Tou Di Sakugawa (1733 - 1815)
Note that I use the term Tou di instead of Karate. When O-Sensei began training in martial arts, the word Karate had barely been invented yet and Tou diwas the common term in Okinawa. "Tou di" literally means "China-hand" and refers to any martial art passed from China to Okinawa, and more commonly refers to an eclectic blend of many Chinese styles.
Tou Di Sakugawa was born in Shuri Toribori on March 3, 1733 and died on August 17, 1815 at the age of 82. Sakugawa Satunushi was a samurai. Some say that his name was Shungo. His dying father suggested that he learn the fighting arts. In Akata village, Shuri, Sakugawa found Peichin Takahara (1683-1760). Takahara was a monk, mapmaker and astronomer. Takahara Peichin was born in the village of Akata Cho in Southern Shuri. Takahara who 67 at the time and was a famous warrior of the Okinawan fighting arts. Sakugawa respectfully asked Takahara to become his student, and was accepted. He studied under him diligently.
He asked Takahara for his blessing to study with Ku Sanku, the Chinese Master, and Takahara approved. Sakugawa improved day by day as he studied with Ku Sanku.
When Master Kusanku returned to China, Sakugawa followed him
and remained in China for six years still studying with him. Sakugawa became
a famous samurai, and was given the title of Satunuky or Satonushi by the
Okinawan king. It was most likely, Sakugawa that created the kata Ku Sanku.
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