Chosin Chibana is a well-known name in the history of karate. He was born on June 5, 1885 in Shuri, the capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, now Okinawa, Japan. Chibana is best known for founding the Shorin-ryu style of karate.
Chibana began studying karate at the age of 15 under Anko Itosu, a great karate master and one of the main propagators of the Shuri-te style. Itosu was one of the most influential teachers in Okinawa at the time, and greatly influenced Chibana’s approach to karate.
After Itosu’s death in 1915, Chibana continued to practice and deepen his understanding of karate. In 1920, he began teaching karate in Shuri and Naha. In 1928, Chibana formally established his own style, which he called Kobayashi-ryu, and which today is often referred to as Shorin-ryu.
Chosin Chibana played a key role in the development of karate in Okinawa and Japan. He was one of the first karate masters to adopt the term “karate-do” (the way of karate), thus emphasizing the philosophy and ethics associated with the practice of karate, in addition to the physical and combat aspects.
In 1956, Chibana was awarded the title of “Hanshi” by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, Japan’s most prestigious martial arts organization. He remained active as a karate teacher well into his old age, training many students who went on to spread his style of karate around the world.
Chosin Chibana died on February 26, 1969, leaving behind him a lasting legacy in the world of karate. His contribution to the martial art of karate is still respected and appreciated by practitioners around the world.