Gichin Funakoshi was born in the Yamakawa-cho district of Shuri (Okinawa's capital) on 10 November 1868. He was a poorly child and began training in Tode (Chinese Hand) under Master Anko Asato as a way of improving his physical health.

Funakoshi was a good student and would travel to the home of Master Asato each evening to practice. Master Asato introduced him to another important teacher under whom he would also study, Master Anko Itosu.

These two teachers had a major impact on his life. Funakoshi changed career and become a school teacher, and after passing the qualifying examination, he took charge of his first primary school class in 1888.

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