A foremost disciple of Bushi Matsumura, Yasutsune “Anko” Itosu was educated in the Chinese classics and art of calligraphy and held the position of Secretary for the Administrative Office of the Ryukyu Kingdom. His prominent students (Kentsu Yabu, Gichin Funakoshi, Chomo Hanashiro, Chotoku Kyan, Choshin Chibana, Anbun Tokuda, Chojo Oshiro, Kenwa Mabuni, Shinpan Gusukuma) would influence karate-do for many years to come.

Within the “Ten Articles of Karate,” (the letter submitted in 1908 by Anko Itosu, to the education department of Okinawa Prefecture, petitioning the introduction of karate into the regular public school curriculum), essential characteristics of Shorin-ryu are detailed. In Shorin-ryu, natural and relaxed stances and breathing methods are taught along with a unique method of taking in power and releasing it. The practitioner takes in power from inside outward, making concentration of power easy and which, combined with the quickness of movement, increases the force of an attack.