| A BRIEF HISTORY OF SHITO RYU |
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| Mabuni Kenwa Founder of Shito Ryu Karate-do 1889 - 1952 |
| Mabuni Kenwa was born in Shuri, the 17th generation descendant of one of the bravest warriors of Okinawan nobility. As a child, Mabuni wanted very much to be like his great ancestors, but unfortunately he was very sickly and weak. In 1902, at the age of 13, Mabuni was taken to the most famous martial artist in Shuri, Itosu Yasutsune, to improve his health. From that day forward, he never missed a day of training until he was approximately 20 years old. Itosu's system of Te emphasized speed, agility and linear dynamics. |
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| In 1909, encouraged by Itosu to further expand his knowledge of the martial arts, and at the advice of his best friend, Miyagi Chojun, Mabuni began taking lessons from the most famous martial artist in Naha, Higaonna Kanryo, until the master's death in 1915. Higaonna's system of Te emphasized internal strength, hardness of body and circular dynamics. |
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| During this period, Mabuni Kenwa was also receiving instruction from Arakaki Seisho of Naha, who taught a similar style to Higaonna. Arakaki was an accomplished Kobujutsu teacher and taught Mabuni bo and sai techniques, including various weapons forms. At this time, he was also being influenced by a Fukien White Crane Fist master named Gokenki. |
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| Upon hearing of Itosu's death in 1915, Mabuni was so upset that legend indicates he built a shrine in front of Itosu's grave and looked after the gravemarker. He would come to the gravesite and diligently practice his kata daily for over a year to pay respect and honor to the great master. Upon completion of the required military service after graduating from high school, Mabuni eventually became a policeman. By 1918, Mabuni had become an important figure in the martial arts community and was respected by his peers. Around this time, he established a research and study group at his home. Various participating members included Chibana Chosin, Funakoshi Gichin, Tokuda Anbun, Tokumura Seicho, and Ishikawa Hoko. It was later in the same year that Mabuni was to have the great honor of demonstrating his martial art in the presence of Prince Kuni and Prince Kacho at the Okinawa Normal School. While Funakoshi Gichin was sent as the official representative to introduce Okinawa Tode to mainland Japan in 1922, Mabuni and the research group members continued to train together. |
| Itosu "Ankoh" Yasutsune 1830 - 1915 |
| Higaonna Kanryo 1853 - 1915 |
| Gokenki 1886 - 1940 |
| Seisho Arakaki 1840 - 1918 |
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