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Itosu, Yasutsune was born in Shuri and became one of the most respected martial artists 
in Okinawa during the 19th century. Master Itosu was a student of Sokon Matsumura and 
Kosaku Matsumora. One of his great contributions to the art of "To-De" or karate, was the 
firm belief of the importance of the development of person's character through the concentration 
on Kata, form patterns, and bunkai, application practice. Master Itosu,  is quite possibly the most 
influential teacher in Shito-Ryu.
 When he first began teaching in the school system, the introduction of the Kata Naifanchi 
was his preferred way to teach. He soon realized that this Kata was far too advanced for the 
beginner, which lead to master Itosu creating a group of new Kata, the Pinan kata's. The creation of 
5 Pinan (alternate read as HEIAN) Kata was based on the Kata called Kusanku and some other 
significant techniques. He also split both the Kusanku and Bassai kata's' into the Sho and Dai 
versions. 
In circa. 1901, master Itosu was the first person to introduce 'To-De" into the 
Okinawa Dai Ichi Jr. High School and the Okinawa Teachers Jr. College school system. This 
was a critical step in the expansion of the martial arts since prior to this,  the art of  "To-De" 
was considered a "secret" art. This introduction into the mainstream quite possibly may have 
paved the way for the availability for ALL styles of the martial arts to reach the general public. 
Master Itosu also organized and systemized "To-De" into a standard method of practice


Higaonna, Kanryo (Naha-te)
(1853-1915)



 

 Kanryo Higaonna was born March 3, 1853 during the time when Okinawa 
Island was occupied by the Satsuma Clan of Japan.  Higaonna was born 
at Nishimura of Naha City as the fourth son of Kanryo Higaonna, the 10th 
generation of Higaonna family in Haru, lineage.
 Kanryo Higaonna visited Fuchou, China, around 1877 for three years. There 
is an another account in regards to his visit to the city. It is said that he 
visited the port city in 1873 for fifteen years. Some Martial Arts historians 
explain his motives of visiting the city was to study the Chinese Martial Arts. 
Higaonna did, in fact, study a Southern Shaolin Chun style, during his stay 
in that city. However, his initial reason for visiting China was explained by 
other historians that it was the result of his political involvements.
 During his stay in China, Higaonna supported himself by making and selling 
bamboo wares. Higaonna was one of the Students who studied Kung Fu from 
a Chinese Sifu named Wei Shinzan. Wei was the student of Sifu Ru Ru Kuo 
who also taught Higaonna Fukien Crane Chang. Fukien Crane was a combined 
school with White Crane of South Shaolin Chang and Four Ancestor Chang.
 In China, there were two counter parted arts of Chang, or fist. One is categorized 
as hard style, or External style. The other is Soft style or Internal style. Hard 
and External style represent Zen Buddhist initiated school such as various branches 
of Shaolin Chun, and Soft and Internal style represent Hsing-Yi Quan, Pa Kua Quan, 
and Tai Chi Quan.
 The Chinese system of fist that Kanryo Higaonna studied from Wei Shinzan and 
Ru Ru Kuo was also known by its name Pangainoon, which literally means, "one 
half is hard and other half is soft". Those Kata practiced in the current Goju-Ryu 
school like Sanchin, Sanseiru, and Pecchurin all originated from that style.
 Prior to visiting China, Higaonna studied Naha-te from Seisho Aragaki, (1840-1920) 
of Kume. Aragaki was well known among Okinawan's with his favorite Kata called 
Seisan. Unlike Shuri-te, Naha-te represents newly imported Chinese forms from 
Fukien Province of China. After his return from China, Higaonna systemized the Naha-te 
with contemporary Chinese art, thus it was called To-te (Tode), or Chinese Hand.


Seisho, Arakaki (Tomari-te)
 1840 - 1918

 

Arakaki Seisho lived from 1840 - 1918 or 20. Arakaki was born in either Kume mura Village, 
Okinawa, or the island of Sesoku. He was a member of the royal court in Okinawa, and thus 
held the title of "Chikudon Peichin." Being fluent in Chinese, Arakaki was requested to go to 
China by the court in 1870. In China it is believe that Arakaki studied Monk Fist Boxing and 
the only name associated with his training is Wai Xinxian from Fuchou.
 Arakaki was known for teaching a style similar to Higashionna. Arakaki taught the kata's Sochin, 
Unshu, Niseishi and staff (bo) Kata to Mabuni. Arakaki is known to have had as students Tsuyoshi 
Chitose, founder of Chito Ryu, Gichin Funakoshi of Shotokan, Kanken Toyama of the Shudokan 
School and taught Kanryo Higashionna for three years. He is noted in history for being responsible 
for passing down several significant Kata. According to some historians Arakaki, though a recluse, 
was the king’s Bushi and a legendary and enigmatic figure of early karate. Mabuni also studied the 
Sai (a large fork like weapon) from another Bushi by the name of Tawada Shinkazu (Peichin).

 

 Itosu Kata  Higashionna Kata  Mabuni Kata
 Pinan Shodan  Sanchin  Shinsei
 Pinan Nidan  Tensho  Kenshu
 Pinan Sandan  Seienchin  Kensho
 Pinan Yondan  Saifa  Juroku
 Pinan Godan  Nipaipo  Chintei
 Jitte  Sochin  Happo Sho
 Jiin  Shisochin  Aoyagi
 Jion  Seipai  Myojo
 Matsukaze  Seisan  Shinpa
 Wanshu  Kururunfa  Shiho Koshokun
 Chinto  Unshu  Kenpaku
 Bassai Sho & Dai  Niseishi  
 Koshokun Sho & Dai  Sanseiru  
 Rohai  Suparinpei  
Gojushiho

 

 


 

 

 

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