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Itosu Ankō (1831–1915) was one of the most influential figures in the history of Okinawan karate. Born in Shuri, he studied under Sōkon Matsumura and became renowned for his exceptional skill and teaching ability.

Itosu believed karate should be taught to the general public, not just a select few. To make it more accessible, he created the five Pinan kata (known as Heian in many Japanese styles) and was instrumental in introducing karate into Okinawan public schools in 1901. In 1908, he wrote the Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun), outlining the value of karate for physical education, character development, and national defense.

Many of the next generation's greatest masters—including Gichin Funakoshi, Chōshin Chibana, Kenwa Mabuni, and Chōki Motobu, either studied directly under Itosu or were heavily influenced by his teachings.

Because of his efforts to preserve, systematize, and spread karate, Ankō Itosu is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern karate.

This is an Ai enhancement of of an old black and white photo another has supplied a another modified version of his picture bellow in the comments. Both are good and clearly the same person.

Yes.

Iha Sensei on the origins of kata

One time after class someone asked Iha Sensei how a certain kata came about. Yoshi, a Japanese graduate student in medieval studies, was in class, which meant that if Sensei felt like getting very detailed Yoshi would translate more complex ideas and concepts. Sensei discussed the details of the given kata (I did not write that part down) but went on to say that in general kata was like working backwards to what someone found useful in a fight. He said everyone has a few moves that they really like, and so after the fight he might be with his friends and act out the scene instead of just talking about it. Over time they either teach the moves to others, or want to remember them, and so they devised kata. In time they got more elaborate; sort of like a fighter’s greatest hits. (I couldn’t resist.) Then the kata gets passed down, but you don’t always know what the first fighter was thinking.

Sensei then gave his thoughts about Sanchin verses Shorin style kata. He said that Sanchin body conditioning was useful for merchants because they maybe [this was a guess on his part and he gave it as such] needed to be able to hold things while running away when getting hit by angry or drunk customers or even thieves and to not kill their attacker since they would need to sell them their wares when the attackers were not drunk. Sensei continued saying that maybe Sanchin was used to carry a baby or small child while being attacked, like a bodyguard to the wealthy.

Sensei said the Shuri kata were created by fighters who had to kill quickly, “like a soldier.” This meant the moves were not as defensive and you didn’t need to condition in the same way when doing kata.

After we changed it was just me and Sensei putting our shoes on. He said kata has to feel like someone wants to kill you but you have to kill them quickly. Then in a very uncharacteristic tone he chopped his hand three times and said “kill, kill, kill, like a soldier”. He added that if you use karate it should happen so fast that it would look like an accident, saying, “Oh waaah!!! What happen?” everyone nearby you would say.

In this video, we compare an arm lock and throwing application found in Pinan Shodan and Small Liuhe. Although these forms come from different martial traditions, they reveal strikingly similar body mechanics, structural principles, and combative intent.

You’ll see how the same core ideas—control of the elbow, off-balancing, and whole-body power—are expressed through Okinawan Karate and Chinese internal martial arts. This comparison highlights how martial arts often share universal principles, even when the outward choreography looks very different.

Whether you study Karate, Taiji, Liuhe, or other traditional systems, this breakdown can deepen your understanding of bunkai, applications, and cross-style insights.

Pinan Shodan Liuhe arm lock In this video, we compare an arm lock and throwing application found in Pinan Shodan and Small Liuhe. Although these forms come from different martial tradit...

Welcome to Keitenrenbu Martial Arts Academy! In this video, you're getting an exclusive look into a full-length martial arts class session from a few weeks back. We cover the 2nd Liuhe Form and Small Liuhe, breaking down the structure, movements, and multiple applications. This is not an exhaustive application demo, but it gives you a deep sense of how the form flows and how the techniques can be used in realistic encounters.

We also feature a Q&A segment, where one of our students asks practical questions—and we explore different variations and adaptations based on real-time partner movement and reactions.

This form is from Beijing Liuhe Men, taught to me by Cao Fengqi, the third-generation grandmaster of Liu Dekuan's methods. It was passed down by Liu Caichen, Liu Dekuan's last disciple, who formalized and created Beijing Liuhe Men after Liu Dekuan passed away in 1911. This lineage reflects a rich and authentic transmission of traditional Chinese martial arts knowledge.

Whether you're learning Liuhe for the first time or refining your understanding of this powerful form, this video is packed with valuable insights, live demonstrations, and hands-on guidance.

Small Liuhe Form Breakdown + Applications | Live Class Training & Q&A Welcome to Keitenrenbu Martial Arts Academy! In this video, you're getting an exclusive look into a full-length martial arts class session from a few weeks b...

More pictures from the event.

This was our 3rd Anual Event December 13, 2025.

Our 3rd Anual Event.

Keitenrenbu Martial Arts Academy 3rd Anual Event Welcome to the Third Annual Keitenrenbu Martial Arts Academy Event!Join us for a full day of powerful demonstrations, partner drills, weapons work, and celeb...