Chito-Ryu is a traditional form of Karate that originated in Kumamoto, Japan and has its international headquarters located there. This martial art was founded by Dr Chitose, a highly respected medical doctor who studied at Tokyo University. Coming from a renowned martial arts family, Dr Chitose was instructed by some of the most famous names in the Karate world. In 1946, he developed the Chito-Ryu system based on his extensive studies as the 6th master of To-de, which is the precursor to modern-day Karate.
What sets Chito-Ryu apart from other martial arts is its incorporation of the strengths of Shuri no Te, now known as Shorin-Ryu, and Naha no Te, now known as Shorei-Ryu, along with Dr Chitose's knowledge of physiology. While retaining the devastating self-defence techniques of the fighting tradition, Chito-Ryu also offers numerous health benefits. Through training in Chito-Ryu, practitioners can develop an indomitable spirit as well as a strong body and mind, which can be advantageous in all areas of life.
Chito-Ryu is considered a traditional form of Karate-Do, with a clear lineage and roots that trace back over a thousand years. To learn more about the history of Chito-Ryu, one can access additional information on their website.
The Chito-Ryu Association in Australia, known as the ICKFA Inc, has several profiles of notable individuals associated with the organisation. These include current instructors such as Mike Noonan (Renshi) and Shane Ker, as well as historical profiles.
Chito-Ryu has branches spread across various regions in Australia, including Sydney, Newcastle, Blue Mountains, Western NSW, and South East QLD. In the Sydney region, there are dojos located in Peakhurst and Kogarah-Bay. The Peakhurst dojo is situated at Shop 2, 113 Boundary Rd, and is led by Head Instructor Mike Noonan (Renshi) and Jun-Shidoin Shane Ker. The Kogarah-Bay dojo is hosted at the Progress Association Hall on 43 Ramsgate Road.
Similarly, it is headed by Mike Noonan (Renshi) and Shane Ker. The contact information for each dojo can be found on their respective websites.
Newcastle, in the Hunter Region, also has a Chito-Ryu dojo with Head Instructor Mike Noonan (Renshi), Jun-Shidoin Greg Field, and Viktoria Crouch-Reeves. The contact information for the Newcastle dojo can be obtained by contacting the provided phone number.
In the Blue Mountains and Western NSW region, dojos can be found in Lithgow, Katoomba, and Bathurst. The Lithgow dojo, led by Head Instructor Mark Snow (Shihan) and Jun-Shidoin Adam McDonald, is located at 3 Young St, behind the Squash Courts. The Katoomba dojo is situated at Katoomba Public School on Merriwa Street and is headed by Mark Snow (Shihan). The Bathurst dojo is currently closed but will be reopening soon, with Mark Snow (Shihan) as the Head Instructor.
The contact details for each of these dojos can be obtained by calling the provided phone numbers.
Chito-Ryu also has a presence in the South East Queensland region, where dojos can be found in Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. The Maroochydore dojo on Depot St in Maroochydore is headed by Head Instructor Martin Phillips (Shihan) and Shidoin Sandra Phillips. The Gold Coast Ashmore dojo on Harper St in Ashmore has Martin Phillips (Shihan) as the Head Instructor and Jun-Shidoin Adam Higgins. The contact information for these dojos can be obtained from the provided phone numbers.
Chito-Ryu offers members an exclusive area on their website where they can access a variety of resources to enhance their understanding of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do. These resources include newsletters from the ICKFA and other selected materials that are publicly available. Additionally, the members area provides access to an ever-growing list of resources, such as videos, for general members and instructors.
Overall, Chito-Ryu is a traditional form of Karate that combines devastating self-defence techniques with beneficial health outcomes. With its strong history and clear lineage, Chito-Ryu has established itself in various regions throughout Australia, providing training opportunities for individuals of all levels of experience.