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HISTORY OF THE MARTIAL ARTS
(Okinawa)
In the 6th century, Shoalin Kung Fu quickly spread. Other neighboring countries incorporated these new techniques
into their indigenous fighting systems. Okinawa, a chain of islands between China and Japan was strongly
influenced by this introduction of Kung Fu early in it's history. As early as the late 6th century, Chinese Kung Fu is
thought to have been introduced to the Okinawan people. This early form of Okinawan art became known as TODE.
"TO" referred to the T'ang Dynasty, which flourished between 618-906 A.D. 'TO" was later used as an adjective to
mean "China". TO was also read as "Kara" in Kanji, which we will refer to later. TODE was now the indigenous form
of weaponless fighting of the Okinawan Islands. Very little was known about this form of fighting until the 14th
century, some 8 centuries later. In 1372 Okinawa began an official relationship with China. This agreement allowed
China to expand it's trade with other countries, as well as spread Kung Fu throughout the region. As a Imperial gift
to to Okinawa a group of Chinese artisans and merchants were sent to Okinawa to establish a permanent
settlement on Okinawa. This group of people became known as the thirty six families. Not only did these immigrants
bring their professions but they also reintroduced a more modern form of Chinese Kung Fu. So by the 1400's there
were now two forms of weaponless fighting systems existing on Okinawa.
Okinawa was originally divided into three kingdoms, the kingdoms of Chuzan, Hokuzan and Nanzan. But in 1429,
these three kingdoms were united under one king, this was to be the beginning of the new Sho Dynasty. This lasted
until 1477, when a new Sho Dynasty started, the Sho Shin Dynasty. The new ruler of the Sho Dynasty placed a ban
on all weapons fearing that there would be an uprising against him. This act ended up driving the Tode and Kung
Fu organization underground, fearing that they would be persecuted for practicing their fighting methods. Tode and
Kung Fu continued to evolve and be practiced secretly, this is why so little is known about these ancient forms. This
continued until 1609, when the Satsuma Clan of Japan invaded the Okinawan Islands and ended Okinawan
independence forever. The invading Satsuma wanted to destroy all evidence of Okinawan fighting forms, in addition
to placing a weapons ban on all inhabitants. The Samurai was now the law of the land, and they had their Samurai
swords to back them up. This left the inhabitants of Okinawa to a great disadvantage because now they had no
weapons to defend themselves against the powerful sword and jujutsu techniques that the Samurai had. This single
action by the Satsuma, directly brought about the development of the Okinawan weapons we know of today. The
Tonfa, Kama, Sai, Nunchuku, Eku-Bo, and Bo were all created from the banning of weapons in 1609 . These new
weapons were originally used as farm implements, but in the hands of the Okinawans they became deadly weapons.
The benefit of using farming tools was that if the Samurai saw them using these tools they wouldn't become
alarmed. However, if the Okinawans were under attack, they could quickly convert there simple farming tools into
useful and effective weapons against the samurai warriors.
Twenty years after the Satsuma invasion, in 1629, both the Tode and Kung Fu societies decided to combine their
fighting styles, this new blend of styles was called TE. TE translated simply means "Hand". This union was an effort
to take the benefits of both the styles and create a stronger more effective style that could be used against the
samurai. The Satsuma Clan lost control of the Okinawan Islands in 1875 when Japan officially made Okinawa part of
Japan. In the years to follow, Okinawa Te would begin to reveal itself to the world. There became 3 slightly different
styles of Okinawan Te. These styles were named after the cities that Te was practiced in. The three cities were;
Shuri, Tomari and Naha. With the fear and suppression now lifted, Shuri Te, Tomari Te and Naha Te would soon
proliferate. By 1887 the word "TE" was replaced and given a new name, "KARATE". "KARA" means China, as
described earlier in this handout. "KARATE" was then translated as "China Hand". By using the term "KARATE",
there was still a reference to it's Chinese origin. The birth of karate had begun and with it a new era of openness
and sharing had started. Karate soon found great acceptance among the Okinawan people. By the early part of the
1900's, karate was being demonstrated to the people of Okinawa. Soon after. Karate would be taught in the public
schools. Karate was more widely accepted now by the people of Okinawa as many more students began to practice
the art. The name "KARATE" soon went through another change.
By 1905, an Okinawan karate master decided to start referring to "KARATE" as "Empty Hand" instead of "China
Hand". This transition, in meaning, would finally eliminate any references to Karate's Chinese origins and show the
world that karate was truly an Okinawan Art. This great interest in karate soon caught the eye of the Japanese
people. In 1917 the Japanese government requested a personal demonstration of this yet unknown Okinawan
fighting art. A gathering of Okinawan masters took place and it was decided that one person would represent all of
Okinawan Karate. It was decided that Gichin Funakoshi would be the one to demonstrate karate for the Japanese.
Gichin Funakoshi was a rather small and weak looking individual, however, he was very skilled in Okinawan karate.
A demonstration between this Okinawan master and a Japanese martial artist was arranged. Gichin Funakoshi was
able to over power the Japanese opponent with his superior karate techniques. The Japanese people were very
impressed and eventually Funakoshi stayed in Japan and began to teach the Japanese people.
By the 1920's and 30's many Okinawan masters began to travel to Japan an establish dojos. Most of the styles we
have today began to be created in the 1920's and 30's. In 1927 the style of Gojo-Ryu was created, this was the first
time the name of a style didn't come from the name of the city it was practiced in. Many other styles began to
emerge, including our own, Shito Ryu. The name Shito-Ryu was created by combining the names of the two masters
from which Shito Ryu evolved. Karate quickly found it's way from Japan to the Hawaiian Is. This was mainly due to
the fact that there was a large group of Okinawans living on the island at the time. However, it wasn't until World
Wars II that Karate began to reach the United States. After the war, many servicemen were exposed to Japanese
Judo and Karate. During the 40's and 50's, Judo gained greater acceptance than karate which lead to karate not
being widely accepted until the 1960's. Since then, karate has increased in the number of styles and students.
