Yasutsune (Anko) Itosu
(1830-1915)
I believe that Master Itosu is probable the second most important person in Shorin-Ryu’s history. With the most important figure of Shorin-Ryu being Bushi Matsumura the founder. Itosu was one of Matsumura’s top students. Itosu began his training under Matsumura at the age of sixteen. He trained with him for over forty years, until Matsumura’s death in 1889. Itosu also studied with Kosaku Matsumora and Master Gusukuma of Tomari-te. Itosu was a short, stocky person but he developed amazing strength through Martial Art’s training. Master Funakoshi is quoted to have said that Itosu could crush a bamboo stalk with his bare hands. Master Itosu was famous for his ability to take punches, kicks, and strikes from other karate-man. He developed this skill through constant practice of kote-ate, or body conditioning. Master Itosu also felt that karate techniques had to be strong. He felt that weak techniques would just be absorbed by an opponent rather then having to be blocked, thus allowing an opponent to easily counter-attack. Itosu also felt that you had to have a very solid foundation in your attacks. He became very proficient in the kata Naihanchi. Through constant practice of this kata Itosu developed amazing leg strength and an amazing stance. It has been said that once Itosu was in a stance, no one could uproot him with any amount of effort. This ability gave him the nickname “Iron House.” Master Itosu was heavily influential in the development of Modern Karate. Before Itosu’s time karate was practiced in secret and only to selected students. Master Itosu brought karate into the public school system of Okinawa. Itosu was able to give the first public demonstration of karate in Okinawa. He helped to get the martial arts into the physical education programs in these schools. This is where we have the distinction and the creation of “school kata”, such as the Pinan kata series. Many authors give Itosu credit for the creation of all five Pinan kata (for more on this see the kata section of this website). Master Itosu also created the “Sho” versions of Passai and Kusanku kata. Matsumura only practice the “Dai” versions which at this time were not called “Sho” or “Dai.” Master Itosu is said to have fought many matches throughout his life, many of which were to the death (this could be more legend then truth though). He is also credited with having defeated a Japanese Jujitsu expert at the age of seventy-five. Master Itosu had numerous students who became masters themselves and created their own system. A few of these students include, Gichin Funakoshi, Choki Motobu, Chosin Chibana, and many others.
Kata Practiced by Master Itosu: Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan, Pinan Godan, Naihanchi Shodan, Naihanchi Nidan, Naihanchi Sandan, Passai Dai, Passai Sho, Kusanku Dai, Kusanku Sho, Seisan, Chinto, Jutte, Jion, Jiin, Rohai Shodan, Rohai Nidan, Rohai Sandan, Wansu, Gojushiho, and Chinte.
