Chinto (Gankaku) kata histoory & Bunkai - 17min video exceprt

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The kata was most likely spread to shito ryu, and other lineages via Sokon Matsumura (1809—circa 1902). In particular the historical notes point to him having learnt this from a Chinese sailor who was possibly shipwrecked on Okinawa. But it has been pointed out to me that this Chinese figure, who is referred to Chinto or Anan (with both names of course linked to 2 differing kata) likely taught a small number of other karate masters of the 1800s and its spread through Okinawa may in fact be via more than one just Matsumura.

Some Okinawan research that emerged in the last few years through Hanshi Sells also suggests another translation of Fighting to the East as a name that may be related to Chinese origins via a “fighting towards the rising sun” lore being something more noted as Chinese and NOT of Okinawan origins. Hanshi Sells has also suggested that any physical form links to China for the kata are essentially gone.

In regards to Shito-ryu, its spread is from Matsumura to Itosu Ankoh and then Kenwa Mabuni the founder of shito-ryu. Of course Itosu Ankoh was the sensei of Shotokan’s founder Funakoshi and it was Funakoshi who made his version and renamed it Gankaku for the style now known as shotokan.

The story of the kata's heritage I have just outlined appears to have had its chain of information firstly via a newspaper article around 1900 where Itosu Ankoh was interviewed, the article was then further spread via a quote of this source through a book by Zenryo Shimabukuro sensei...

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