Okinawan Karate Pioneers.
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Itosu Anko (糸州 安恒) is considered by many the father of modern karate. He was born in Ishimine, Shuri in 1831. He was a master of Karate that was active in the Ryukyu Kingdom period through the Meiji Period. Educated in the Chinese classics and calligraphy. Itosu began his ‘tode’ (karate) study under Nagahama Chikudun Pechin. His study of the art led him to Sokon Matsumura.
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Itosu served as a secretary to the last king of the Ryūkyū Kingdom until Japan abolished the Okinawa-based native monarchy in 1879. In 1901, he was instrumental in getting karate introduced into Okinawa’s schools as part of the regular physical education curriculum, and is also known as the first person to start the “modernization” of Karate.
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In 1908, Itosu wrote the influential “Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate,” reaching beyond Okinawa to Japan. Itosu’s style of karate, Shorin-ryu, came to be known as Itosu-ryu in recognition of his skill, mastery, and role as teacher to many.
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Itosu passed away on 11th March 1915. ??
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“You should always train with intensity and spirit, and in this way you will be naturally ready.” – Itosu Anko
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? Photo Credit: Itosu Ryu – Itosu monument is in a cemetery in Makabi, Naha city, Okinawa