with Kaicho.  He always provided a good time.

He was very gifted with the ability to perform his karate with authority, no matter what aspect of it.  He would train for hours in front of that cracked mirror at the Hombu dojo.  He was good !

No one can take away the wonderful times that he has provided for all of us. 

Kaicho, Rest In Peace … I will never forget you. – Shihan Greg Lazarus

Kaicho – The Sensei and Karateka

Kaicho – The Man and Friend