Ankō Azato (安里 安恒), also known as Azato Yasutsune in Japanese, was a master whose profound impact on modern karate, though often understated, is undeniable. He stands as one of the two principal karate masters, alongside Ankō Itosu, who profoundly shaped the understanding of Gichin Funakoshi, the visionary founder of Shotokan karate. Funakoshi himself held Azato in immense regard, declaring him “one of Okinawa’s greatest experts in the art of karate” and even “the greatest karate expert of his time“. Despite this towering reputation, much of what is known about Azato today comes directly from Funakoshi’s personal accounts, leaving much of his life in historical obscurity.
Ankō Azato was born in 1827, though some sources state 1828, and he passed away in 1906. This means he lived to be approximately 78 or 79 years old. He originated from a noble family in the village of Azato, strategically located halfway between Shuri and Naha. His lineage belonged to the Tunchi (殿内) class, which signified his family’s role as hereditary town and village chiefs, endowing them with considerable local authority. Physically, Azato was described as tall and broad-shouldered, a commanding presence that surely complemented his formidable skills.
Azato was not merely a martial artist; he was an accomplished scholar and embodied the ideal of a “Confucian gentleman skilled in the six arts“. These six arts encompassed karate, horsemanship, archery, Jigen-ryu ken-jutsu (swordsmanship), Chinese literature, and politics. His sharp intellect extended to worldly affairs; he shrewdly predicted a war between Russia and Japan long before it transpired. Furthermore, he demonstrated his political astuteness by readily complying with the government’s order to cut off the traditional men’s topknot, a politically sensitive issue of the era.
Azato’s professional life was deeply interwoven with the highest echelons of Okinawan society. He served as the king’s most trusted military officer and ultimately rose to the distinguished position of privy councillor. Within the Shuri government, he held the specific roles of “military attaché” and foreign affairs advisor to the Shō kings.
Azato’s martial arts foundation was laid under the tutelage of Sōkon Matsumura (also known as Bushi Matsumura), a prominent figure under whom both Azato and his close friend Ankō Itosu studied karate.
However, his most notable student, and indeed his only known student during the period was Gichin Funakoshi. Funakoshi’s training under Azato was rigorous and often secretive, taking place after midnight in Azato’s courtyard. Funakoshi vividly recounts being drilled extensively in the Naihanchi (Tekki Shodan) kata for a span of three years. During these sessions, Azato would typically observe, calmly sipping tea, and would simply utter, “Do it again,” rarely offering a “Good“. Azato’s high standards meant he was not easily impressed, and it often took months before Funakoshi was permitted to progress to a new kata.
Azato’s philosophy of karate extended far beyond mere physical technique. He unequivocally emphasised that the first and foremost purpose of karate training was to cultivate one’s character. He believed that proper deportment and dignified manners were as crucial as technical skill.
His approach to combat was characterised by a “highly developed sense of timing coupled with an instant response,” which rendered him a “deadly fighter“. He famously advised applying karate techniques in a fight by instructing his students to “think of your arms and legs as swords“. Azato’s mastery was such that he was revered as the greatest Okinawan swordsman of his era, once remarking, “I doubt very much that I would lose to anyone in the country if it came to a duel to the death“. He was also known for demonstrating a single-point punch (ippon-ken).
An anecdote highlights his philosophy: It seemed some young men in Azato village would exploit those returning from an evening’s revelry, provoking them into fights. One night, Azato, in disguise, allowed himself to be drawn into a fight by a young karate student named Jiro. The following morning, Azato, asserting his authority as the village lord, assembled all the young men in the village square. Jiro arrived, visibly beaten and in pain. Azato, with a smile, then directed the young men to abandon their rowdy behaviour and dedicate themselves to developing their characters, reinforcing the importance of virtue over mere fighting prowess.
His unmatched skill was further demonstrated in an unarmed match against Kanna Yasumori, a well-known swordsman armed with a sharpened blade. Azato effortlessly threw Yasumori each time he attacked. Azato later explained his strategy to Funakoshi: “As soon as Kanna faces an opponent, his mind is filled with nothing but the idea of attacking. If an opponent shows the slightest opening, Kanna arrogantly charges in, not caring whether he is being baited or not. Consequently, he is easily trapped”.
Regarding his impact on kata development, Azato’s rigorous, multi-year instruction of Funakoshi in the Naihanchi kata was foundational to Funakoshi’s early training and, by extension, to Shotokan karate. There is also a suggestion among some researchers that Azato’s specific form of karate may have been passed on to Gichin Funakoshi’s son, Yoshitaka Funakoshi, thereby influencing the development of Shotokan karate through a separate lineage from the Itosu-based methods. Yoshitaka Funakoshi’s deeper stances and the introduction of new kata to Shotokan after his trips to Okinawa lend some plausibility to this idea.
Despite his significant influence and esteemed position, Ankō Azato has been somewhat neglected by history. He had few documented students apart from Funakoshi himself, and consequently, left little direct heritage in terms of an established lineage. His perceived pro-Japanese sentiments might have contributed to his unpopularity among his Okinawan peers, potentially leading to his reputed relocation to Tokyo later in life, where he is said to have served as an ambassador. Nevertheless, Azato’s contributions, particularly through his rigorous mentorship of Gichin Funakoshi, laid crucial groundwork for the evolution of modern karate-dō, enduringly embodying the principle that the true essence of martial arts lies in the cultivation of character and virtue. Funakoshi’s famous saying, “If you know yourself and know your opponents well, you will never lose,” is attributed to Azato, a testament to his profound insight into strategy and human nature.
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