Annan (安南), also known as Ahnan or Wang, was a Chinese sailor or possibly a pirate whose presence in Okinawa significantly influenced early martial arts development.
Annan was a castaway from a shipwreck along the coast of Okinawa Island. He took refuge in a cemetery in the mountains near Tomari. One source identifies him as a diplomat Wang but this is likely to be confusing Annan with Wanj Ji, likely a different master. Another hypothesis suggests he was a man from Fukushu in China who taught Kempo after landing in Okinawa.
Annan is primarily known for the karate kata named after him, “Annan”. The origin and creator of this kata are unknown, but its preservation and appearance in Okinawa are credited to Nakaima Norisato.
Legend also indicates that Annan was the master who taught the kata Chinto to Sōkon Matsumura.
Annan is credited with teaching chu’an fa to the gentry of Tomari. His disciples included:
- Kokan Oyadomari (1827–1905), a prominent Ryūkyūan karate master of the Tomari-te style.
- Kishin Teruya (1804–1864).
- Karyu Uku (also known as Giko Uku, 1800–1850). Both Teruya and Uku are said to have been students of Annan, and they in turn taught Kōsaku Matsumora.
While specific historical documents proving Annan’s direct teaching are scarce, and much of the information about him is based on legend and oral tradition, his name is inextricably linked to the martial arts traditions of Okinawa, particularly through the kata that bear his name and the prominent figures who are believed to have descended from his lineage. His contribution, whether direct or indirect, is seen in the flow of Chinese martial arts knowledge into the development of Okinawan karate.
Karate Kata Step By Step 