Chito-Ryu Karate was founded in Japan by the Okinawan master Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898 - 1984). Chitose (O Sensei), based his teachings on extensive study of Okinawan Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu karate and his medical knowledge of physiology. He combined the strengths of these two systems and eliminated training elements detrimental to the practitioner’s health. The characters in the name Chito-Ryu Karate translate as Chi = 1000 (years), To = Tang Dynasty in China (618 - 907AD), Ryu = Style, Kara = Empty, Te = Hand & Do = Way or Method.