Sakugawa Kanga (Tode Sakugawa)

Tode / Satunushi

Legendary Okinawan master, teacher of Bushi Matsumura, and historic pioneer of Okinawan Tode (Karate).

Quick Facts

Date of Birth1786

Date of Death1867

Era18th–19th century

Country of OriginOkinawa (Japan)

Rank / TitleFather of Okinawan Tode

Active Years1800–1867

Biography

Sakugawa Kanga (Tode Sakugawa) studied in China under Kushanku. Synthesizing Chinese boxing with Okinawan Te, he created the foundational Kushanku kata and Sakugawa staff routines.

Associated Martial Arts

KarateNotable figure→

An Okinawan striking art reshaped in the 20th century into Japanese budo and an Olympic sport. Built on kata and hand and foot techniques.