There are hundreds of different styles of Karate around the world. Eventually many styles may die out as new ones
are created. This is the evolution of martial arts, just as an ancient form of Chinese Kung Fu evolved into Okinawan
TE and eventually into Japanese Karate.
(Okinawa)
In the 6th century, Shoalin Kung Fu quickly spread. Other neighboring countries incorporated these new techniques
into their indigenous fighting systems. Okinawa, a chain of islands between China and Japan was strongly
influenced by this introduction of Kung Fu early in it's history. As early as the late 6th century, Chinese Kung Fu is
thought to have been introduced to the Okinawan people. This early form of Okinawan art became known as TODE.
"TO" referred to the T'ang Dynasty, which flourished between 618-906 A.D. 'TO" was later used as an adjective to
mean "China". TO was also read as "Kara" in Kanji, which we will refer to later. TODE was now the indigenous form
of weaponless fighting of the Okinawan Islands. Very little was known about this form of fighting until the 14th
century, some 8 centuries later. In 1372 Okinawa began an official relationship with China. This agreement allowed
China to expand it's trade with other countries, as well as spread Kung Fu throughout the region. As a Imperial gift
to to Okinawa a group of Chinese artisans and merchants were sent to Okinawa to establish a permanent
settlement on Okinawa. This group of people became known as the thirty six families. Not only did these immigrants
bring their professions but they also reintroduced a more modern form of Chinese Kung Fu. So by the 1400's there
were now two forms of weaponless fighting systems existing on Okinawa.
Okinawa was originally divided into three kingdoms, the kingdoms of Chuzan, Hokuzan and Nanzan. But in 1429,
these three kingdoms were united under one king, this was to be the beginning of the new Sho Dynasty. This lasted
until 1477, when a new Sho Dynasty started, the Sho Shin Dynasty. The new ruler of the Sho Dynasty placed a ban
on all weapons fearing that there would be an uprising against him. This act ended up driving the Tode and Kung
Fu organization underground, fearing that they would be persecuted for practicing their fighting methods. Tode and
Kung Fu continued to evolve and be practiced secretly, this is why so little is known about these ancient forms. This
continued until 1609, when the Satsuma Clan of Japan invaded the Okinawan Islands and ended Okinawan
independence forever. The invading Satsuma wanted to destroy all evidence of Okinawan fighting forms, in addition
to placing a weapons ban on all inhabitants. The Samurai was now the law of the land, and they had their Samurai
swords to back them up. This left the inhabitants of Okinawa to a great disadvantage because now they had no
weapons to defend themselves against the powerful sword and jujutsu techniques that the Samurai had. This single
action by the Satsuma, directly brought about the development of the Okinawan weapons we know of today. The
Tonfa, Kama, Sai, Nunchuku, Eku-Bo, and Bo were all created from the banning of weapons in 1609 . These new
weapons were originally used as farm implements, but in the hands of the Okinawans they became deadly weapons.
The benefit of using farming tools was that if the Samurai saw them using these tools they wouldn't become
alarmed. However, if the Okinawans were under attack, they could quickly convert there simple farming tools into
useful and effective weapons against the samurai warriors.
Twenty years after the Satsuma invasion, in 1629, both the Tode and Kung Fu societies decided to combine their
fighting styles, this new blend of styles was called TE. TE translated simply means "Hand". This union was an effort
to take the benefits of both the styles and create a stronger more effective style that could be used against the
samurai. The Satsuma Clan lost control of the Okinawan Islands in 1875 when Japan officially made Okinawa part of
Japan. In the years to follow, Okinawa Te would begin to reveal itself to the world. There became 3 slightly different
styles of Okinawan Te. These styles were named after the cities that Te was practiced in. The three cities were;
Shuri, Tomari and Naha. With the fear and suppression now lifted, Shuri Te, Tomari Te and Naha Te would soon
proliferate. By 1887 the word "TE" was replaced and given a new name, "KARATE". "KARA" means China, as
described earlier in this handout. "KARATE" was then translated as "China Hand". By using the term "KARATE",
there was still a reference to it's Chinese origin. The birth of karate had begun and with it a new era of openness
and sharing had started. Karate soon found great acceptance among the Okinawan people. By the early part of the
1900's, karate was being demonstrated to the people of Okinawa. Soon after. Karate would be taught in the public
schools. Karate was more widely accepted now by the people of Okinawa as many more students began to practice
the art. The name "KARATE" soon went through another change.
By 1905, an Okinawan karate master decided to start referring to "KARATE" as "Empty Hand" instead of "China
Hand". This transition, in meaning, would finally eliminate any references to Karate's Chinese origins and show the
world that karate was truly an Okinawan Art. This great interest in karate soon caught the eye of the Japanese
people. In 1917 the Japanese government requested a personal demonstration of this yet unknown Okinawan
fighting art. A gathering of Okinawan masters took place and it was decided that one person would represent all of
Okinawan Karate. It was decided that Gichin Funakoshi would be the one to demonstrate karate for the Japanese.
Gichin Funakoshi was a rather small and weak looking individual, however, he was very skilled in Okinawan karate.
A demonstration between this Okinawan master and a Japanese martial artist was arranged. Gichin Funakoshi was
able to over power the Japanese opponent with his superior karate techniques. The Japanese people were very
impressed and eventually Funakoshi stayed in Japan and began to teach the Japanese people.
By the 1920's and 30's many Okinawan masters began to travel to Japan an establish dojos. Most of the styles we
have today began to be created in the 1920's and 30's. In 1927 the style of Gojo-Ryu was created, this was the first
time the name of a style didn't come from the name of the city it was practiced in. Many other styles began to
emerge, including our own, Shito Ryu. The name Shito-Ryu was created by combining the names of the two masters
from which Shito Ryu evolved. Karate quickly found it's way from Japan to the Hawaiian Is. This was mainly due to
the fact that there was a large group of Okinawans living on the island at the time. However, it wasn't until World
Wars II that Karate began to reach the United States. After the war, many servicemen were exposed to Japanese
Judo and Karate. During the 40's and 50's, Judo gained greater acceptance than karate which lead to karate not
being widely accepted until the 1960's. Since then, karate has increased in the number of styles and students.
