Examining Yasutsune Itosu
Part 1: The Man And His Lineage
by Tom Ross
Editor's Note: This is
the first of two articles on Itosu. The first examines
the man and his lineage, while the second
article focuses on Itosu's famous "Ten
Precepts," which he wrote to the draw attention
of the Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry
of War to the budding art of karate as it was developing
on Okinawa.
Shishu, Anko (Yasutsune Itosu) (1831-1915) is one
of the most influential early 20th century karate
pioneers. For those knowledgeable in karate history,
his name to you is legend.
It was Itosu who first started teaching karate to
the public and was one of the teachers of Gichen Funakoshi
(who many know as the father of Japanese karate),
as well as many other founders of the karate we know
today. He was the creator of the Pinan Kata series,
and he modified of many other kata practiced throughout
karate today.
But what is history behind this man? What is his
heritage, and what truth is there to the many legends
about this man?
Itosu was born in the Gibo section of Shuri (the
capital city), Okinawa, in 1831 and died on January
26, 1915. His first name was Anko (the Kanji for which
may be alternately read in Japanese as Yasutsune and
his last name Shishu read as Itosu). He is probably
most commonly known by the name Anko Itosu. He was
born to a prominent family and was well educated in
the classics of Chinese literature.
Descriptions of him vary, and there are no known
photos. He was short by modern standards, but in Okinawa
at the time his approximately five feet of height
was average. Some sources describe him as stocky,
barrel chested and very strong. He also had immense
discipline.
After taking and passing civil service exams, he
became a clerk for the Ryukyu government. At least
one sourse he was a secretary to the last King of
the Ryukyus (the island chain of which Okinawa was
the capital), Sho Tai (the monarchy was ended in 1879
when the islands offically became part of Japan).
It was through the assistance of his good friend
Anko Azato (1) that
he rose to a position of prominence in Ryukyu governmental
administration. This was a bond of friendship that
existed throughout their lives, and they are often
described together by Gichin Funakoshi, who studied
under both of these masters. By all accounts he was
built strongly, and there are many tales of his incredible
punching ability.
The early training of this martial legend is shrouded
in mystery. Many martial historians refer to Itosu
as having been a disciple of the Great Sokon "Bushi"
Matsumura. He was most influential martial artist
of his time who helped bring karate into the modern
era as exponent of Shuri-te (meaning Shuri hands or
art). It was Matsumura who was a student of Tode Sakagawa
(1733-1815) who in turn studied under Kusanku -- after
which the famous kata is named (Konku).
Was Itosu the link to this heritage, an interpreter
of Matsumura's karate? Upon closer examination this
appears to be incorrect, or at least overstated.
The question then becomes how do we ascertain the
truth when so much of martial history is based on
oral accounts and opinions? While we may never know
the truth for sure, we should look to accounts of
those who actually trained under Itosu for significant
periods of time.
One such account comes from Choki Motobu (one of
Okinawa's greatest early twentieth century karate
masters) who spent eight to nine years under Itosu.
In his 1932 book, "Watashi no Tode Jutsu,"
Motobu is quoted as saying: "Sensei Itosu was
a pupil of Sensei Matsumura, but he was disliked by
his teacher for he was very slow (speed of movement).
There (in the dojo) for although Itosu sensei was
diligent in his practice his teacher did not care
about him so he (Itsou) left and went to sensei Nagahama."
According
Motobu, while Sensei Nagahama was quite well known
and very diligent, his method or idea of teaching
was entirely different from master Matsumura. Nagahama
stressed just building of the body. Apparently Itosu
adjusted well and trained hard for Motobu reports
that Nagahama referred to Itosu as his disciple and
"right hand man." It must have been a shock
when Nagahama told Itosu on his deathbead (as reported
by Motobu), that he had actually only taught him (Itosu)
strength building and had never once given thought
to actual combat. In other words his method lacked
the idea of liberty in motion and alertness in action,
and therefore he wanted him to go back to master Matsumura.
Itosu had learned much from Nagahama. It is likely
that through his instruction many of the seeds were
planted for using tode (an early name for karate)
as a method of physical and mental strengthening.
