Introduction The Pinan Series is comprised of five katas. They were created by Yasutsune “Anko” Itosu. Sensei Itosu is often referred to as the father of modern karate. This title is shared with Gichin Funakoshi (Okinawan Karate vs Japanese Karate).…
This article contains the requirements for 1st Dan testing at the Okinawan Karate-do Institute. Every school has different requirements for testing, this is merely a reference for students of OKI and instructors who are curious what other schools require.
This article contains the requirements for 4th Kyu testing at the Okinawan Karate-do Institute. Every school has different requirements for testing, this is merely a reference for students of OKI and instructors who are curious what other schools require.
Sequence Rei Yoi (left hand holds right fist in front of solar plexus, push out and down to cover groin) Turn left foot to musubi-dachi Jump forward to kosa-dachi, right sasae-chudan-uke Pivot to left neko-ashi-dachi to the rear, left chudan-uke…
Early Life Anko Itosu was born in the Giba sector of Shuri, Okinawa in 1831. His name itself is often a source of confusion. His Okinawan name was Anko (mistakenly thought to be a nickname by some) Shishu. This can…
This essay on Chosin Chibana’s beliefs is, by far, one of the most enlightening articles ever wrote on Karate. To realize that these problems existed when Karate first became international is quite interesting. Ernest Estrada explains that, “This great treasure…
It is currently finals week for many colleges in the country, including mine, so my apologizes for the lack of updates the last few days. Today I want to offer my opinion on school loyalty. Over the last decade, my…
Prerequistes Cat Leg Stance (Neko Ashi Dachi) The cat leg stance is an advanced stance in Shorin-ryu. While being slightly defensive in nature, it provides the karateka free movement of the front leg and the ability to quickly move towards…
In 1938 Gichin Funakoshi published his book "The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate".
Anko Itosu wrote a letter in October 1908 entitled, "Tode Jukun" (Ten Precepts of Karate), to gain the attention of the Japanese Government.
Chosin Chibana left behind him a life completely devoted to Karate and the almost impossible feat of having trained five disciples to the stage of Kyudan.