There are hundreds of different styles of Karate around the world. Eventually many styles may die out as new ones
are created. This is the evolution of martial arts, just as an ancient form of Chinese Kung Fu evolved into Okinawan
TE and eventually into Japanese Karate.
The Grand Masters
Satunuku "Tode" Sakugawa
One of the first great masters of Okinawa was Tode Sakugawa. Tode Sakugawa was born in Shuri in 1733 and died
in 1815. At the age of 17, Tode Sakugawa began his martial arts training under an Okinawan monk named Peichin
Takahara. At age 23, Sakugawa was advised by Takahara to go and train under Kusanku, a Chinese master in
Kung Fu. For the next six years, Sakugawa learned all that he could. Sakugawa learned valuable lessons from
karate and became a great master. Tode Sakugawa was an important factor in the development of TE on the
Okinawan Islands. Tode Sakugawa was credited with forming several Bo katas which are still practiced today. In
addition, Sakugawa also created Dojo Kun which has become a tradition with many styles, including our Shito-Ryu
Karate-Do Genbu-Kai!
Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura
Sokon (Title of honor) Bushi (Warrior) Matsurmuras' (1797-1889) first teacher was seventy eight years old and a
past student of both the great Takahara Pechin (Pechin is a title of status) (1683-1760) and Kusanku (Chinese
official). His name was "Tode" (Chinese hand way) Sakugawa (1733-1815). Matsumura was the last of many
students of Sakugawa but became the most famous. Many years later "Bushi" Matsumura studied with a Chinese
trader named Chinto. It is believed Bushi Matsumura created the kata Chinto after his teacher from the movements
he had taught him. The Royal family of Sho acquired "Bushi" Matsumura for their service. There he became Chief
Tode Instructor and a bodyguard of the King. Some time later around 1830 he traveled to China to study Shaolin
Gong-fu (Kempo or Fist method). Most secret of what Bushi Matsumura learned was the White Crane method. This
system he taught only to his son, Nabi Matsumura (1860-1930). As part as an envoy of the King he had the
opportunity to travel into the Chinese province of Fukien. It is believed while there he studied under Ason and Iwah,
both military attaches. The title "Bushi" was given to him by King Sho for his great accomplishments. Many times
Bushi Matsumura had to prove his ability against foe, though never was he defeated.
Tode was the system of Te practiced among the upper class. The art of Te (hand) as it was known in Okinawa had
three names. Each representing the township it was taught in. They were Tomari-te, Naha-te and Shuri-te. Bushi
Matsumura being in the township of Shuri taught Shuri-te. After many years the name Shuri-te was replaced with
Shorin-Ryu. Bushi Matsumura retired and moved to Sakiyama village in Shuri. He had many students, among them
were Yasutsune Azato, Yasutsune Itosu, Choshin Chibana, Choki Motobu, and Chotoku Kyan. It would be his son
who would pass on his purest teachings known as Shorin-Ryu. Later this system was passed onto Nabe
Matsumura's nephew, Sokon Kohan (1889-1920).
Yasutsune "Ankoh" Itosu
Yasutsune Itosu was born in the city of Shuri, Okinawa. At the age of 16 he started to train in Karate with Master
Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura. He was a very close friend of Matsumura's uchi deshi (private student), Yasutsune
(Ankoh) Azato and was furthermore a student of Shimpan Gusukuma and Yasuri, Iwahs' uchi deshi. He is famous for
being instrumental in the introduction of Karate in the public school system curricula. To help the teaching process
he developed the Pinan kata, basing it on the advanced kata like: Kushanku, Passai, Chinto and Jion. Itosu is
recognized for the high technical levels that he attained. Gichin Funakoshi remarked on his physical strength, his
incredible ability to withstand blows, and his tremendous grip. Master Funakoshi recounts that neither Master Itosu
nor Azato ever bragged about their "heroic" achievements in karate and they would explain that those "crazy things"
were to be blamed on their youth. Itosu was a master that had several important students, many of which went on to
create a series of differing Karate styles (even though it was never his intention to have this happen). One of his
most famous students was Gichin Funakoshi, someone that always remembered him throughout his life as a great
example of what a great master should be and tried to transmit the teachings he received from him.
Kanryo Higaonna
Grandmaster Kanryo Higaonna (Higashionna was the original Okinawan pronunciation) was born on March 10,
1853, in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. His father, Kanyo, worked as a merchant sailing between the small islands
of Okinawa, trading everyday goods. From a young age Kanryo Higaonna helped his father in this work. This was
strong physical labor, that helped Higaonna develop a strong body. Kanryo Higaonna was still in his teens when his
father died suddenly. Higaonna began his martial arts training in 1867 in Monk Fist Boxing from Aragaki Seisho. In
1870, at the age of 16, he traveled with his instructor to Fuzhou, China. Once in Fuzhou, he studied the Chinese
martial arts under the great Master RuRuKo (Xie Zhonhxiang in Chinese). RuRuKo was the founder of Whooping
Crane gongfu and was a student of Pan Yuba who was in turn the student of Lin Shixian, a master of White Crane
gongfu. Higaonna also received instruction from numerous other gongfu masters including Wai Xinxian. Hiagaonna
remained in China for approximately 13 years. In addition to studying the empty hand way and the weapon arts, he
also became accomplished in herbology and Chinese medicine. Chojun Miyagi (founder of Goju-Ryu and successor
to Higaonna) said of Higaonna, "My sensei possessed incredible strength; the severity of the training he underwent
in China is beyond comprehension.... Kanryo Sensei's speed and power were truly superhuman; his hands and feet
moved faster than lightning". Words cannot express his real ability. We can only say that his skill was incredible, but
even this fails to do him justice.
In the year 1881, he returned to Okinawa where his martial arts would become known as Naha-te though he always
referred to it as Chuanfa. Kanryo Higaonna taught these martial arts to the people of Okinawa and at the same time
continued his own research and practice. In order to teach the youth of Okinawa he developed a teaching method
that was specifically designed to develop the mind and body; to improve both physical well-being. The first occasion
on which the previously secretive art of Naha-te "opened" to society in general, occurred in October 1905, when
Higaonna began teaching at the Naha Commercial High School. When teaching, Higaonna was an extremely hard
task master. However, in his everyday life he was a quiet and humble man and one who was renowned for his
virtuous character. He was a person who had no need or desire for worldly things. He lead a simple life that was
devoted to the study and practice of martial arts.
