Itosu Ankō (糸洲 安恒), also known as Itosu Yasutsune or Ichiji Ankō in Okinawan, is widely regarded as “the father of modern karate”. Born in 1831 in Gibo Village, Shuri, Ryūkyū Kingdom, he passed away on 11 March 1915 (though some sources state March 1915 or 1916) at the age of 83 to 85 in Yamagawa village, Shuri, Okinawa, Japan. His posthumous Buddhist name is Kenmyooin Kooen Sootoku Shinshi, signifying virtue, values, and principles.
Itosu was born into the minor aristocracy, a keimochi or family of position, in the Yamagawa district of Shuri. As a child, he was described as small, unhealthy, shy, and introverted, but was raised in a strict home. He received an extensive education, being well-versed in both Chinese and Japanese classics and the art of calligraphy. Physically, Itosu was noted for his immense hidden strength, a barrel-chested physique, and a long beard. Stories recount his dedication to physical training, such as hitting a makiwara (rice straw bound to a wooden post or board) hundreds of times daily until his fists resembled black stones. One anecdote describes him destroying a stone wall while attempting to build a better makiwara by repeatedly striking a leather sandal tied to it. He was also said to always walk in the Naihanchi stance. Conversely, Master Chōshin Chibana reportedly described Itosu as having a very gentle manner of moving and speaking, like a woman.
Occupation and Royal Service Itosu served as a secretary (or scribe) to the last Ryukyuan king, Shō Tai, until the Ryukyu Kingdom’s monarchy was dissolved in 1879, following the prefectural system replacing feudal domains. After this political upheaval, Itosu retired from his government position to devote himself to practising and teaching to-te (karate) from his home. Later in his life, he also became a school teacher at the Shuri Dai Ichi Elementary School, where he incorporated karate into the curriculum.
Itosu’s martial arts journey began under Nagahama Chikudun Pechin. He then became a personal protégé and was considered the foremost disciple of the distinguished Bushi Sōkon Matsumura. Most sources affirm his training under Matsumura. While some accounts, such as one from Motobu Chōki, suggest that Matsumura did not give Itosu the same in-depth training as other students like Azato, believing Itosu lacked the inherent abilities for Matsumura’s specific type of karate, this remains an opinion within the historical narrative. Furthermore, during a period of vague information regarding two decades of his life, it is believed that Itosu also learned karate from Shiroma (Gusukuma) of Tomari and an unnamed Chinese individual residing in Tomari.
Yabu Kentsu stated, ‘The venerable (Itosu) first studied from the venerable Matsumura, but it was Nagahama from Naha who influenced him most during his later years. The method of the venerable (Itosu) is (therefore) said to be 60% of Naha, and 40% of Shuri.’
Itosu is widely recognised as the single most influential figure in transforming karate from a secretive, pragmatic, and lethal form of combat into karate-dō, a system focused on physical, mental, and spiritual development. He championed the introduction of karate into the Okinawan public school system, initially in middle schools and later in teacher training colleges. This monumental step, which included sponsoring its integration into schools and encouraging the Ministry of Education to do the same in mainland Japan, marked the end of centuries of secrecy surrounding the art. He also pioneered the concept of the karate “class,” enabling mass training. His efforts modernised karate and made it accessible to the common person. His influence on linear karate styles is foundational, with many modern forms tracing their lineage back to his teachings.
Itosu’s contributions to kata are profound. He is credited with simplifying Matsumura’s kata, Naihanchi, and possibly expanding it to create the third form, Naihanchi Sandan. He also refined the Chinese corkscrew punch into its contemporary form. His most significant contribution to kata development, however, is the creation of the Pinan (Heian) kata (Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, and Godan). These forms were designed as standardised learning steps for schoolchildren, as he felt the older, more complex forms were too difficult for them. The Pinan kata were likely derived from the older ‘Kusanku‘ form. Before the Pinan kata were created, Naihanchi was traditionally taught first in Tomari-te and Shuri-te schools, underscoring its historical importance.
Itosu’s teaching produced an impressive roster of students who became foundational figures in their own right, shaping various karate styles that exist today, including:
- Kenwa Mabuni (1889-1952): Founder of Shitō-ryū, he began training with Itosu at the age of 13 and remained his student until Itosu’s death.
- Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957): The founder of Shotokan karate, Funakoshi was Itosu’s student and is often credited with popularising karate on the Japanese mainland and globally.
- Chōshin Chibana (1885-1969): The founder of Kobayashi Shorin-ryū, Chibana trained exclusively under Itosu for 13 years.
- Kentsu Yabu (1866-1937): A student who famously stated, “Karate begins and ends with Naihanchi,” urging students to practice it 10,000 times.
- Motobu Chōki(1870-1944).
- Chōyū Motobu (1857-1927).
- Chōmo Hanashiro (1869-1945).
- Moden Yabiku (1880-1941).
- Kanken Tōyama (1888-1966).
- Shinpan Shiroma (Gusukuma) (1890-1954).
- Anbun Tokuda (1886-1945).
Itosu’s profound impact led to his system being recognised as Itosu-ryū. His legacy is encapsulated in his philosophical writings and the enduring influence on subsequent generations. In October 1908, at the age of 77, Itosu penned his influential “Ten Lessons of To-te” (Tode Jukun), a document outlining the gitai (physical and technical) value of karate. This document, along with Bushi Matsumura‘s “Seven Virtues of Bu,” is considered a cornerstone of the shingitai (mind, technique, body) principle in Okinawan karate-dō.
One of his most notable and often debated statements from the “Ten Lessons” is: “Karate did not descend from Buddhism or Confucianism”. While some scholars find this “extraordinary” given the obvious connections between karate and Chinese philosophical traditions, it’s suggested that Itosu might have intended to downplay Chinese influence during a period of Japanese hostility towards China. He employed Confucian and Buddhist concepts in his expressions to convey Japanese thinking and spirituality, rather than asserting direct origins. His philosophy also strongly emphasised ethical conduct and non-aggression. He stated, “Never use your fists and legs without sufficient reason and by no means for fighting in the streets,” and “One does not harden the body for private quarrel”.
Itosu believed in the principle of “Tatakawa zushite katsu” (to win without fighting), frequently articulated as “Karate ni sente nashi” (There is no first strike in karate). This profound principle was famously adopted by his student Gichin Funakoshi and inscribed on Funakoshi’s gravestone. The Itosu family continues to honour his spirit, with his great-grandson, Itosu Ango, preserving a private altar nearly a century after his death. Itosu Anko remains a towering figure whose vision laid the groundwork for modern karate-dō’s global spread and its emphasis on character development and ethical conduct alongside physical mastery.
Karate Kata Step By Step 