Itosu-Kai Karatedo of Japan – Chatswood Dojo is a sports club located in Sydney, Australia. They offer training in both traditional Japanese karate and modern sports karate, with a focus on the Itosu-ryu style. The Itosu-ryu style is centred around the mastery of kata, which includes the fundamentals of self-defence and sparring techniques.
The club has been in existence in Australia for over 3 decades, thanks to the highly qualified and experienced teachers who run safe and enjoyable classes. They aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members, helping them feel comfortable as they learn the basics and make new friends.
Karate-do is seen as a character-building practise at Itosu-Kai Karatedo. Respect is at the core of their teachings, and they strive to instil this value in all students. The club believes that the development of friendships, physical fitness, and spiritual strength is essential in the pursuit of mastery of Itosu-ryu karate. As students progress in their training, they will find themselves humbly serving humanity, embodying courage and compassion.
Itosu-ryu Karatedo has a rich history that dates back to the Edo era of Japan. It was founded by Sensei Anko Itosu, who reorganised the self-defence technique “Karate-Jitsu” to make it suitable for physical education curriculum. One of his senior students, Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, succeeded him and further developed the style, incorporating teachings from other masters he had the honour of studying under.
O'Sensei Ryusho Sakagami, who studied under Sensei Mabuni, became the 3rd Soke of the Itosu-ha and distinguished Itosu-ryu from Shito-ryu by changing the official name to “Itosu-ryu. ” Sensei Sadaaki Sakagami, the first son of O'Sensei Sakagami, succeeded him as the 4th Itosu-ryu Soke and currently serves as the Chairperson of Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF) Central Technical Committee.
At Itosu-Kai Karatedo of Japan – Chatswood Dojo, students can expect to embark on a lifelong journey of friendship, physical fitness, and spiritual strength as they learn and practise the ancient art of Itosu-ryu Karate-do. The club welcomes anyone who is interested in karate and seeks personal growth and development in a respectful and supportive environment.