History

Shito-Ryu was founded by Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952) in the early 1900’s. Mabuni created Shito-ryu by drawing from many different styles of karate (empty, open, or Chinese hand). Of his several teachers, the most influential were Itosu and Higashionna Sensei. Itosu and Higashionna lived in two different provinces of Okinawa, Shuri and Naha. Appropriately enough, Itosu’s style was referred to as Shuri-te and Higashionna’s: Naha-te. Shuri-te is known for its fluent and fast movements. Naha-te has more hard and powerful patterns. Among some of Kenwa’s other teachers were Seisho Aragaki, Tawad Shimboku, Sueyoshi Jinu, and Wu Xianhui (also known as Gokenki).

Kenwa originally started training karate because of his weak physique as a child. At the age of 13 he began learning under the tutelage Anko Itosu. Kenwa diligently studied with Itosu for seven years, and then at the age of 20 he decided to study under Higashionna. Sadly, Itosu and Higashionna both passed away when Kenwa was but in his 20’s. Mabuni was particularly grieved by the death of Itosu Sensei. It is said that Mabuni practiced kata by his teacher’s gravestone for an entire year.

Thankfully, the death of his revered teachers did not stop Kenwa from advancing his knowledge of karate. When Kenwa studied with Arakaki Sensei for a short period of time he learned both kata and Arakaki-Bo forms. Kenwa’s other weaponry skills included the bo, sai, tonfa, kama, and nun chaku.

From his diverse and large pool of knowledge Kenwa formed Shito-Ryu. Originally, Mabuni simply called his karate “te”. Later on the government required that he give his style a formal name. Kenwa named Shito-Ryu in honor of his two most beloved teachers. The “shi” is derived from Higashionna and the “to” is derived from Itosu.

Mabuni immersed himself in the advancement of karate with the general public.  He taught at grammar schools in Shuri and Naha. He made many trips to Tokyo to share karate with Japan. He even participated in a karate club called the "Okinawa Karate Research Club". Besides Mabuni, his friend and fellow practitioner, Gichin Funakoshi, is largely to thank for the popularization of karate.

In 1929, soon after his trips to Tokyo, Mabuni decided to resign his day job as a police officer and become a full time instructor. With that decision he moved permanently to Osaka. Once in Osaka he opened many a dojo. Even to this day Osaka has one of the largest concentrations Shito-Ryu schools in the world.

What makes Shito-Ryu unique is its emphasis on the practice of its many, many kata; not surprising when you consider it as a combination of several men’s teachings. It is performed from a higher and more upright stance in contrast to other styles. It is also credited for how closely and carefully it holds true to the original teachings of the ancient masters.