There are many stories that relate tales of Kanryo Higaonnas' life and training. The power of his legs was legendary
and he was often referred to as "Ashi no Higaonna", ("legs Higaonna") in Okinawa. His virtuous character was widely
known and respected, and because of his popularity the people of Naha bestowed him with the name Obushi
Higaonna Tanmei. This name reflected the affection and respect they had for this great man and supreme martial
artist. Kanryo Higaonnas' unparalleled skill in the martial arts aside, his great and distinguished work was in bringing
the Chinese martial arts from China to Okinawa, and from there spreading these arts among the people of Okinawa.
Kanryo Higaonna is now bestowed with the title "Kensei (sacred fists) Kanryo Higaonna" a title which is eminently
fitting. His name is synonymous with Okinawan martial arts and Naha-te, and his spirit is destined to live on forever
as a great and valued treasure within Okinawan culture. Kanryo Higaonnas' whole life was devoted to karate. He
passed away in December 1915 at the age of 63.
Kenwa Mabuni
Of all the traditional karate systems Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Kyokushin, and Shito-Ryu among
them Shito-Ryu remains the most obscure. Several of its leading practitioners, such as the charismatic Fumio
Demura and the prolific Teruo Hayashi, do have widespread fame, yet Shito-Ryu remains little understood outside
its own schools. Shito-Ryu had been most often described as a combination of Shotokan and Goju-Ryu. It is also
generally known that its teachers utilize formal exercises (kata) from many Okinawan sources. Unfortunately, such
explanations fail to adequately describe just what Shito-Ryu really is.
In truth, Shito-Ryu, along with Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu and Shotokan, is one of the four major karate systems of Japan
proper (the Japanese islands excluding Okinawa). It was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952), who, like most of
Karates' old masters, was descended from Okinawas' so-called warrior (Bushi) class or aristocracy. Members of his
family served Okinawan lords for hundreds of years. Mabuni started karate training at the age of 13 under Ankoh
Itosu (1830-1915), the man who organized early karate in the Okinawan school system. Itosu was a student of one
of Okinawas' most famous karate masters, Sokon Matsumura (1792-1887), the forefather of Shorin-Ryu. Itosu took
a strong liking to his young pupil and Mabuni learned some 23 kata before the elder man died. Itosus' death so
grieved Mabuni that he built a shrine in front of the masters grave and stayed close by for a year, practicing his kata
daily.
Itosu was not Mabunis' only teacher, however. While still in his teens, Mabuni was introduced by his friend, Chojun
Miyagi (the founder of Goju-Ryu karate) to Kanryo Higashionna (1853-1915). From Higashionna, Mabuni learned
Naha-te, a Chinese-influenced karate style. Mabuni also trained under the reclusive Arakaki Kamadeunchu (1840-
1918), who taught a style similar to Higashionnas'. Arakaki also taught Tsuyoshi Chitose (the founder of Chiti-Ryu),
Gichin Funakoshi of Shotokan, and Kanken Toyama of the Shotokan school. Arakaki, who was an acknowledged Bo
(staff) expert, taught Mabuni the Unshu, Sochin, Niseishi, Arakaki-Sai and Arakaki-Bo forms. During the 1920s the
insatiable Mabuni participated in a karate club operated by Miyagi and Choyu Motobu, with help from Chomo
Hanashiro and Juhatsu Kiyoda. Choyu Motobu was a master of Shuri-te (the antecedent of Shorin-Ryu) and
Gotende, the secret grappling art of the Okinawan royal court. Hanashiro was also a Shuri-te expert, while Kiyoda
came from the same Naha-te background as Miyagi. Known as the Ryukyu Tode Kenkyu-Kai (Okinawa Karate
Research Club), this dojo (training hall) was one of historys gems. Experts from diverse backgrounds trained and
taught there, and it was there that Mabuni learned some Fukien white crane kung fu from the legendary Woo Yin
Gue, a Chinese tea merchant living on Okinawa.
By this time, Mabuni had become a highly respected police officer and made several trips to Japan after Funakoshi
introduced karate there in 1922. Mabuni spent many of his early traveling years with Koyu Konishi, a friend and
sometimes student who later founded Shindo-jinen-ryu karate. In 1925 Mabuni and Konishi visited Japans'
Wakayama prefecture where Kanbum Uechi, the founder of Uechi-Ryu, was teaching. It was after training with Uechi
that Mabuni devised a kata called Shinpa. But Mabuni actually spent most of his time in Osaka, where he taught at
various dojos, including the Seishinkai (the school of Kosei Kokuba). Choki Motobu also taught at Kokubas' dojo. It
was Kokuba who later formed Motobu-ha (Motobu faction) Shito-Ryu. In 1929, Mabuni moved permanently to Osaka.
Shortly thereafter, the Japanese martial arts sanctioning body, the Butokukai, pressured all karate schools to
register by style name. At first, Mabuni called his style Hanko-Ryu (half-hard style), but by the early 1930’’s Shito-
Ryu was the official name. It was coined from alternative renderings of the names of Mabunis' two foremost teachers,
Itosu and Higashionna. Not everyone agreed with separating Okinawan karate into factions through the use of style
names. In fact, Shotokan headmaster Toyama questioned Mabuni and others about their use of what he called
"funny-sounding names." Mabuni countered that giving the style a name would not only satisfy the Butokukai, but
would give people something they could identify with and feel a part of.
