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Shito Ryu Karate-do is one of the four major styles of Karate in Japan. The other three styles are Shotokan, Wado Ryu and Goju Ryu. Shito Ryu was founded by Kenwa Mabuni, a direct descendant of a samurai clan. Mabuni began his training at the age of 13 under a Karate master in the Shuri area of Okinawa named, Yasutsune (Anko) Itosu. Itosu was not only highly skilled as a martial artist but also an innovator in teaching the Martial Arts. Itosu was credited as the first instructor to introduce Karate into the Okinawan public school system in 1905. Itosu was responsible for the creation of the Pinan (Heian) kata which are still being practiced today as introductory to intermediate forms in many schools. Kenwa Mabuni trained with Itosu for over 13 years until his death in 1915. Mabuni was so saddened by the death of Itosu that he built a shrine in front of his teacher’s grave and stayed near by for a full year. From Itosu, Mabuni learned the Shuri form of Karate which is composed of quick, linear techniques