07/04/2026
Kenwa Mabuni (1889–1952) was one of the most well-rounded martial artists in history and the founder of Sh*tō-ryū Karate.
📍 Born: November 14, 1889 – Shuri, Okinawa, Japan
📍 Died: May 23, 1952 – Osaka, Japan
He trained in multiple systems under legendary masters:
🥋 Shuri-te (c. 1902–1915)
👤 Master: Ankō Itosu
– Fast, direct striking and strong fundamentals
🥋 Naha-te (c. 1909–1915+)
👤 Master: Kanryō Higaonna
– Breathing, internal power, and close-range techniques
🥋 Tomari-te influences (early 1900s)
👤 Masters: Seishō Aragaki, Tawada Shimboku (influences)
– Agile movement and evasive footwork
He also explored beyond karate:
🥋 Jiujitsu (early–mid 1900s)
👤 Various Japanese instructors
– Joint locks, throws, and grappling for real self-defense
🥋 Chinese martial arts / Quanfa (via Naha-te period)
👤 Influenced through Higaonna’s teachings
– Circular motion and soft–hard balance
🥋 Kobudō (early 1900s)
👤 Traditional Okinawan teachers
– Weapons like bo, sai, and tonfa
👉 Mabuni combined striking, grappling, and internal training into one system—making Sh*tō-ryū one of the most complete and technical karate styles.