Among Mabunis' earliest students was Kanei Uechi (not to be confused with Kambum Uechis' son of the same
name), who by 1935 was also teaching in Osaka. In 1950, Uechi returned to Okinawa and established the Shito-Ryu
Kempo Karate-do Kai. On Okinawa, Uechi is considered the true successor to Mabunis art, but internationally,
Mabunis' eldest son, also named Kanei, is acknowledged as the head of Shito-Ryu and runs the Shito-Kai. Kanei
Mabuni and his younger brother Kenzo head the karate programs at several universities, a task inherited from their
father. Still other early students of Mabuni have their own distinct organizations and followings. Ryusho Sakagami, a
contemporary of Kanei Mabuni, established the Itosu-Kai just after Mabunis' death. Sakagamis' son, Sadaaki, now
oversees the Itosu-Kai from the Yokohama area. In 1948, Chojiro Tani organized the Shuko-Kai, where he taught
Tani-ha Shito-Ryu. Ever innovative, the Shuko-Kai, under the present leadership of Shigeru Kimura in the United
States, appears somewhat different in technique from the other Shito-Ryu groups.
Since the 1970s, several other Shito-Ryu factions have formed. Most prominent Hayashi-ha Shito-Ryu under Teruo
Hayashi. Hayashi was a protégée of Kosei Kokuba and also trained directly under Mabuni. Hayashi became
president of the Seishin-kai sometime after Kokubas' death. For awhile, he co-led that organization along with
Motobu-Ryu style-head Shogo Kuniba. Together they integrated the Tomari-Bassai kata into their systems. The
assertive Hayashi even studied in Okinawa under Kenko Nakaima, head of the longtime secret family art of Ryuei-
Ryu. Ryuei-Ryu is derived from the same Chinese teacher who taught Kanryo Higashionna, a man named Liu Liu
Kung. Another, younger member of the Motobu-ha group, Chuzo Kotaka, established Kotuku-ha Shito-Ryu in
Hawaii, revising all the kata and devising many new ones which he taught to his American students. In Europe, a
Tani-Hashito-Ryu student named Yoshiano Nambu broke off on his own, first founding the Sanku-Kai and later the
Nambudo. But possibly the worlds' most famous Shito-Ryu exponent is Fumio Demura, a former sparring champion
who has taught Itosu-Kai Shito-Ryu in southern California since 1965.
Technically, the karate of most Shito-Ryu factions looks pretty much the same. Not surprisingly, there are minor
differences in the kata between the various groups, mostly due to the proclivities of their founders. Regardless, all
Shito-Ryu looks a lot like Shorin-Ryu in application. A long, linear style, even its Goju-Ryu-type kata (those derived
from Higashionna) are performed in a lighter, more angular and rangy fashion than they are in schools derived from
Naha-te alone. Shito-Ryu is much like Shotokan in that it relies heavily on the reverse punch and front kick. The
style also seems to place a strong emphasis on sparring. In so doing, Shito-Ryu stresses speed, and fighting is
generally initiated from a higher, more upright stance than Shotokan employs. On the other hand, because the style
has so many kata, a great deal of time is spent perfecting any one of its 40 to 60 forms.
Shito-Ryu has never forsaken its Okinawan roots when it comes to Kobujutsu (weapons arts). While Mabuni trained
under weapons experts such as Arakaki, many of today's' Shito-Ryu teachers learned most of their kobujutsu from
Shinken Taira, the man responsible for popularizing Kobujutsu during a time when interest in this peculiarly
Okinawan art was at its lowest. It seems that Shito-Ryu schools were the most receptive to Tairas' art. Both the
younger and elder Sakagami, Demura, Hayashi, Kuniba and Kanei Mabuni all trained with Taira at one time or
another.
Black Belt Magazine
Ryusho Sakagami
One of Japan's finest "Bukoka," Ryusho Sakagami, passed away on the evening of December 28th 1993. He was
born in Kawanishi City. Hyogo Prefecture, Japan in 1915. He began to study Kendo at the age of eight. At fourteen
years of age, he keen interest led him to Tamagusuku, an Okinawan Karate-do instructor living in a neighboring
village. At age 20, he moved to Tokyo and entered the prestigious Kokushikan University with the intention of
becoming a Kendo teacher. He received training from Moden Yabiku, an Okinawan Karate-do and Kobujutso
expert, who was living in Tokyo. Sakagami met and was taught by such legendary Senseis as Shinpan Shiroma,
Chomo Hanashiro, and Choshin Chibana. On their advice, he continued his study in Osaka with Mabuni Kenwa, an
Okinawan Karate-do. In May of 1937, he became a Deshi (disciple) under Mabuni Sensei. After graduating from the
university, the now Sakagami Sensei returned to Osaka, where he taught Kendo and assisted Mabuni Sensei with
the instruction of Karate-do at Kansei, Doshisha, and Toyo Universities. In March of 1990, Sakagami Sensei opened
his new Karate-do dojo in his hometown
Although Mabuni Sensei established Shito-Ryu Karate-do, he was also the second generation head of this teacher,
Anko Itosus' (Yasutsune) style. At the Mabuni family home, on January 2, 1952, Mabuni Sensei recommended the
Sakagami Sensei succeed him as the third generation head of Itosu-Ha Seito (Itosus' orthodox style). Mabuni Sensei
handed down the lineage of his newly formed system to his elder son, Kenei Mabuni, and the inheritance of Itosu
Senseis' school to Ryusho Sakagami. In late 1953, a year and a half after Mabuni Sensei's death, Sakagami Sensei
decided to spread his teacher's style to eastern Japan. Initially teaching Karate-do, Kobudo, and Kendo in Tokyo, he
later settled in Yokohama. In 1955, the Zen Nippon Karate-do Itosu-Kai was founded and set up its headquarters in
Tsurumi, Yokohama. Since then, it has become an international organization with branches in the world.
Sakagami Sensei had a deeply rooted fascination for all Budo, coupled with a proficiency that was unparalleled. He
also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of lineages, histories, kata (forms), techniques, training methods, etc. of
most Japanese Budo. Aside from his impeccable skill and vast knowledge of martial arts, Sakagami Sensei was a
noted Budo historian and author. He received the achievement award given by the Nippon Budo Kyogi Kai (The
Japan Budo Society) in 1982. During Training, Sakagami Sensei was a perfectionist, and a strict and demanding
teacher. Conversely, outside of practice he was an extremely affable and humorous person. Setting this example, he
produced Budoka who have distinguished themselves in their respective arts. One of the most widely known of his
students is Shihan Fumio Demura, the head of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai International.
