Chojun Miyagi: Goju-ryu
Independently wealthy, Chojun Miyagi was able to devote his life to the exclusive study of the martial arts and founded Goju-ryu karate.
Kenwa Mabuni: Shito-ryu Karate
Kenwa Mabuni, considered by many to be the "guru" of Karate, originated the Shito Ryu style, which combines the influences of Shorei Ryu and Shorin Ryu.
Chotoku Kyan and Chito-Ryu Karate
Chotoku Kyan is considered one of the main influences of Chito-ryu and Shorin-ryu seen in numerous kata, Bassai, Chinto, Sanshiru and Kusanku.
Choyu Motobu: Okinawan Karate
As first son, Choyu Motobu inherited the secret family martial art Chito-Ryu and In 1924, Choyu helped to found and manage the Ryukyu Tote Kenkyukai.
Choki Motobu: Okinawan Karate
Choki Motobu gained great respect for his fighting ability and was hailed as the greatest fighter in Japan. He clearly was a large influence in karate.
Anko Itosu: Father of Modern Karate
Born in Shuri, Okinawa, Anko Itosu trained under Sokon Matsumura and Kosaku Matsumora practicing Shorin-ryu and training Gichin Funakoshi.
Azato Anko: A Short Story About My Teacher Part One
A contemporary of Itosu Ankoh, Azato Anko was a colleague and close friend. Together they introduced the martial arts into the public school system.
Pat Burleson “Grandfather” of Open Tournament Fighting in America
Pat Burleson, acknowledged as the “grandfather” of open tournament fighting in America, won numerous national titles before retiring in 1966.
