Anko Shishu (his original Okinawan name), or as he is more commonly known, Yasutsune (anko) Itosu, was born in the Gibo district of Shuri (Okinawa's capital) in 1831 and was one of the most influential karate pioneers of the early 20th century.

Although Gichin Funakoshi has been accredited with spreading karate to Japan and the rest of the world, it was Yasutsune Itosu, who brought karate to the public attention of the people of Okinawa.

Itosu began instructing karate at the Shuri Jinjo Primary school in 1901. He also developed the Pinan kata series of five Okinawan Karate forms. Itosu developed the Pinan katas because he believed the other Karate forms were too difficult for high school children to learn. The five pinan forms were created by drawing from two older forms: kusanku (Korean: kong sang koon) and chiang nan (Korean: jae nam). Itosu taught Gichin Funakoshi the five Pinan kata and Funakoshi further adapted them to create the Heian kata.

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.

Most modern karate styles can be traced back to the famous Satunuku 'Tode' Sakugawa. At 17 years of age Sakugawa started practicing shuri-te under an Okinawan monk by the name of Takahara Peichin(1683-1760).

At age 23, Sakugawa was advised by Takahara to leave and train under Kusanku, who was a master of Chinese Kung Fu and was also a military attache in Okinawa.

When Kusanku returned to China in 1756, Sakugawa followed. Sakugawa stayed in China for six years. He learned valuable lessons from Kusanku and went on to become a great master himself. In 1762 Sakugawa returned to Okinawa to introduce this fighting method. It didn’t take long for people to recognise Sakugawa as an expert in Tode (Chinese hand). This is probably the time he picked up the nickname Tode(Chinese hand) Sakugawa.

1. Hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuro koto.
   First, seek perfection of character.
2. Hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto.
   First, defend the path of truth and sincerity.
3. Hitotsu, doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto.
   First, foster the spirit of effort.
4. Hitotsu, reigi o omonzuru koto.
   First, respect the principles of etiquette.
5. Hitotsu, kekki no yu o imashimuru koto.
   First, have self control to refrain from impetuous and violent behaviour.

1. Karate-do wa rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru koto wo wasuruna.
   Karate begins and ends with courtesy.
2. Karate ni sente nashi.
   There is no first attack in karate.
3. Karate wa gi no tasuke.
   Karate is an assistance to justice.
4. Mazu jiko wo shire, shikoshite tao wo shire.
   Know yourself before you know others.
5. Gijutsu yori shinjutsu.
   Spirit before technique.
6. Kokoro wa hanatan koto wo yosu.
   Be ready to free your mind.
7. Wazawai wa getai ni shozu.