George C. Oyasato Foundation
George C. Oyasato Biography
The GCOF, Inc. established in 2003, is a memorial continuation of the pursuits and efforts of the life of George C. Oyasato to preserve Okinawan/Asian Arts and Culture.
THE BEGINNING
In 1890, Chimei Oyasato, his father, emigrated from Okinawa to Hawaii to seek out better opportunity. George Chisei Oyasato was born on March 20, 1920 in the town of Koloa on the island of Kauai. He was the eldest of five children, which included three brothers and one sister. For a time the family managed the local general store which closed during ‘The Great Depression’ of 1929. During this time period George left school and began working to help support the family. As a young man he enjoyed participating in barefoot football and studying Judo/ Jujitsu with Chinzen Kinjo was a major pursuit in his life.
WWII
During WWII all four Oyasato brothers; himself, Henry, Thomas and Johnny signed up for service and joined the Army. He entered into the U.S. Army Intelligence Service which took him to New Guinea, Guam, and the Philippines. One brother, Henry received a battlefield commission in the U.S. 442 regimental combat battalion and was in the movie,” Go for Broke” as O’Hara. The movie starred Van Johnson and told the story of the 442nd and the 100th battalions experience in Europe during WWII. The formation of these units was President Roosevelt’s 1943 assertion that “Americanism is not a matter of race but of loyalty and spirit”.
One account of his experiences in the military tells of an event involving self defense training. A sergeant teaching tactics to the all-Japanese American recruits was being a bit overzealous to the trainees. Knowing that he was a judo instructor, one of the young men from that unit pleaded with George to talk to the sergeant in an attempt to quell the harsh treatment. Reluctantly, he agreed and went to speak to the sergeant. knowing it could get out of hand. George respectfully approached the sergeant and explained the situation. From a visual perspective, this meeting seemed awkward; being that George stood 5’2” tall, only coming up to the chest of the sergeant. He tried to explain that it wasn’t necessary to punish the trainees to that extent. This position was not readily accepted. George proposed he try the same technique against him. If he could get out of the technique that was being demonstrated, he would agree to ease up on the men. The sergeant agreed. He grabbed George by the arm to apply the arm lock trying to wrench and break his shoulder to show him, and as this happened, George used the momentum of the tactic to flip over his opponent, knocking him to the ground. He helped the sergeant up, dusted him off and from that point, the sergeant kept his word.
RETURN TO HAWAII
After returning to Hawaii after the war, he worked most of his career as a supervisor for the Grove Farm Sugar Company, until his retirement.
He pursued “Koten Buyo” Classical Ryukyuan Dance, until marriage at age forty two. Active in the community, he served a term as president of Hui Pono, an Okinawan cultural group. His activities in the Military Intelligence Service Club as Vice Commander, and the Disabled American Veterans Group also keep his schedule busy.
Martial art training was also a constant throughout his days beginning with Judo and eventually transitioning to Aikido after its introduction to Hawaii from Aikido masters Koichi Tohei and Koretoshi Maruyama. He remained teaching for most of the remainder of his life.
LAST WALK
In September of the year 2000, feeling compelled to spend time with his aging father. His son Jed Chisho Oyasato flew to Hawaii from his home in Florida. Upon his return he could see a new set of challenges facing his father. An old back injury had weakened his legs and walking was extremely difficult. Kimiye Oyasato his wife of 38 years explained that he worked hard to make sure he could move around more when he found out his son was coming to visit. When his son mentioned the Aikido dojo where he spent many years of his life teaching and training a glimmer came to his eye. “Only if you want“, was his reply to his son. He had not been to the school for many years because of his weakened condition. Even with the prodding of the other instructors offering to pick him up for the long drive to watch the classes, he refused. His sons request to visit the class on that trip afforded George the opportunity.
The training hall was located on the grounds of an old Buddhist temple. Down a long flight of stairs, with the help of his son, slowly they made their way closer to the class; step by step. At the bottom of the stairs a rest had to be taken. A few minutes past then he said” Okay let’s go”. You could feel his excitement. This was a difficult journey for him and it took most of his strength to make it. Down the darkened corridor to the open doors, the light from within the room stretched to their feet. Class was in session and no one noticed their approach. Once the light from the doorway exposed their faces a loud call to attention could be heard from inside. Everyone knelt facing the doorway in silence. An old familiar face had resurfaced. Beaming smiles could be seen inside as they sat upright. It took a few more minutes to make it to the doorway. The feeling of anticipation was tremendous. This moment served to cause his posture to straighten just a bit more. At the doorway the command “REI” was given by the instructor. Everyone bowed, and it seemed that all his years of devotion to teaching and community service came down to one last ritual show of respect. It was worth it and you could see it in his eyes.
PASSING
Within one month his son would have to return to place his ashes at the Kaua’i Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends attended the service. The Governors Office, State Senators, Veterans groups, as well as many other local officials offered their condolences to the testament of his life.
George Chisei Oyasato’s dedication to serve is the driving force behind this foundation.
What is the GCOF,Inc?
The George C. Oyasato Foundation, Inc is a registered 501(c)3 not for profit based in Florida.
What is the mission of the GCOF,Inc?
Our mission is to preserve Okinawan/Asian Arts and Culture.
What is ShisaLion.org?
ShisaLion.org is the program designed to assist in the recovery of Okinawan artifacts missing since WWII and provide an online home for the GCOF.
How are the GCOF projects funded?
All funding comes through donations to and services provided by the GCOF, Inc.
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What other services does the GCOF, Inc provide?
Currrently community based instruction in the protection arts of Ryute and graphic art support to other organizations or persons.
Is the GCOF,Inc part of any other community affiliation?
We are part of the Broward County Cultuaral Foundation community arts education and stratigic plan.
Is there anyone on the payroll of the GCOF currently?
No. Everyone is on a volunteer status.
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