Kenwa Mabuni - Founder of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do

Kenwa Mabuni was born on November 14, 1889, in Shuri, Okinawa, Japan. Descended from the warrior lineage of the Ryukyu Kingdom, he began Karate training at the age of 13 under Anko Itosu, mastering the art of Shuri-Te through years of dedicated practice.

Later, he studied Naha-Te under Kanryo Higaonna, combining the teachings of both master's to establish Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. The name “Shito” is derived from the kanji of his two teachers’ names - Itosu (糸) and Higashionna (東).

Master Mabuni strongly believed that Kata is the soul of Karate-Do, emphasizing that true understanding of Karate comes through the study of Kata, Bunkai, and practical application. He introduced systematic concepts of Bunkai and Hokei Kumite to explain the deeper meaning behind kata movements.

Following World War II, he devoted his life to preserving and developing traditional Karate-Do until his passing on May 23, 1952. Today, his teachings continue to live on through practitioners of Shito-Ryu Karate worldwide, preserving the technical depth, philosophy, and spirit of authentic Karate-Do.

Section : Technical Insight   Title: Shitoryu Karatedo History 糸東流歴史