Shito-ryu Karate is a traditional form of Karate that was developed in Japan by Kenwa Mabuni. Mabuni was a student of both Shuri-te and Naha-te styles of Karate in Okinawa, and later moved to mainland Japan where he developed his own style, which he named Shito-ryu.
The name Shito-ryu is derived from the first characters of the names of two of Mabuni’s primary teachers, Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna, who were instrumental in the development of the style. The style emphasizes the use of both hard and soft techniques, drawing from the influences of Shuri-te and Naha-te styles.
Shito-ryu Karate also includes traditional katas as well as a wide range of techniques, striking, grappling, and joint-locking. The style also places an emphasis on the development of power, speed, and flexibility.
Mabuni founded the International Shito-ryu Karate-do Kenwa Kai, an organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of his style. He continued to teach and develop Shito-ryu Karate until his death in 1952, his son, Kenei Mabuni, and other top students have continued to work to ensure that the principles and techniques of Shito-ryu Karate are passed down to future generations.
Shito-ryu Karate has become one of the major styles of Karate, practiced in many countries around the world. Despite the different interpretations, the core principles and techniques of Shito-ryu Karate remain unchanged, and practitioners can expect to learn traditional katas, striking, grappling and joint-locking techniques, as well as the physical and mental conditioning needed to develop power, speed, and flexibility.
In summary, Shito-ryu Karate is a traditional form of Karate that was developed in Japan by Kenwa Mabuni, who combined elements of Shuri-te and Naha-te styles of Karate. It emphasizes the use of both hard and soft techniques, traditional katas, striking, grappling and joint-locking techniques, and places an emphasis on the development of power, speed, and flexibility. The style has been spread worldwide and it is one of the major styles of Karate, the International Shito-ryu Karate-do Kenwa Kai, founded by Mabuni, ensure the passing down of the teachings and principles of the style to future generations.