These seeds combined with Itosu's unique perspective
and experience came to fruition in the Okinawan school
system as a method of developing the youth of Okinawa.
Itosu likely realized, as Nagahama suggested, that
he needed further training in combative principles.
It would have been highly unlikely for Itosu to return
to the Matsumura, however, since he had previously
left him. The question then becomes,"Where did
Itosu go next?"
If
we look at the words of Gichin Funakoshi (the great
karate pioneer who is often referred to as the "Father
of Japanese Karate.") who is regarded as a top
student of both Anko Azato and Anko Itosu, we find
that Anko Itosu became a disciple of GUSUKUMA OF TOMARI!
(also sometimes known as Shiroma).
On page 18 of his text (reprinted as "Tote Jitsu"
in 1925) Funakoshi states, "It is confirmed through
written documents and collections that .....(2)
ASATO followed MATSUMURA and ITOSU followed GUSUKUMA,
according to what has been told through generations."
In his later text, "Karate-do Kyohan" (page
8, 1973 edition), Funakoshi says again that "It
is stated that ...... (3)
masters AZATO and ITOSU were Students of MATSUMURA
and GUSUKUMA respectively. Masters Azato and Itosu
were the teachers who instructed this writer and to
whom the writer is greatly indebted"
Thus through the combined weight of the statements
made by two direct long term students of Anko Itosu
(Motobu and Funakoshi), we can logically come to the
conclusion that Anko Shishu (Anko Itosu) began his
training under Matsumura, left to become a disciple
of Nagahama of Naha (a seaport city near Shuri, the
capital), and upon Nagahama's death became a disciple
of GUSUKUMA of TOMARI.
This would explain the inclusion of the Tomari (a
seaport village near the capital Shuri) (4)
kata Rohai and Wanshu within the Itosu curriculum.
Sokon Matumura was not known to have taught or passed
on these forms.
To explain the presence of these kata in the Itosu
curriculum, other historians have theorized that Itosu,
as student of Matumura, must have therefore trained
briefly, side by side, with Kosako Matumora of Tomari
sometime after 1873. But, the more logical explanation
is to assume that Motobu and Funakoshi are correct
in stating that Itosu had studied with Gusukuma. He
was a Tomari instructor, and both katas are recorgnized
as Tomari kata.
Itosu continued to teach Wanshu as well as Rohai,
which developed into three versions based on the original
Tumaidi (Tomari te) prototype.
Then there is the kata Seisan. It was a kata taught
by Soken Matsumura. If Itosu's primary karate teacher
had been Matsumura, surely he would also have taught
this kata. But he did not. An explanation for the
absence of Seisan can be found in the existing Tomari
te (Tumaidi) traditions. For example, the continuing
Tomari traditions as were passed down through the
Oyadomari brothers of Tomari (5),
as well as those of the Matsumora ha Tumaidi (Tomari
te) as passed down to Tokashiki Iken (6),
also lack the kata Seisan, as does the tode passed
on by Itosu. Seisan was not a Tomari kata. (7)
In any event all the forms Itosu apparently borrowed
from the Tomari curriculum appear to have been heavily
altered when compared to the existing Tomari traditions.
Given the existing Tumaidi forms, one can see that
Itosu utilized the sum of the knowledge given to him
and further altered it to reflect his experience and
objectives.
It is also interesting to contrast Itosu's kata and
how they are performed as compared to the kata of
Tomari (Tumaidi) as practiced today. (8) When one
compares the kata of Tumaidi (9) with those traced
to Anko Itosu, one is struck by the greater use of
open hand techniques and the more upright stances
in the Tomari tradition. The kata themselves are performed
with a much more relaxed and lighter feel. There is
also greater emphasis placed upon the use of koshi
(hip area) -- the lower back/hips/pelvic girdle move
in more of a figure eight pattern and on multiple
planes as opposed to rotating around a horizontal
axis as is found in the Itosu heritage.