Satunuku "Tode" Sakugawa
One of the first great masters of Okinawa was Tode Sakugawa. Tode Sakugawa was born in Shuri in 1733 and died
in 1815. At the age of 17, Tode Sakugawa began his martial arts training under an Okinawan monk named Peichin
Takahara. At age 23, Sakugawa was advised by Takahara to go and train under Kusanku, a Chinese master in
Kung Fu. For the next six years, Sakugawa learned all that he could. Sakugawa learned valuable lessons from
karate and became a great master. Tode Sakugawa was an important factor in the development of TE on the
Okinawan Islands. Tode Sakugawa was credited with forming several Bo katas which are still practiced today. In
addition, Sakugawa also created Dojo Kun which has become a tradition with many styles, including our Shito-Ryu
Karate-Do Genbu-Kai!
Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura
Sokon (Title of honor) Bushi (Warrior) Matsurmuras' (1797-1889) first teacher was seventy eight years old and a
past student of both the great Takahara Pechin (Pechin is a title of status) (1683-1760) and Kusanku (Chinese
official). His name was "Tode" (Chinese hand way) Sakugawa (1733-1815). Matsumura was the last of many
students of Sakugawa but became the most famous. Many years later "Bushi" Matsumura studied with a Chinese
trader named Chinto. It is believed Bushi Matsumura created the kata Chinto after his teacher from the movements
he had taught him. The Royal family of Sho acquired "Bushi" Matsumura for their service. There he became Chief
Tode Instructor and a bodyguard of the King. Some time later around 1830 he traveled to China to study Shaolin
Gong-fu (Kempo or Fist method). Most secret of what Bushi Matsumura learned was the White Crane method. This
system he taught only to his son, Nabi Matsumura (1860-1930). As part as an envoy of the King he had the
opportunity to travel into the Chinese province of Fukien. It is believed while there he studied under Ason and Iwah,
both military attaches. The title "Bushi" was given to him by King Sho for his great accomplishments. Many times
Bushi Matsumura had to prove his ability against foe, though never was he defeated.
Tode was the system of Te practiced among the upper class. The art of Te (hand) as it was known in Okinawa had
three names. Each representing the township it was taught in. They were Tomari-te, Naha-te and Shuri-te. Bushi
Matsumura being in the township of Shuri taught Shuri-te. After many years the name Shuri-te was replaced with
Shorin-Ryu. Bushi Matsumura retired and moved to Sakiyama village in Shuri. He had many students, among them
were Yasutsune Azato, Yasutsune Itosu, Choshin Chibana, Choki Motobu, and Chotoku Kyan. It would be his son
who would pass on his purest teachings known as Shorin-Ryu. Later this system was passed onto Nabe
Matsumura's nephew, Sokon Kohan (1889-1920).
Yasutsune "Ankoh" Itosu
Yasutsune Itosu was born in the city of Shuri, Okinawa. At the age of 16 he started to train in Karate with Master
Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura. He was a very close friend of Matsumura's uchi deshi (private student), Yasutsune
(Ankoh) Azato and was furthermore a student of Shimpan Gusukuma and Yasuri, Iwahs' uchi deshi. He is famous for
being instrumental in the introduction of Karate in the public school system curricula. To help the teaching process
he developed the Pinan kata, basing it on the advanced kata like: Kushanku, Passai, Chinto and Jion. Itosu is
recognized for the high technical levels that he attained. Gichin Funakoshi remarked on his physical strength, his
incredible ability to withstand blows, and his tremendous grip. Master Funakoshi recounts that neither Master Itosu
nor Azato ever bragged about their "heroic" achievements in karate and they would explain that those "crazy things"
were to be blamed on their youth. Itosu was a master that had several important students, many of which went on to
create a series of differing Karate styles (even though it was never his intention to have this happen). One of his
most famous students was Gichin Funakoshi, someone that always remembered him throughout his life as a great
example of what a great master should be and tried to transmit the teachings he received from him.
Kanryo Higaonna
Grandmaster Kanryo Higaonna (Higashionna was the original Okinawan pronunciation) was born on March 10,
1853, in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. His father, Kanyo, worked as a merchant sailing between the small islands
of Okinawa, trading everyday goods. From a young age Kanryo Higaonna helped his father in this work. This was
strong physical labor, that helped Higaonna develop a strong body. Kanryo Higaonna was still in his teens when his
father died suddenly. Higaonna began his martial arts training in 1867 in Monk Fist Boxing from Aragaki Seisho. In
1870, at the age of 16, he traveled with his instructor to Fuzhou, China. Once in Fuzhou, he studied the Chinese
martial arts under the great Master RuRuKo (Xie Zhonhxiang in Chinese). RuRuKo was the founder of Whooping
Crane gongfu and was a student of Pan Yuba who was in turn the student of Lin Shixian, a master of White Crane
gongfu. Higaonna also received instruction from numerous other gongfu masters including Wai Xinxian. Hiagaonna
remained in China for approximately 13 years. In addition to studying the empty hand way and the weapon arts, he
also became accomplished in herbology and Chinese medicine. Chojun Miyagi (founder of Goju-Ryu and successor
to Higaonna) said of Higaonna, "My sensei possessed incredible strength; the severity of the training he underwent
in China is beyond comprehension.... Kanryo Sensei's speed and power were truly superhuman; his hands and feet
moved faster than lightning". Words cannot express his real ability. We can only say that his skill was incredible, but
even this fails to do him justice.
In the year 1881, he returned to Okinawa where his martial arts would become known as Naha-te though he always
referred to it as Chuanfa. Kanryo Higaonna taught these martial arts to the people of Okinawa and at the same time
continued his own research and practice. In order to teach the youth of Okinawa he developed a teaching method
that was specifically designed to develop the mind and body; to improve both physical well-being. The first occasion
on which the previously secretive art of Naha-te "opened" to society in general, occurred in October 1905, when
Higaonna began teaching at the Naha Commercial High School. When teaching, Higaonna was an extremely hard
task master. However, in his everyday life he was a quiet and humble man and one who was renowned for his
virtuous character. He was a person who had no need or desire for worldly things. He lead a simple life that was
devoted to the study and practice of martial arts.
