International Karate Institute

Anko Itosu (1831–1915) is one of the most important figures in Karate history—not because he fought the most battles, but because he transformed Karate from a hidden art into a structured discipline that could be taught to the public.
Before Itosu’s time, Karate was practiced in secrecy in Okinawa, passed privately from master to student. It was not meant for large groups, and certainly not for children. Itosu changed that. As a student of Sokon Matsumura, he inherited a powerful fighting system—but he saw a bigger purpose for it.
In the early 1900s, Itosu introduced Karate into the Okinawan school system. To make it suitable for students, he simplified and structured the training, creating the Pinan (Heian) kata—forms designed to teach fundamentals in a clear, progressive way. This made Karate safer, more organized, and easier to learn in groups.
He also wrote the famous “Ten Precepts of Karate” (1908), where he explained the value of Karate not just as a fighting method, but as a way to build health, discipline, and character. This helped convince authorities that Karate belonged in education.
Because of his efforts, Karate moved out of secrecy and into society. His students went on to become some of the greatest founders in history, including Gichin Funakoshi and Kenwa Mabuni—which means his influence shaped nearly every major Karate style today.
Anko Itosu didn’t just teach Karate—
he made it possible for the world to learn it. 🔥

Congratulations to Luis Fernando Vallejo Irias on his induction for Honduran Sensei of the Year Award in the International Black Belt Hall of Fame in Pittsburgh, USA. Luis is a member of IKI.

It is with great pride to honor Luis Fernando Vallejo Irias (IKI member) into the USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame. Sensei Luis also had his Sandan Yudansha (3rd Degree Blackbelt) registered internationally.

Congratulations to IKI Master Nasir Swati on his Gold at the World competition in Australia!

"Encouraged by other teachers around me to seek the support of my father, Gichin Funakoshi sensei, I quit my job as an X-ray technician and devoted myself to karate." - Master Yosh*taka Funakoshi
Source: https://www.yoshin-kan.com/post/funakoshi-karate

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