History of Chito Ryu Karate-Do
The centre circle represents the sun. The outer circle represents the universe. The five lines on the left and right are hands. The crest as a whole means: that by studying Chito Ryu Karate-Do the people of the world are making a pledge of peace to come together hand in hand.
O-Sensei was told by Arigaki Sensei that Karate-do originated approximately one thousand years ago in China. Based on this, O-Sensei named his style ‘Chito Ryu’, according to the origins of Karate-do.
‘CHI‘ means ‘one thousand’.
‘TO‘ refers to China’s Tang dynasty (618-907), which is where To-de (which later became known as Karate-do) is commonly thought have sprung from.
‘RYU‘ is the Japanese word for style.
Brief History of Chito Ryu
Chito-Ryu Karate was founded in Japan by the Okinawan master Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898 – 1984). Chitose (O’Sensei), based his teachings on extensive study of Okinawan Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu karate and his medical knowledge of physiology. He combined the strengths of these two systems and eliminated training elements detrimental to the practitioner’s health. The characters in the name Chito-Ryu Karate translate as Chi = 1000 (years), To = Tang Dynasty in China (618 – 907AD), Ryu = Style, Kara = Empty, Te = Hand & Do = Way or Method.
Today, the International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation is under the direction of Chitose Sensei, 2nd generation Soke of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do. At O’Sensei’s death in 1984, his son, Yasuhiro Chitose, assumed the name of his father, Tsuyoshi Chitose, and took on the responsibilities as the new Soke (worldwide Chief Instructor). Soke provides instruction and leadership to dojos around the world from his headquarters in Kumamoto, Japan, and continues to build on the foundation set by his father.
Chito-Ryu is one of the oldest styles of karate in Canada. Chito-Ryu karate offers participants excellent physical conditioning and strong mental discipline, as well as a proven method of self-defense. This karate style can be practiced by all ages. No special athletic abilities or flexibility is required. Chito Ryu traditional karate focuses on good manners, self-discipline, physical fitness, and self-defense. Instruction at all Chito Ryu clubs is provided by experienced and qualified black belt instructors who are registered in Japan with the International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation.
For a more in-depth review of the history of Chito Ryu please visit the following links:
O-Sensei
Chito Ryu Karate was founded in Japan by the Okinawan master Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898 – 1984). Chitose based his teachings on extensive study of Okinawan Shorei-ryu and Shorin-Ryu karate and his medical knowledge of physiology. He combined the strengths of these two systems and eliminated training elements detrimental to the practitioner’s health. The characters in the name Chito Ryu Karate translate as Chi = 1000 (years)
To = T’ang Dynasty (China over 100 years ago)
Ryu = Style Kara = Empty Te = Hand
Soke
Today, the International Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Federation is under the direction of Chitose Sensei, 2nd generation Soke of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do. Soke continues to build on the foundation set by his father.