In his book "Okinawan Karate: Teachers, Styles
And Secret Techniques," Mark Bishop contrasted
the karate of Azato (Matsumura heritage mixed with
a swordsmanship perspective) and Itosu:
"While Azato believed the hands and feet should
be like bladed weapons and that one should avoid
all contact of an opponent's strike, Itosu held
the idea that the body did not have to be so mobile
and should be able to take the hardest of blows.
Chosin Chibana (a long time student of Itosu) once
said that Itosu indeed have a very powerful punch,
but Matsumura had once said to Itosu: 'With your
strong punch you can knock anything down, but you
can't so much as touch me.'"
Itosu's Legacy
It is through the efforts of this "Father of
Modern Okinawan Karate" that many basic exercises
and forms were simplified and organized into a curriculum
suitable for the mass instruction of students. In
addition to placing importance on basics, Itosu took
the Channan forms he had previously devised (or had
been taught him, according to historians), altered
them slightly and renamed them Pinan, which he thought
would be more appealing to students. This is evidenced
in such journals as "Karate No Kenkyu" by
Nakasone Genwa 1934 and "Kobo Kenpo Karate-do
Nyumon" by Mabuni Kenwa and Nakasone Genwa 1938.
Let it never be said that Itosu lacked enthusiasm,
for he didn't stop at the Pinans. He went on to supplement
Naifanchi by the creation of a Nidan and Sandan (Kinjo
1991, Murakami 1991) and possibly Kusanku Sho and
Passai Sho (Iwai 1992) as well!
Even though questions persists about Itosu's lineage,
there is no doubt about the profound and universal
impact he had on the development of karate in Okinawa.
It was Itosu who brought Karate from the shadows
into the light of public study. (4) In 1901 he began
instructing karate at the Shuri Jinjo Primary school
(Iwai 1992, Okinawa Pref. 1994) and taught at the
Dai Ichi middle school and the Okinawa prefectural
Men's Normal School in 1905 (Bishop 1999, Okinawa
Pref. 1994, 1995).
It is perhaps one of the greatest testaments to the
skill of this karateka that he developed such a group
of superb students, who in turn promoted his art.
The karate that descended from Itosu represents one
of the great Okinawan karate heritages known as Shorin-Ryu.
His students comprise a virtual "who's who"
of the founding fathers of modern karate. They include:
Kentsu Yabu, Chomo Hanashiro, Jiro Shiroma, Chojo
Oshiro, Shigeru Nakamura Anbun Tokuda, Moden Yabiku,
Kenwa Mabuni, Gichin Funakoshi, Chosin Chibana, Moden
Yabiku, and Choki Motobu (who contrary to popular
stories spent some eight years of training under Itosu).
In October of 1908 Itosu realized it was time for
Karate to reach beyond the shores of Okinawa to the
heart of Japan itself. It was to this end that he
wrote his famous letter of Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun)
to draw the attention of both the Ministry of Education
as well as the Ministry of War. After demonstrations
were held for several naval vessels, the most important
of which was the 1912 visit of Admiral Dewa, karate
emerged as an attractive vehicle for developing young
fighting men for the imperialistic Japanese government
of the period.
On January 26, 1915 a great light in the martial
world was extinguished when Anko Itosu drew his last
breath at the age of eighty five. It is a shame that
he did not live to see the art he so vigorously propagated
achieve its world wide popularity, and to see his
crusade vigorously pursued on the mainland by his
student Gichen Funakoshi.
Acknowledgments:
I would like to thank Christopher
Caile for his many suggestions for this article and
his editing efforts.
Itosu Drawing: The Itosu drawing
was contributed by Kyoshi Frank Hargrove from his
book, The 100 Year History of Shorin-Ryu Karate. Since
there are no known photos of Itosu, the drawing was
a composite done in Okinawa based on available descriptions.
Footnotes:
(1) Ankoh Azato was a scholar-warrior
who came from a well-known Okinwan family of wealth.
Socially he held an honorable rank equivalent to that
of a lower Daimyo in Japanese society. Since childhood
he excelled in both the martial arts (archery, Jigenryu
swordsmanship and karate under Soken Matsumura) and
in literary studies, including Chinese studies. As
a politician he became Minister of State and was one
of the best known political figures of his time. As
a karateka he was known for his awesome strength,
but also for his intuition -- the ability to sense
an attack and destroy it before it fully developed.
