Itosu-Kai Karate-Do is a sports club located in Central Coast, Australia. The club offers training in both traditional Japanese karate and modern sports karate. Itosu-Kai's focus is on the mastery of kata (form), which is the foundation of self-defence techniques and sparring. Practising karate-do, particularly kata, brings numerous benefits to all individuals, young and old, such as confidence, self-esteem, coordination, and resilience.
The Itosu-ryu style of karate-do has been established in Australia for over three decades. This longevity is attributed to the highly qualified and experienced teachers who ensure that classes are run safely and enjoyably. The club understands that new members may feel uncertain or overwhelmed initially, but they assure that members and instructors have all experienced the same feelings. As soon as individuals make friends and start learning the basics, they will quickly feel at ease.
Character building is an essential aspect of karate-do. Respect is at the core of Itosu-Kai's teachings, and they strive to instil this value in their students. Developing friendships, physical fitness, and spiritual strength are crucial steps towards mastering Itosu-ryu karate. As individuals progress in their karate journey, they will find themselves serving humanity humbly and fulfilling their presence in the world with courage and compassion.
Sensei Anko Itosu, the founder of Itosu-ryu Karate-do, reorganised the self-defence technique “Karate-Jitsu” during the Edo era in Japan. He made it suitable for physical education curriculum, focusing on character building and physical exercise. Sensei Itosu also created numerous Kata, with the Pinan Kata being the most widely practised today. His senior student, Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, became the second Soke and was the founder of Shito-ryu, a style that combined teachings from Sensei Itosu and Sensei Kanryo Higaonna.
O'Sensei Ryusho Sakagami, having studied under Sensei Mabuni, became the third Soke of the Itosu-ha. He initially named his style “Shito-ryu Itosu-kai” to honour Sensei Mabuni but changed it to “Itosu-ryu” in April 1969 to differentiate it from Shito-ryu. Sensei Sadaaki Sakagami, the first son of O'Sensei Sakagami, succeeded him as the fourth Itosu-ryu Soke in 1993. He has upheld the traditional Kata that have been passed down through three generations and has been awarded the 9th Dan by the Japan Karate-do Rengokai.
Sensei Sakagami is highly respected in the karate-do community and serves as the Chairperson of Japan Karate-do Federation Central Technical Committee and the Nihon Karatedo Rengokai President.
Itosu-Kai Karate-Do welcomes individuals to embark on a journey of friendship, physical fitness, and spiritual growth through the ancient art of Itosu-ryu Karate-do. With experienced instructors and a focus on respect, the club offers a safe and enjoyable environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to learn and practise karate-do.