The Figure Of Karate ~ Yasutsune Anko Itosu

Yasutsune Anko Itasu was born in Shori-no Tobaru in 1830. He was one of those who reached old age, 85 years and managed to become a 'meijin' or a magic mandraguna. The tales of Itosu's might stored in memory of colleagues and opponent who have met him. At the end of his life, Itosu remained nimble and tough when playing karate. Indeed, only physical strength is reduced because of age, but still unmatched.

        Itosu learned karate to the famous maestro, Sokon Bushi Matsumura (1796-1889) in Shuri and also learned to Kosaku Matsumora from Tomari. From literature and historical documentation, it is known that Itasu and his best friend, Kanryo Higaonna (1845-1916) of Naha became the main character in the 19th century.

        When he's 7th years old, he was directly taught by his own father. His father educates him loudly and it looks cruel to others. Small Itosu often tied up and tethered on a pole. Of course he overwhelmed and cry because he was tethered to the pole, but his father stopped when Itosu was on verge of yhe peak of his anger. That's how he was trained to cultivate the 'fighting spirit' of the samurai way.

        After that, Itosu trained by the maestro in earnest. From the beginning, Itosu never escaped daily practice routine from dawn to late at night. Matsumura provides principles of loyalty, obedience, passion and fighting power through very heavy physical and mental exercise. Almost no days, months and years passed without physical and mental training until it was not felt Itosu had eight years of study. As a result, in addition to being full of karate skills, Itosu became tall and strong.

       Itosu then taught karate in high school and advanced in Okinawa. Karate has officially entered into the school curriculum. Until sometime, the Japanese and Okinawa martial arts planned a fight between karate and judo to find out which system is best, whether it is a karate from Okinawa, or judo from Japan. Itosu was asked to compete against judoka from Japan. Because it was officially supported by government, Itosu agreed and it is because he want to show that karate is basically a fighting art not a spectacle.

        Even though it was his 75th, he was able to fly his challenger with a punch accompanied by a 'ki'. The audience realizes that Itosu is not invincible. He always insisted that karate should only be used when it is really urgent, not to seek fame or lose. 

Students of Yasutsune Itosu

1. Kentsu Yabu (1863-1937)
2. Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957)
3. Chomo Hanashiro (1869-1945)
4. Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945)
5. Choki Motobu (1871-1944)
6. Moden Yabiku (1878-1941)
7. Shosei Kina (1883-1980)
8. Chosin Chibana (1885-1969)
9. Ambun Tokuda (1886-1957)
10. Kanken Toyama (1888-1966)
11. Kenwa Mabuni (1888-1957)
12. Chojo Oshiro (1889-1930)
13. Shiroma Gusukuma (1890-1945)
14. Shigeru Nakamura (1895-1969)