(2) Also Funakoshi said: Sakiyama,
Gushi and Nagahama of Naha trained under Buken (Shorei
ryu). Matsumura of Shuri (the Okinawan capital city)
and Maesato of Kume (a town near Shuri populated by
Chinese, many whom where translators, teachers of
Chinese classics as well as martial arts) trained
under Tomoyori (Shoalin ryu) Shimabuku of Uemondono,
Hikashi of Kyunenboya, Seneha, Kuwae and others trained
under Kojo (Shorei ryu), and that Shiroma (also read
GUSUKUMA) of Tomari (a small port city near Shuri
the capital) , Kaneshiro, Matsumora, Yamasato and
others trained under Taika, who originated from the
Fukushu-an-nan (a province in China. However, Oyakata-Tomigusu
of shuri followed SAKIYAMA.
(3) Funakoshi also said, "The
teacher of Gusukuma, Kanagusuku, Matsumora, Oyatomari,
Yamada, Nakazato, Yamazato and Toguchi, all of Tomari,
was a southern Chinese man who drifted ashore at Okinawa."
Furthermore it was stated, "In more recent times
Master Tomigusuku received his training from Sakiyama.
(4) Historians often group
Okinawan karate traditions of this time around the
town in which they were practiced -- Shuri the capital,
and Naha and Tomari which were both seaports. Tomari
traditions, with a few notable exceptions, have either
been lost or partly absorbed into the curriculums
practiced by the descendants of the Shuri and Naha
traditions.
(5) The curriculum of the
Oyadomari Brothers was provided by Mark Bishop's interview
of Seikichi Hokama (Student of Kotsu and Konin Oyadomari)
contained on page 73 of his book "Okinawan Karate:
Teachers, Styles And Secret Techniques (1991)."
(6) The curriculum Matsumora
ha Tumaidi can be assessed by what is taught by Toakashiki
Iken, student of Seiyu Nakasone who was in turn the
top student of Kodatsu Iha, disciple of Kosaku Matsumora,
from an interview with Richard Florence on February
12, 1997 for the Bugeisha Magazine article, "Tokashiki
Iken and the Gohakukai".
(7) Then there is the question
of the katas Jion, Jiin and Jitte in the Itosu curriculum.
Since they are not found in the curriculum of Tomarai
traditions, Itosu could have learned them from either
Gusukuma or Nagahama, either of which would have created
them. It is perhaps a question for which we may never
know the answer for sure but which begs further scrutiny.
(8) Karate had for centuries
been taught in secret in Okinawa.
(9) As taught by the students
of Tokashki Iken, who was a student of Seiyu Nakasone,
who in turn studied under Kodatsu Iha, a top student
of Kosaku Matsumora.
References:
"Chanan: The Lost Kata of Itosu"
(article), by Joe Swift
"Unante: The Secrets of
Karate" (book), by John Sells
"Tales of Okinawa's Great
Masters" (book) by Shoshin Nagamine
"Karate no Kenkyu"
(book), by Nakasone Genwa
"Kobo Kenpo Karatedo Nyumon"
(book), by Mabuni Kenwa and Nakasone Genwa
"Okinawan Karate Teachers,
Styles and Secret Techniques" (book), by Mark
Bishop
About The Author:
Tom Ross is a retired NYC Correction Officer who
specialized in the Handling of Security Risk group
prisoners. A Yudansha under Ashihara karate (current
affiliation) and in Shorinjiryu Kenzenkai Karatedo
(an Offshoot of the Shorinjiryu Kenkokan founded
by Masayoshi Hisataka), he also spent six years
studying Jujutsu (classical, modern and Brazilian).
Possessing an avid interest in the history of martial
arts and traditions he currently serves as the Research
Coordinator for FightingArts.com as well as moderating
its Martial Arts Talk forum. He additionally serves
as the moderator of the Sabaki List (which is dedicated
to various martial artists and full contact stylists)
and is a member of the International Hoplology Society.
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