Investigations into the history of karate

After more than three years of work, the first comprehensive biography of Ankō Itosu (1831–1915) has finally been published. Itosu trained a new generation of martial artists who were responsible for the further spread of this unique art. His students included Yabu Kentsū, Hanashiro Chōmo, Funakoshi Gichin, Motobu Chōki, Gusukuma Shinpan, Mabuni Kenwa, Tōyama Kanken and Chibana Chōshin. Many of today’s karate schools can trace their origins – in part or in full – back to Master Itosu Ankō.

The book can be ordered here.

From the back cover:

Ankō Itosu is one of the most important figures in the development of modern karate, both a martial art and sport which is practiced today by millions of people worldwide. He not only laid the foundation of modern training but taught a very sophisticated next generation of practitioners who later were essential for spreading this splendid art worldwide. Ankō Itosu was born in the Shuri district of Okinawa, the main island of then independent Ryūkyū Kingdom (what is now part of Japan) in the year of 1831, into a time when modernization has not yet started in this part of the world. Coming from a low-ranked family, he grew up in turbulent times, and after a long eventful life he eventually became a legendary figure of the Ryūkyūan history. He died in 1915. Looking at his education, his professional career, his dedication to the indigenous fighting arts and his legacy he has left to posterity, the book dives into the life and times of Ankō Itosu, the man, the master and the myth.