Greg Lindquist’s journey in the Okinawan Life Protection Arts began in 1968, when he met Taika Seiyu Oyata, founder of RyuTe, through a chance encounter in Olathe, Kansas. Lindquist trained intensively with the master seven days a week for several hours daily throughout that year, earning his Shodan (1st Degree Black Belt). By early 1969, Oyata Sensei had to abruptly return to Okinawa due to a family emergency.

Despite Oyata’s departure, Lindquist continued practicing the techniques and katas he had learned and trained with martial artists from other systems. In 1970, he and two business partners opened a martial arts supply store, which allowed him to network and introduce his instructor’s teachings to others. During the early 1970s, Lindquist and several of Oyata’s American students established the first Ryukyu Kempo organization in the United States. Following Oyata’s return to the U.S. in 1977, Lindquist resumed his training under the master, becoming an invaluable asset to Oyata and his growing organization. Lindquist supported Oyata by assisting at seminars across the country, helping open multiple dojos in the Kansas City area, and frequently representing Oyata by introducing his art to external organizations.

In 1994, Lindquist became the first student to test and earn the rank of Hachidan Kyoshi (8th Degree Black Belt) in Oyata’s family system, Oyata Shin Shu Ho. In 2011, he was awarded the Nin Tei Sho certificate with the title of Tasshi. Lindquist holds the distinction of being Taika Oyata’s longest continuous student and the only living individual granted express permission by Oyata to confer rank in RyuTe and Oyata Shin Shu Ho.

Demonstrating his commitment to his teacher, Lindquist continued teaching and supporting the Ryu Te Renmei. Following a two-year mourning period after Taika Oyata’s passing in 2012, Tasshi Lindquist left the RyuTe Association and founded the Kuzushi Te style. In 2015, he established the Zensekai Karate organization, later renamed Zensekai Karate Kobujutsu Renmei (ZKKR). Through Kuzushi Te and ZKKR, Lindquist sought to preserve and propagate Taika Oyata’s Life Protection Art.