Motobu Chōyū was an Okinawan martial artist and the 11th sōke of Motobu Udundī. He was also Ryukyuan royalty and the 11th head of the Motobu Udun, a branch of the Ryukyuan royal family. His younger brother was a karate master, Motobu Chōki.

Matsumura Sōkon was one of the original karate masters of Okinawa. The years of his lifespan are reported variously as c.1809-1901 or 1798–1890 or 1809–1896 or 1800–1892. However, the dates on the plaque at Matsumura's tomb, put there by Matsumura's family, clearly state that he was born in 1809 and died in 1899 at approximately the age of 90 years old.