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Kenwa Mabuni

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 was born in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. He comes from a samurai family of the Onigusukini branch, well known for its martial tradition. From an early age, Mabuni was introduced to the martial arts, in particular Tode, the ancient name for Okinawan karate.

His formal karate training began at the age of 13, under the tutelage of legendary master Ankō Itosu. Mabuni was a dedicated and talented student, and quickly acquired a solid knowledge of katas and fighting techniques. Later, he also studied with master Kanryo Higaonna, enriching his repertoire of karate techniques and principles.

As a karate master, Mabuni was known for his in-depth knowledge of kata and his willingness to learn and explore different styles and techniques. He amassed a large collection of katas during his lifetime, which were later integrated into the Shito-Ryu style.

In 1929, Mabuni moved to Osaka, on Japan’s main island, where he founded the Shito-Ryu style, named after his two principal masters, Itosu (“Shi”) and Higaonna (“To”). Shito-Ryu is characterized by a combination of linear and circular movements, and by a wide range of techniques and katas. It is one of the four major styles of karate in Japan today.

In addition to his work in the development of Shito-Ryu, Mabuni was also an ardent advocate of the spread of karate. He has worked tirelessly to promote karate as a martial art beneficial to physical, mental and spiritual development. He was also a fervent advocate of teaching karate in schools, following in the footsteps of his masters Itosu and Higaonna.

Mabuni passed away in 1952, leaving behind him a lasting legacy in the world of karate. His style, Shito-Ryu, is now practiced all over the world and is recognized for its technical diversity and respect for the Okinawan karate tradition. The katas and techniques Mabuni collected and developed continue to influence modern karate.

In short, Kenwa Mabuni was a dedicated and innovative karate master. His work in the development of Shito-Ryu, his contribution to the dissemination of karate and his de

dedication to teaching have made him one of the most important figures in the history of karate. His vision and legacy continue to inspire karate practitioners around the world.

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