There are many stories that relate tales of Kanryo Higaonnas' life and training. The power of his legs was legendary
and he was often referred to as "Ashi no Higaonna", ("legs Higaonna") in Okinawa. His virtuous character was widely
known and respected, and because of his popularity the people of Naha bestowed him with the name Obushi
Higaonna Tanmei. This name reflected the affection and respect they had for this great man and supreme martial
artist. Kanryo Higaonnas' unparalleled skill in the martial arts aside, his great and distinguished work was in bringing
the Chinese martial arts from China to Okinawa, and from there spreading these arts among the people of Okinawa.
Kanryo Higaonna is now bestowed with the title "Kensei (sacred fists) Kanryo Higaonna" a title which is eminently
fitting. His name is synonymous with Okinawan martial arts and Naha-te, and his spirit is destined to live on forever
as a great and valued treasure within Okinawan culture. Kanryo Higaonnas' whole life was devoted to karate. He
passed away in December 1915 at the age of 63.
Kenwa Mabuni
Of all the traditional karate systems Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, Kyokushin, and Shito-Ryu among
them Shito-Ryu remains the most obscure. Several of its leading practitioners, such as the charismatic Fumio
Demura and the prolific Teruo Hayashi, do have widespread fame, yet Shito-Ryu remains little understood outside
its own schools. Shito-Ryu had been most often described as a combination of Shotokan and Goju-Ryu. It is also
generally known that its teachers utilize formal exercises (kata) from many Okinawan sources. Unfortunately, such
explanations fail to adequately describe just what Shito-Ryu really is.
In truth, Shito-Ryu, along with Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu and Shotokan, is one of the four major karate systems of Japan
proper (the Japanese islands excluding Okinawa). It was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952), who, like most of
Karates' old masters, was descended from Okinawas' so-called warrior (Bushi) class or aristocracy. Members of his
family served Okinawan lords for hundreds of years. Mabuni started karate training at the age of 13 under Ankoh
Itosu (1830-1915), the man who organized early karate in the Okinawan school system. Itosu was a student of one
of Okinawas' most famous karate masters, Sokon Matsumura (1792-1887), the forefather of Shorin-Ryu. Itosu took
a strong liking to his young pupil and Mabuni learned some 23 kata before the elder man died. Itosus' death so
grieved Mabuni that he built a shrine in front of the masters grave and stayed close by for a year, practicing his kata
daily.
Itosu was not Mabunis' only teacher, however. While still in his teens, Mabuni was introduced by his friend, Chojun
Miyagi (the founder of Goju-Ryu karate) to Kanryo Higashionna (1853-1915). From Higashionna, Mabuni learned
Naha-te, a Chinese-influenced karate style. Mabuni also trained under the reclusive Arakaki Kamadeunchu (1840-
1918), who taught a style similar to Higashionnas'. Arakaki also taught Tsuyoshi Chitose (the founder of Chiti-Ryu),
Gichin Funakoshi of Shotokan, and Kanken Toyama of the Shotokan school. Arakaki, who was an acknowledged Bo
(staff) expert, taught Mabuni the Unshu, Sochin, Niseishi, Arakaki-Sai and Arakaki-Bo forms. During the 1920s the
insatiable Mabuni participated in a karate club operated by Miyagi and Choyu Motobu, with help from Chomo
Hanashiro and Juhatsu Kiyoda. Choyu Motobu was a master of Shuri-te (the antecedent of Shorin-Ryu) and
Gotende, the secret grappling art of the Okinawan royal court. Hanashiro was also a Shuri-te expert, while Kiyoda
came from the same Naha-te background as Miyagi. Known as the Ryukyu Tode Kenkyu-Kai (Okinawa Karate
Research Club), this dojo (training hall) was one of historys gems. Experts from diverse backgrounds trained and
taught there, and it was there that Mabuni learned some Fukien white crane kung fu from the legendary Woo Yin
Gue, a Chinese tea merchant living on Okinawa.
By this time, Mabuni had become a highly respected police officer and made several trips to Japan after Funakoshi
introduced karate there in 1922. Mabuni spent many of his early traveling years with Koyu Konishi, a friend and
sometimes student who later founded Shindo-jinen-ryu karate. In 1925 Mabuni and Konishi visited Japans'
Wakayama prefecture where Kanbum Uechi, the founder of Uechi-Ryu, was teaching. It was after training with Uechi
that Mabuni devised a kata called Shinpa. But Mabuni actually spent most of his time in Osaka, where he taught at
various dojos, including the Seishinkai (the school of Kosei Kokuba). Choki Motobu also taught at Kokubas' dojo. It
was Kokuba who later formed Motobu-ha (Motobu faction) Shito-Ryu. In 1929, Mabuni moved permanently to Osaka.
Shortly thereafter, the Japanese martial arts sanctioning body, the Butokukai, pressured all karate schools to
register by style name. At first, Mabuni called his style Hanko-Ryu (half-hard style), but by the early 1930’’s Shito-
Ryu was the official name. It was coined from alternative renderings of the names of Mabunis' two foremost teachers,
Itosu and Higashionna. Not everyone agreed with separating Okinawan karate into factions through the use of style
names. In fact, Shotokan headmaster Toyama questioned Mabuni and others about their use of what he called
"funny-sounding names." Mabuni countered that giving the style a name would not only satisfy the Butokukai, but
would give people something they could identify with and feel a part of.
