Anko Itosu: The Grandfather of Modern Karate and the Legacy That Still Inspires
“Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master.”
— Anko Itosu, 1908
Karate, as we know it today—structured, disciplined, and taught in dojos around the world—owes a massive debt to one man: Anko Itosu.
Though not the founder of karate, Itosu’s vision transformed it from a closely guarded family tradition into a system of training that could be taught in schools, shared with the public, and passed on across generations. He’s often referred to as the grandfather of modern karate, and for good reason.
🧠 A Scholar and a Warrior
Born in 1831 in Shuri, the royal capital of Okinawa, Itosu came from a samurai family and was classically trained in Chinese philosophy, calligraphy, and literature.
This scholarly upbringing gave him a methodical approach to martial arts—a mindset that viewed karate not just as a fighting style, but as a path to discipline, health, and personal development.
Despite being small in stature, his strength, quiet determination, and tireless training set him apart.
“Though small in size, he was mighty in will and power.”
— History of Fighting
🥋 Training Under Legends
Itosu studied under two of the greatest karate masters of the time: Nagahama Chikudun Peichin and Sokon Matsumura. From them, he inherited the techniques of Shuri-te, an early Okinawan martial arts style that laid the groundwork for modern systems.
He became known for his relentless use of the makiwara, a striking post that toughened the hands and trained proper alignment. One famous story claims he hit a leather-wrapped makiwara tied to a stone wall so many times, the wall began to crumble.
“He tied a sandal to a wall and struck it until the stone gave way.”
— Okinawan Karate Legends
🏫 Bringing Karate into Schools
In 1901, Itosu helped make history by introducing karate into Okinawan public schools. He saw karate as more than self-defense—it was a tool for building strong bodies, focused minds, and disciplined spirits.
“Karate is a path not only of strength, but of character.”
— The Ten Precepts of Karate
To support school instruction, he created the Pinan kata—a simplified series of five forms designed to help students learn the fundamentals. These are still taught in dojos around the world today.
🧾 The Ten Precepts of Karate
In 1908, Itosu wrote a famous letter to Japan’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of War, outlining what he believed karate could offer to society. This letter, now known as the Ten Precepts of Karate, is one of the most influential documents in martial arts history.
Among its teachings:
- Karate builds strong bodies and sharp minds.
- Daily training is essential.
- Training with intensity prepares one for real-life conflict.
- Karate is a moral practice—it should be used to protect, not to provoke.
“With proper training, one man may face ten attackers.”
— Itosu (symbolically, in the Ten Precepts)
These weren’t empty claims. Itosu envisioned karate as a tool for civic development—a way to raise disciplined, healthy citizens.
🔥 Legendary Tales
Itosu's reputation wasn't built on philosophy alone. Stories of his physical prowess live on as part of karate folklore:
- He once defended himself against a gang of attackers using only precise strikes.
- He stopped a burglar in his tracks with blinding speed and power.
- His calm demeanor and quiet intensity made him a revered figure—even among rivals.
“Itosu didn’t teach karate to create fighters. He taught it to end conflict before it began.”
— Okinawan oral tradition
🧭 Legacy That Lives On
Itosu's influence can be traced through his most famous students, many of whom went on to create entire styles of karate:
- Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan)
- Kenwa Mabuni (founder of Shitō-ryū)
- Chōshin Chibana (founder of Shōrin-ryū)
“Itosu-sensei gave us the blueprint. It was up to us to build upon it.”
— Gichin Funakoshi
His structured teaching methods, emphasis on fundamentals, and philosophical outlook helped make karate the global art it is today.
🧘♂️ Why Itosu Still Matters Today
Whether you're a white belt just starting your journey or a black belt refining your craft, you’ve felt the influence of Anko Itosu.
Each kata you practice, each stance you hold, and each moment you bow before the mat carries a piece of his legacy.
“Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles. It helps the digestion as well as the circulation.”
— Anko Itosu, 1908
He believed in strength through discipline, humility, and dedicated effort—values as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
🥇 Final Thoughts
Anko Itosu wasn’t just a martial artist. He was a visionary educator who believed karate could change lives—not just by teaching people how to fight, but by showing them how to live better, healthier, more focused lives.
“A strong body supports a strong spirit. Train hard. Live well.”
— Karate teaching tradition, rooted in Itosu’s philosophy
His legacy lives on in every dojo, every kata, and every student committed to the path.
Written By:
Matt Gallagher, Renshi
💬 What do you think?
Have you trained in the Pinan kata or studied the Ten Precepts? Drop a comment below and share how Itosu’s teachings have shaped your journey!