HISTORY
Kenwa Mabuni: Founder of Shito Ryu Karate-Do
Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, born on November 14, 1889, in Shuri City, Okinawa, descended from an esteemed lineage dating back to the Ryukyu Kingdom warlord “Oni-Ohgushiku,” making him a 17th-generation successor. Initially a frail child, Mabuni developed an early desire to strengthen himself, leading him to train under Master Anko Itosu in Shuri at 13. After completing junior high and fisheries studies, he worked as an assistant teacher in Naha, where he encountered Sensei Chojun Miyagi, who introduced him to Master Kanryo Higaonna of Naha-Te (Naha Karate). His time as a detective at the Naha Police Department expanded his exposure to Okinawan martial arts like Arakaki-style Karate, boh-jutsu (staff fighting), and sai-jutsu (truncheon fighting). By 1918, Mabuni had gathered skilled practitioners under his first Karate training group, and he went on to showcase his art to Japan’s Imperial Family during their visits to Okinawa in 1921 and 1924.
In 1925, Mabuni established a dojo in his home, which soon became a center for martial arts, drawing masters like Chojun Miyagi and Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, during Kano’s visit to Okinawa in 1926. Mabuni moved to Osaka in 1929 to promote Karate in Japan and, by 1934, had founded Yoshukan Karate Dojo. Known for his openness to integrating effective techniques, he formally created Shito Ryu Karate-Do in 1939, blending teachings from his mentors Itosu and Higaonna. The style’s name, Shito-ryu, combines the first characters of their names: “Shi” from “Ito-su” and “To” from “Higa-onna.” That same year, Mabuni was awarded the Renshi rank by the Dai Nippon Butoku-Kai, recognizing his mastery. His dedication to Shito Ryu Karate-Do endured throughout his life, beautifully summarized in his final tanka: “I have forgotten everything. It has been so pleasant to row a boat straight all along, heading for the island of martial art.” Kenwa Mabuni passed away on May 23, 1952, leaving an enduring legacy as a pioneer in the martial arts.
Anoko Itosu
Ankō Itosu (1831 – March 11, 1915), recognized as a pioneering figure in modern karate, laid the foundation for the art’s development and eventual spread beyond Okinawa to Japan. Though his student Gichin Funakoshi is often credited with popularizing karate across Japan, it was Itosu who first introduced Okinawa-te to the country. Born into the Ryūkyūan Pechin class, Itosu received a strict upbringing focused on Chinese classics and calligraphy. His martial journey began under the tutelage of Nagahama Chikudun Pechin and continued with the renowned Sokon Matsumura. Known for his innovation, he created a stronger makiwara (striking post), even dismantling a stone wall in his quest to enhance his training. Itosu’s influence grew as he served as a secretary to Okinawa’s last king, and in 1901, he successfully introduced karate into Okinawa’s school system. By 1905, while teaching at Okinawa’s First Junior Prefectural High School, he formalized karate instruction, creating the Pinan (or Heian) kata, drawn from traditional kata like Kusanku and Chiang Nan, to simplify techniques for young learners.
Higaonna Kanryo
Higaonna Kanryō, born on March 10, 1853, was a Ryukyuan martial artist who developed a style known as Naha-te, which later influenced modern karate. Growing up in Nishimura, Naha, his family ran a merchant business, transporting firewood—a valuable commodity—to the north of Okinawa. He belonged to the lower Shizoku class, known as Chikudun Peichin, and was raised in a community with traditional values and martial lineage. Initially, Higaonna studied Monk Fist Boxing under Aragaki Seisho, who was skilled in Chinese and served as an interpreter for the Ryūkyūan court. This training marked the beginning of Higaonna’s journey in martial arts, though karate itself was still known only as “Te” (meaning “hand”) and was not yet widely recognized by its current name.
Matsumura Sokon
Matsumura Sōkon, born around 1809 in Yamagawa Village, Shuri, Okinawa, is celebrated as one of the original masters of Okinawan karate and a founding figure in the Shuri-te lineage, which influenced styles like Shōrin-ryū and Shotokan. Matsumura began his martial training under Sakukawa Kanga and later joined the service of the Okinawan royal family in 1836, receiving the title of Shikudon, a rank of gentry. As a martial instructor and bodyguard to King Shō Kō and subsequent kings, Matsumura traveled to China and Japan, where he studied Chuan Fa and Jigen-ryū swordsmanship, integrating these arts into Ryūkyū kobujutsu. Known for his mastery in techniques and kata such as naihanchi, passai, and seisan, he introduced the Shaolin-inspired Fujian White Crane elements into Okinawan martial arts. His influence extended through his students and descendants, and he earned the title “Bushi” for his undefeated dueling prowess and mastery. His teachings laid the groundwork for future karate masters, including Gichin Funakoshi and his own grandson Tsuyoshi Chitose, founder of Chitō-ryū, establishing Matsumura as a central figure in the development of modern karate.
Arakaki Seisho
Arakaki Seishō, also known as Aragaki Tsuji Pechin Seisho, was a significant Okinawan martial artist born in 1840, either in Kumemura or Sesoko Island. He served as an official in the Ryūkyū royal court with the title of Chikudon Peichin, a rank comparable to that of a samurai. Known for his expertise in Tōde, Arakaki showcased Okinawan martial arts in 1867 before a Chinese ambassador in Shuri, a rare event at a time when other great masters like Ankō Itosu and Matsumura Sōkon were active. He also served as a Chinese interpreter and traveled to Beijing, where he trained under Wai Xinxian of Fuzhou. Arakaki taught numerous influential kata, including Unshu, Seisan, and Sanchin, as well as weapons kata such as Arakaki-no-kun and Arakaki-no-sai, which have since been incorporated into various karate styles. Though he did not create a specific style, his teachings deeply impacted many modern karate founders, including Higaonna Kanryō of Naha-te, Gichin Funakoshi of Shotokan, and Chōjun Miyagi of Gōjū-ryū, cementing his legacy in martial arts history.