Of Itosu-Kai.
Itosu-Kai Karatedo of Japan – Queensland Dojo is a sports club located in Sunshine Coast Regional, dedicated to teaching the ancient and honourable art of Itosu-ryu Karate-do (Way of the Empty Hand). The club offers both traditional Japanese karate and modern sports karate, with a focus on the mastery of kata (form) and self-defence techniques.
The club prides itself on providing a safe and enjoyable environment for both younger and older practitioners, with highly qualified and experienced teachers leading the classes. It is normal for new members to feel uncertain or overwhelmed at first, but they soon feel at ease as they make friends and learn the basics.
Karate-do at Itosu-Kai is not just about physical fitness, but also character building. Respect is emphasised throughout every aspect of training, and students are encouraged to develop confidence, self-esteem, coordination, resilience, and a humble spirit of service to humanity. The club believes that the development of friendships, physical fitness, and spiritual strength is essential for mastery of Itosu-ryu karate.
Itosu-ryu Karatedo dates back to the Edo era of Japan and was founded by Sensei Anko Itosu. Sensei Itosu adapted and improved the self-defence technique “Karate-Jitsu” for physical education, with a focus on character building and physical exercise. Many of the kata practised today were created by Sensei Itosu, with Pinan Kata being the most widely practised.
Sensei Kenwa Mabuni, a senior student of Sensei Itosu, succeeded him as the Itosu-ha 2nd Soke and went on to found Shito-ryu, a style that combines teachings from Sensei Itosu and Sensei Kanryo Higaonna of Naha-te, as well as other teachers. O'Sensei Ryusho Sakagami, a student of Sensei Mabuni, became the 3rd Soke of the Itosu-ha and eventually changed the official name to “Itosu-ryu” to distinguish it from Shito-ryu.
Sensei Sadaaki Sakagami, the first son of O'Sensei Ryusho Sakagami, succeeded him as the 4th Itosu-ryu Soke and continues to preserve the traditional Kata that have been passed down through three generations. He is highly respected in the karate community, holding the position of Chairperson of Japan Karate-do Federation (JKF) Central Technical Committee and being awarded the title of Karatedo Hanshi by JKF.
Itosu-Kai Karatedo of Japan – Queensland Dojo welcomes individuals of all ages and skill levels who are interested in learning and experiencing the art of Itosu-ryu Karate-do. Whether looking to improve physical fitness, develop self-confidence, or gain a deeper understanding of martial arts, the club offers a supportive and enriching environment to help achieve these goals.