Born in 1930 in Okinawa, Japan, Seiyu Oyata (Taika) is the founder of RyuTe and Oyata Shin Shu Ho.

Taika inherited his kobudo and te from two bushi, Uhugushuku and Wakinaguri.

After the deaths of this teachers, Taika began training with Shigeru Nakamura who accepted him as a student instructor.

A fierce fighter known for his speed, power and technique, Taika became the full contact kumite champion defeating fighters from across Okinawa and Japan and Nakamura gave Taika's dojo the name KenPuKan which translates to "Fist Like the Wind".

Taika began training American servicemen at the KenPuKan dojo in Makiminato, Urasoe, Okinawa and through a few of these students, his connection to the United States was formed.

In 1977, Oyata moved to Independence, Missouri to bring his art stateside and was instrumental in introducing Okinawan kempo to the US. Taika's ability drew the attention of many American martial artists and over the years his organization grew.

In 1992, Taika renamed his organization RyuTe. Ryu comes from Ryukyu, the original name for the islands of Okinawa and Te, which means hand.

Taika Oyata combined the art passed to him by his teachers with the wisdom and experience he gained from his research. Believing character, not just technique is important to understanding the true meaning of karate, Taika invited some of his students into "Oyata Shin Shu Ho" which is translated as, "Oyata's Truthful Hand Method."

As a member of Oyata Shin Shu Ho, one was held to higher standard in Taika's eyes and it was his hope that these students would stay together to carry on his art. As this was a direct contract between Taika and each of his students, only Taika had the authority to instate or revoke Oyata Shin Shu Ho.

The RyuTe Karate Kobudo Renmei maintains the entire list of Oyata Shin Shu Ho as a matter of historical record.

Taika was a true master dedicated to preserving true life protection art of goshin jitusu. His personality and incredible ability left a lasting impression on all who met him and without question, his life and teachings are an irreplaceable link between the past and the present.

Taika died, June 18, 2012, in Aberdeen, SD surrounded by his family and students.

His wish for RyuTe was for his students to remain together as one family to carry on the art, his legacy.