By Shane Higashi
The origin of Karate is not clear. Its beginning is shrouded in mystery. What is certain is that it developed along with Buddhism in ancient China and was practised in the temples.
The effect of Buddhism on the martial arts is apparent in its philosophy of combining the spirit and body to work to their utmost; to enrich the experience of living. Karate also adheres to the Buddhist commandment of respect for life and forbids killing.
Although the development of Karate in Okinawa cannot be accurately traced due to the lack of written history, there is evidence that it began in the year 835 A.D., when Saint Chito went to the Okinawa Islands. The Coronation of King Eiso occurred in 1260 A.D. and the introduction of Buddhism ot Okinawa is recorded a bout this time.
The history of Karate in Okinawa also was influenced by the naturalization of 36 Bin Bun families that were proved in the period of the King Satsu Dynasty, 1392 A.D.
It is said that a few martial arts masters of these 36 families took residence in Kume (Village Mura of Naha City) and practiced martial arts in extreme secrecy.
There are some historical facts which provide a background for the development of TOSHU KUKEN into a unique martial art of Okinawa. One fact is that after King Shoshashi achieved the unification of SANZAN (in 1428) he prohibited the carrying of weapons. From 1609, Ryuku became a subject state of Satsuma and all weapons were confiscated under an arm ban policy which made TOSHUKUKEN develop rapidly. Until Mr. Itosu’s report to the Minister of Education in 1901, Karate was taught secretly, thus resulting in a mystical martial art. After this time Karate was publicly permitted.
During these years there were many MEIJINS (masters) who did rigorous training.
1664 – KUSANKU arrived in Okinawa
1669 WANSU arrived in Okinawa
1688 CHINEN OYA UNJO went to Fukken in China for training
1726 – First master SHODAI CHINEN OYA UNJU became the military attache of martial arts
1758 – The second Master was MATSUMURA OYA UNJO (Samurai Matsumura). It is said that at this time Mr. Sagawa of Akada, Shuri, went to China and mastered Kempo which became the well-known name “To Te SAGAWA”
1816 – The third Master was AWANE OYAKATA
1838 – The fourth Master was SOTOYAMA OYA
1860 – The fifth Master was ARGAKI OU
1920 – The sixth Master was TSUYOSHI CHITOSE
Dr. Chitose learned “SHOREI RYU” from his teacher Mr. Aragaki, and “SHORIN RYU” from his teachers Mr. Choyu Motobu and Mr. Chotoku Kiyan. His friend, Mr. Chojun Miyagusuku, studied “NAHANOTE SHOREI RYU” with great interest and created “GOJU RYU”.
Dr. Chitose found that both “SHURINOTE” and “NAHANOTE” had advantages and disadvantages and by combining each other’s merits he created Chito Ryu.
He felt that most important way to populate and promote Karate Doh for the future was to create a Karate Doh that was based on knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology. Thus, he devoted himself to this study and development of Chito Ryu.