The founder Kenwa Mabuni learned Itosu-Ha at Ankou Itosu Sensei, the great master of Syuri-Te and later, he learned Higaonna-Ha at Kanryou Higaonna Sensei, the great master of Naha-Te. After his graduation from Junior High School, he became a police officer and kept looking for Kata and techniques which sunk into obscurity. He learned Matsumura-Ha, Shingaki-Ha and besides Karate, Bou-Jyutu and Sai-Jyutu of traditional Ryukyu martial arts. Shito-Ryu Karate-Do is all mixture of those techniques and spirits of martial arts.
The characteristic
points of techniques are not only Tsuki and Keri but also include Nage
and Gyakuwaza. So we can say that Shito-Ryu is comprehensive martial
arts.
Also, as represented the word, Syu/Ha/Ri,-Be faithful to the basis, put
it into practice, part from it- Shito-Ryu systematize to learn secret techniques
through basis and application of Kata and Bunkai Kumite.
Also the founder Kenwa Mabuni put emphasis on a spiritual education and
aimed at improvement of peaceful personality.
Since after 1934, named after Itosu and Higaonna Senseis, Shito-Ryu had kept
expanding to the world through activities of Japan Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Kai
and All Japan Karate-Do Federation Shito-Kai.
In April 1997, its head Do-Jo was completed in Asaka, Saitama. Practices
for members and also seminars for instructors' improvement are held. Also,
we
teach eagerly to diffuse Karate to all over the world.
In 1993, World Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation was established and Japan Shito-Kai, Pan American region, Asian-Pacific region, Russian region, European region and other region, 55countries became its member. We expect much more prosperity and expansion of Shito-Kai.