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Anko Itosu
Bio
Ankō Itosu (糸洲 安恒, 1831–1915) was a pivotal figure in the development of modern karate, particularly the Shuri-te style, and is often hailed as the "father of modern karate." His innovations in teaching and systematizing karate laid the foundation for its widespread practice and evolution.
Born in Shuri, Okinawa, Itosu hailed from a low-ranking noble family and received a classical education in Chinese literature and calligraphy. As a youth, he studied traditional Okinawan martial arts under Nagahama Chikudun and later became a disciple of Sokon Matsumura, a renowned martial artist and royal bodyguard. Itosu's dedication to training was evident; he reportedly tied a leather sandal to a stone wall to create a makeshift makiwara (striking post), demonstrating his commitment to developing strong striking techniques.
In 1901, Itosu played a crucial role in introducing karate into Okinawa's public school system. Recognizing the need for a structured approach to teaching, he developed a curriculum that included the creation of the Pinan (Heian) kata. These forms were designed to be more accessible to students, simplifying the complex movements of traditional kata to facilitate learning.
Itosu's pedagogical innovations also included the development of a systematic method for teaching karate techniques, emphasizing the importance of both physical skill and moral development. His approach made karate more accessible to a broader audience, ensuring its preservation and growth.
In 1908, Itosu authored the "Ten Precepts of Karate" (Tōde Jukun), a set of guidelines that emphasized the ethical and philosophical aspects of karate practice. These precepts underscored the importance of humility, respect, and the pursuit of personal development through martial arts. They remain a foundational element in many karate schools today.
When you train, you should train as if on the battlefield. Make your eyes glare, lower your shoulders and harden your body. If you train with the same intensity and spirit as though you are striking and blocking against an actual opponent, you will naturally develop the same attitude as on a battlefield
Karate cannot be adequately learned in a short space of time. Like a torpid bull, regardless of how slowly it moves, it will eventually cover a thousand miles. So too, for one who resolves to study Karate diligently two or three hours every day. After three or four years of unremitting effort one's body will undergo a great transformation revealing the very essence of Karate.