Kanryo Higaonna
Kanryo Higaonna, also known as Higaonna Kanryō, is an iconic figure in the history of Okinawan karate. Born on March 10, 1853 in Nishimura, Okinawa, he is recognized as the founder of Naha-te karate, one of the Okinawan karate styles that greatly influenced the development of modern karate. Higaonna began studying martial arts at an […]
Chojun Miyagi
Chojun Miyagi is a renowned Japanese karate master, recognized as the founder of Goju-ryu, one of Okinawa’s main karate styles. Born on April 25 1888 in Naha, Okinawa, he played a key role in the promotion and development of modern karate. Miyagi was born into a wealthy family and began learning karate at an early […]
Teruo Hayashi
Teruo Hayashi is an emblematic figure in the history of karate. Born on September 12, 1924 in Tokyo, Japan, he devoted his life to the study and propagation of karate. Hayashi began practicing martial arts at a young age. Growing up in Showa-era Japan, he was exposed to various martial arts, including judo and kendo. […]
Chōjiro Tani
Chōjiro Tani, born on January 25, 1921 and died on January 11, 1998, was a Japanese karateka who played a key role in the spread of karate in Europe, and particularly in France. He is best known for founding the Shukokai style of karate. Tani was born in Kobe, Japan. He began practicing karate at […]
Kenei and Kenzo Mabuni
Kenei Mabuni and Kenzo Mabuni are the sons of Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shitō-ryū, one of Japan’s four great karate styles. Each has played an important role in perpetuating their father’s legacy and promoting Shitō-ryū around the world. Kenei Mabuni was born in 1918 in Shuri, on the island of Okinawa, Japan. He began […]
Davide Benetello
Davide Benetello, born January 31, 1973 in Venice, Italy, is a former Italian karateka who left his mark on the history of karate in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He is widely recognized for his refined technique, power and precision, as well as his perseverance in the face of adversity. Benetello began practising […]
Rika Usami
Rika Usami, born February 20, 1986 in Tokyo, is a famous karate practitioner. Internationally renowned for her kata expertise, she has won several world titles and left an indelible mark on the world of karate. As a child, Usami was drawn to martial arts through the influence of her father, a huge fan of martial […]
Kenwa Mabuni
Kenwa Mabuni, born on November 14, 1889 and died on May 23, 1952, was an Okinawan karate master and founder of the Shito-Ryu style. His contribution to karate, both in terms of teaching and the development of new techniques, was crucial to the spread and evolution of this martial art in the 20th century. Mabuni […]
Kanryō Higashionna
Kanryō Higashionna, born March 10, 1853 and died October 23, 1915, was a prolific martial arts master from Okinawa, Japan. He is best known as the founder of Naha-te karate, which later became the basis of the Goju-ryu style. Higashionna was born into a poor family in Naha, the capital of Okinawa. From an early […]
Ankō Itosu
Yasutsune “Ankō” Itosu is considered one of the founding fathers of modern karate. Born in 1831 in Shuri, Okinawa, he made a significant contribution to the development and spread of this martial art. Itosu began his martial arts training in his youth under renowned masters such as Sokon Matsumura, but is perhaps best known as […]