Among Mabunis' earliest students was Kanei Uechi (not to be confused with Kambum Uechis' son of the same
name), who by 1935 was also teaching in Osaka. In 1950, Uechi returned to Okinawa and established the Shito-Ryu
Kempo Karate-do Kai. On Okinawa, Uechi is considered the true successor to Mabunis art, but internationally,
Mabunis' eldest son, also named Kanei, is acknowledged as the head of Shito-Ryu and runs the Shito-Kai. Kanei
Mabuni and his younger brother Kenzo head the karate programs at several universities, a task inherited from their
father. Still other early students of Mabuni have their own distinct organizations and followings. Ryusho Sakagami, a
contemporary of Kanei Mabuni, established the Itosu-Kai just after Mabunis' death. Sakagamis' son, Sadaaki, now
oversees the Itosu-Kai from the Yokohama area. In 1948, Chojiro Tani organized the Shuko-Kai, where he taught
Tani-ha Shito-Ryu. Ever innovative, the Shuko-Kai, under the present leadership of Shigeru Kimura in the United
States, appears somewhat different in technique from the other Shito-Ryu groups.
Since the 1970s, several other Shito-Ryu factions have formed. Most prominent Hayashi-ha Shito-Ryu under Teruo
Hayashi. Hayashi was a protégée of Kosei Kokuba and also trained directly under Mabuni. Hayashi became
president of the Seishin-kai sometime after Kokubas' death. For awhile, he co-led that organization along with
Motobu-Ryu style-head Shogo Kuniba. Together they integrated the Tomari-Bassai kata into their systems. The
assertive Hayashi even studied in Okinawa under Kenko Nakaima, head of the longtime secret family art of Ryuei-
Ryu. Ryuei-Ryu is derived from the same Chinese teacher who taught Kanryo Higashionna, a man named Liu Liu
Kung. Another, younger member of the Motobu-ha group, Chuzo Kotaka, established Kotuku-ha Shito-Ryu in
Hawaii, revising all the kata and devising many new ones which he taught to his American students. In Europe, a
Tani-Hashito-Ryu student named Yoshiano Nambu broke off on his own, first founding the Sanku-Kai and later the
Nambudo. But possibly the worlds' most famous Shito-Ryu exponent is Fumio Demura, a former sparring champion
who has taught Itosu-Kai Shito-Ryu in southern California since 1965.
Technically, the karate of most Shito-Ryu factions looks pretty much the same. Not surprisingly, there are minor
differences in the kata between the various groups, mostly due to the proclivities of their founders. Regardless, all
Shito-Ryu looks a lot like Shorin-Ryu in application. A long, linear style, even its Goju-Ryu-type kata (those derived
from Higashionna) are performed in a lighter, more angular and rangy fashion than they are in schools derived from
Naha-te alone. Shito-Ryu is much like Shotokan in that it relies heavily on the reverse punch and front kick. The
style also seems to place a strong emphasis on sparring. In so doing, Shito-Ryu stresses speed, and fighting is
generally initiated from a higher, more upright stance than Shotokan employs. On the other hand, because the style
has so many kata, a great deal of time is spent perfecting any one of its 40 to 60 forms.
Shito-Ryu has never forsaken its Okinawan roots when it comes to Kobujutsu (weapons arts). While Mabuni trained
under weapons experts such as Arakaki, many of today's' Shito-Ryu teachers learned most of their kobujutsu from
Shinken Taira, the man responsible for popularizing Kobujutsu during a time when interest in this peculiarly
Okinawan art was at its lowest. It seems that Shito-Ryu schools were the most receptive to Tairas' art. Both the
younger and elder Sakagami, Demura, Hayashi, Kuniba and Kanei Mabuni all trained with Taira at one time or
another.
Black Belt Magazine
Ryusho Sakagami
One of Japan's finest "Bukoka," Ryusho Sakagami, passed away on the evening of December 28th 1993. He was
born in Kawanishi City. Hyogo Prefecture, Japan in 1915. He began to study Kendo at the age of eight. At fourteen
years of age, he keen interest led him to Tamagusuku, an Okinawan Karate-do instructor living in a neighboring
village. At age 20, he moved to Tokyo and entered the prestigious Kokushikan University with the intention of
becoming a Kendo teacher. He received training from Moden Yabiku, an Okinawan Karate-do and Kobujutso
expert, who was living in Tokyo. Sakagami met and was taught by such legendary Senseis as Shinpan Shiroma,
Chomo Hanashiro, and Choshin Chibana. On their advice, he continued his study in Osaka with Mabuni Kenwa, an
Okinawan Karate-do. In May of 1937, he became a Deshi (disciple) under Mabuni Sensei. After graduating from the
university, the now Sakagami Sensei returned to Osaka, where he taught Kendo and assisted Mabuni Sensei with
the instruction of Karate-do at Kansei, Doshisha, and Toyo Universities. In March of 1990, Sakagami Sensei opened
his new Karate-do dojo in his hometown
Although Mabuni Sensei established Shito-Ryu Karate-do, he was also the second generation head of this teacher,
Anko Itosus' (Yasutsune) style. At the Mabuni family home, on January 2, 1952, Mabuni Sensei recommended the
Sakagami Sensei succeed him as the third generation head of Itosu-Ha Seito (Itosus' orthodox style). Mabuni Sensei
handed down the lineage of his newly formed system to his elder son, Kenei Mabuni, and the inheritance of Itosu
Senseis' school to Ryusho Sakagami. In late 1953, a year and a half after Mabuni Sensei's death, Sakagami Sensei
decided to spread his teacher's style to eastern Japan. Initially teaching Karate-do, Kobudo, and Kendo in Tokyo, he
later settled in Yokohama. In 1955, the Zen Nippon Karate-do Itosu-Kai was founded and set up its headquarters in
Tsurumi, Yokohama. Since then, it has become an international organization with branches in the world.
Sakagami Sensei had a deeply rooted fascination for all Budo, coupled with a proficiency that was unparalleled. He
also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of lineages, histories, kata (forms), techniques, training methods, etc. of
most Japanese Budo. Aside from his impeccable skill and vast knowledge of martial arts, Sakagami Sensei was a
noted Budo historian and author. He received the achievement award given by the Nippon Budo Kyogi Kai (The
Japan Budo Society) in 1982. During Training, Sakagami Sensei was a perfectionist, and a strict and demanding
teacher. Conversely, outside of practice he was an extremely affable and humorous person. Setting this example, he
produced Budoka who have distinguished themselves in their respective arts. One of the most widely known of his
students is Shihan Fumio Demura, the head of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai International.
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