Chapter 1The Origin Of Karate

Modern karate began with Master Anko Itosu (1831~1915). Not only did Master Itosu bring karate out from the veil of secrecy, he organized traditional katas in a unified manner, and created new katas. Moreover, he established a foundation whereby Karate could extend beyond Okinawa to mainland Japan and to the world, by teaching it to many students, and introducing it into the school system itself. I believe these meritorious contributions are comparable to those of Dr. Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. 

In this chapter I will look at the starting point of karate based on Itosu's Ten Precepts (The Ten Principles Karate), which he wrote in 1908.  

Section 1 A Brief History of Master Anko Itosu

Master Anko Itosu studied Shuri-Te (Shuri style Karate) under Sokon Matsumura (1809~1899), Naha-Te (Naha style Karate) from Master Nagahama, and Tomari-Te (Tomari style Karate) from Master Kosaku Matsumora (1829~1898), and was very famous for his powerful breaking ability. Also, as a secretary for the Kingdom Of Ryukyu, his calligraphy was excellent.

After Okinawa was annexed to Japan in 1879, Master Itosu continued to work as a secretary and taught karate to regular students at his home.

He received attention from the prefectural government due to the fact that all of those who passed with a high physical classification for the conscription examination were students of Master Itosu.

After that, the tide turned toward the introduction of karate into the school curriculum.

In 1901, Shuri Elementary School adopted karate as a part of its physical education program. 

Master Itosu introduced the Heian katas in 1904.

In 1905, Master Itosu became an instructor of karate at the Prefectural Dai Ichi Junior High School, and the Instructors School.

In 1908, Master Itosu announced the Ten Precepts (The Ten Principles of Karate)

Master Itosu passed away in 1915.

Chapter 2 A Consideration of Itosu's Ten Precepts.

 The Original Text and a Modern Translation

 I would like to consider the true nature of karate by examining Master Itosu's so-called "Ten Precepts". Master Itosu submitted what he called "The Ten Principles of Okinawa karate" to the Okinawan prefectural office in response to questions concerning the nature of karate.  

I will refer to the explanation provided by Sensei Hiroshi Kinjo, who has carried out extensive research concerning Itosu's Ten Precepts.

 I first cite the original text, but since it contains obsolete characters, I have provided a modern translation.

Precept	Modern Translation
Preface	Karate did not develop from Buddhism or Confucianism. In the past the Shorin school and the Shorei school were brought to Okinawa from China. Both of these schools contain certain characteristics that I will delineate now so they may be preserved without too many changes.
1	Karate should not merely be practiced for one's own physical benefit, rather it should be used to protect one's family or lord.It should not be used against a single assailant (for personal fights), and if at all possible one should attempt to redirect the confrontation when attacked by a villain or ruffian. In no case should one use punches and kicks to injure someone.
2	The purpose of karate is to make the muscles and bones hard as rock and train the hands and legs so that they will become like spears, thereby becoming naturally courageous. If children were to begin training in karate while in elementary school, they would be well suited for military service and other martial arts. Remember the words of the Duke of Wellington after he defeated Napoleon "The Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of our schools." I believe this quote is truly apt.
3	Karate cannot be learned quickly. Like a slow moving bull, that eventually travels a thousand miles, if one trains diligently everyday for one to two hours, in three to four years their body structure will become different from that of an ordinary person and in many cases they will be able to master the advanced aspects of karate.
4	The training of punches and kicks is important in karate. So training with a makiwara is important. To do this, one should lower their shoulders, open their lungs, taking (out) their strength, grip the floor with one's feet and lower one's energy to their abdomen (tanden). Practice in this manner using each arm one to two hundred times.
5	In karate it is important to practice the stances with a straight back, shoulders lowered, taking (out) one's strength, putting one's strength in their legs, lowering one's energy to their abdomen (tanden). It is important to maintain proper balance between the strength of the upper and lower body.
6	Practice katas often, learning the meanings and when to use them before practicing them. There are many oral instructions for the strikes, blocks, escapes, and grappling techniques.
7	Before practicing kata, decide whether you are training for physical development or for learning the technical application.
8	When you train you should train as if on the battlefield. Make your eyes glare, lower your shoulders and harden your body. If you train with the same intensity and spirit as though you are striking and blocking against an actual opponent, you will naturally develop the same attitude as on a battlefield.
9	When training, be careful not to use an inappropriate amount of power for your body. If you do, your energy will rise to your upper body and your eyes and face will become red, which is dangerous for the body.
10	From the past there have been many karate masters who have enjoyed long lives. The reason for this is that it develops the bones and muscles and aids in digestion and circulation. If karate were introduced as a foundation for physical education in public schools, and widely practiced, we would be able to produce many students who have mastered it enough to be able to defeat ten assailants.
Prologue	In keeping with the above ten precepts, I believe that by having the students of the teacher's school practice it and, upon graduation, after receiving detailed instruction, they would be able to teach it at various elementary schools. If taught correctly, within ten years it will have spread not only throughout Okinawa, but through the entire country of Japan. I believe it will be of tremendous benefit to our nation and military. It is my hope that you will give this serious consideration.  Anko Itosu October 1908