Shito-Ryu
Shito-ryu karate-do is one of four major styles of traditional karate practiced around the world today. The founder of the Shito-Ryu system, Kenwa Mabuni was born in the ancient Okinawan capitol of Shuri on the 14th November 1889. He began his study of martial arts at the age of fourteen under the guidance of Ankou Itosu Sensei, the great master of Shuri-Te and later, Kanryou Higaonna Sensei, the great master of Naha-Te. ‘Te’ was a simple term meaning ‘hand’ used to describe this local unarmed combat system, believed to be a blend of indigenous fighting techniques with those of Chinese origin. Mabuni graduated from Junior High School and became a police officer. During this time Mabuni continually researched not only ‘Te’, but also traditional Ryukyu Kobudo (ancient warrior ways – using traditional Okinawan weaponry) in particular, Bo-Jutsu and Sai-Jutsu. He furthered his skills by learning from a number of other prominent teachers before eventually combining his eclectic knowledge to form one of the most comprehensive fighting systems, not only using Tsuki (thrusts) and Keri (kicks) but also Nage (throws) and Gyaku-waza (reverse techniques). Mabuni also emphasised the need for spiritual education in order to develop a peaceful and harmonious personality.

Shito-Kai
In1934 Mabuni Kenwa named his karate style as Shi-To Ryu combining the first character of each of his two biggest influences names, Itosu Sensei and Higaonna Sensei. Since then Shito-Ryu has continued to grow in popularity around the world primarily through the activities of Japan Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Kai and All Japan Karate-Do Federation Shito-Kai. In 1993 the World Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (WSKF) was established and Japan Shito-Kai, Pan American region, Asian-Pacific region, Russian region, European region among others, totalling 55 countries, became members.

Since then there have been many developments and Shito-Kai continues to grow around the world. In 1997 the Shito-Kai Honbu Dojo (headquarters) was completed in Asaka, Saitama where lessons are held for the student members and instructors of Shito-Kai. Shihan Genzo Iwata, son of Shito-Kai founder and direct student of Master Mabuni, Manzo Iwata, is the Honbu Dojo’s chief instructor. Today Kenei Mabuni, son of the founder Kenwa Mabuni is Governor of the WSKF and Hiroshi Murata Sensei, its President.