When we talk about karate, we often think of the punches, kicks and katas but behind every technique lies a history passed down through generations.

It all began with Sakugawa (1733–1815), often called “Tode Sakugawa.” He trained under Kusanku, a Chinese martial artist, and became one of the first to blend Chinese Quanfa with Okinawan Te. Sakugawa is credited with laying the foundation for what would evolve into modern karate.

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From him, knowledge was passed to Sokon Matsumura, who refined and expanded karate, teaching future masters like Anko Itosu. Itosu would later introduce ka-ra-te into Okinawan schools, ensuring its survival and growth.

Through Itosu, we eventually reach Gichin Funakoshi, the man who introduced ka-ra-te to Japan, adapting it into the form most widely practiced today, especially through Shotokan.