Chito-Ryu History

Chito-Ryu Karate-Do was founded by Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898 – 1984), also known as O-Sensei.  Born in Kumochi, Naha City, Okinawa-ken (prefecture), on October 18th, 1898 Dr. Chitose created Chito Ryu after spending years studying both Shorin-Ryu and Shorei-Ryu. O-Sensei became the Supreme Instructor, 10th dan, of Chito-Kai of the All Japan Karate Do Federation.

Chito Ryu developed from two styles of karate, Shuri no Te (now known as Shorin-Ryu) and Naha no Te (now known as Shorei-Ryu). Naha no Te and Shuri no Te are the hard and soft styles that were prevalent in the Okinawan towns of Naha and Shuri.  With his medical knowledge, O-Sensei created Chito Ryu by combining the merits of Naha no Te and Shuri no Te to come up with a healthier over-all style.  Chito-Ryu Karate-Do is a traditional Japanese / Okinawan martial art focusing on good manners, self-discipline, physical fitness and self-defense.  Chito Ryu Karate training consists of strikes, kicks, blocks, throws and holds.  Chito Ryu karate is one of the oldest styles of karate practiced in Canada.  Through regular training, the student develops a greater sense of self-confidence and learns to respect themselves and others in their community.

 

The Ken-Sen-Kan Karate Dojo is a member of the Canadian Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Association.  The Canadian Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Association is an independent national body and non-profit association lead by Sensei Shane Y. Higashi (9th dan, Hanshi).  The Canadian Chito-Ryu Karate-Do Association has over 40 member dojos and over 2000 students. Higashi Sensei also oversees the development of a growing number of international dojos, is a member of the technical committee of the National Karate Association and his Toronto Dojo also serves as the Canadian Honbucho for the Hozon Shinko style of Kobudo.  In 1979, Higashi Sensei was awarded Kyoshi-go (elite master instructor licence) and was designated as the leading authority in Canada for Chito Ryu Karate by its founder, Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose.