Chito Ryu Karate

Chito Ryu Karate is a traditional Japanese/Okinawan martial art consisting of strikes, kicks, blocks, throws and holds. Chito Ryu training provides a complete regimen suitable for those seeking physical exercise, sport competition and self defense skills.

Chito Ryu Karate was developed by the Okinawan Karate master, Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898 - 1984). He based his teachings on his extensive study of Okinawan Shorei-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu Karate and his medical knowledge of physiology. He combined the strengths of those two systems and eliminated the training elements which were detrimental to the health and well-being of the practitioner.

A group of Senior Karate-ka mediate before training with Soke Sensei

General Description

Chito Ryu Karate training is based on basic techniques of (kihon),forms (Kata) and fighting ( Kumite) practice. Its foundation Kata are Shiho-Hai, Niseishi, Seisan, Rohai, Bassai and Chinto. Its main stances are seisan dachi, shiko-dachi, kosa-dachi, uchi-hachiji-dachi and sanchin-dachi.

Chito Ryu possesses martial arts techniques which balance the strengths and weaknesses of Okinawan 'Te' styles; Naha-te and Shuri-te. Both originated from the martial arts of the To (T'ang) Dynasty in ancient China, incorporating its Kata and developed in Okinawa, and (is) based on physiological/surgical medicine.

Chito Ryu has a duty to aim for the healthy growth of the youth who will take over the next generation. Despite the original style of a direct-attack type Karate, from its inception use of protective gear was mandatory at Chito Ryu competitions.

This is an acknowledgement by our original Okinawan master tradition that the roots of Karate can be traced back to China.

Chito Ryu karate is a traditional style,
meaning that it follows the original katas, stances, punches, kicks and strikes developed years ago by the founder, O-Sensei. Although Chito-Ryu karate has been known outside of Japan for over 50 years, Japanese terminology is still used. New students may sometimes have to work a little to learn the names and pronunciations of strange new words, but after a few months it seems as natural as wearing the Gi and belt.

Chito Ryu derives much of its uniqueness from the two forms of 'Te' (early Karate). Naha Te and Shuri Te are the hard and soft styles, respectively, that were prevalent in the Okinawan towns of Naha and Shuri where O-Sensei and many other Karate masters were born and raised.