Karate was originated as a martial arts thousands years ago and was brought to Okinawa from China and Taiwan. Many of the famous karateka, or bushi as they where known in Okinawa, experimented and developed their skills in such provinces as Shuri, and Naha, and Tomari.

But unlike judo and kendo karate was no fixed system until approximately 1907 when Yastune Itosu of Shuri, and Kaneyro Higaonna of Naha, both of whom are regarded today two of the most influential teachers of Okinawan Karate, gained a good following for both of their own special styles. Master Itosu taught the Nai-Huan-chi form and Master Higaonna taught Sanchin which was later developed into the present day Goju Ryu style by Chojyun Miyagi. The Shito Ryu style was devised by Master Kenwa Mabuni who had studied under Master Itosu at age 13 and at age of 20 he studied Under Master Kanryo Higaonna. From Master Itosu, he mastered the quick and lighting - like (Shorei) techniques and from Master Higaonna, he mastered the slow (Shorin) techniques emphasizing dynamics dynamic Breathing and muscular control.

Using the best and proven of all the techniques he had mastered, he formed the Shito Ryu System. He dedicated the name Shito from this two famous masters; SHI' pronounced in Japanese character for ITOSU' and TO' pronounced in Japanese character for HIGA Today, Shito Ryu Karate Do remains as one of the four major Styles of Karate in Japan and it is taught all over the world.

Our Shito Ryu Instructors



Matthew Lopez
Rancho Cucamonga
Riverside/Alvord

Jeremy "Jay" Harrell
Colton
Redlands

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