KoToSu-Ha Shito-Ryu Kata Video Series

KoToSu-Ha

Preserving Tradition, Embracing the Future

From the earliest days of Karate—when the art was cloaked in secrecy and passed down only through spoken instruction—training was a privilege reserved for the dedicated few. There were no written manuals, and students were forbidden to take notes. Every detail had to be memorized exactly as taught, often during private sessions under the cover of night, as Karate was not openly practiced in public.

This legacy of discretion remained deeply embedded in our tradition for centuries. Prior to the 1920s, no books documented Karate, and the technology to capture it—photography and film—was costly, rare, and inaccessible to the public. As a result, Okinawan Karate remained isolated and largely unknown to the outside world.

Today, times have changed. And so has the way we share our art.

A Historic First: The IKKU Kata Video Series

It is our honor to announce a groundbreaking project—the IKKU KoToSu-Ha Shito-Ryu Kata Video Series—authorized by Soke Joseph Ruiz for our union, members, and supporters worldwide.

For the first time, the kata of KoToSu-Ha Shito-Ryu will be made available online. Until now, these techniques could only be learned firsthand at an IKKU-sanctioned dojo or official event. This release marks a rare opportunity to witness, study, and preserve the unique expression of our art.

What Makes Our Shito-Ryu Unique

Our Shito-Ryu lineage has been shaped by the influence of Kiyoshi Aihara Sensei, Kanki Izumikawa Sensei, and Shogo Kuniba Sensei, with subtle yet distinct threads of Katsu-Ryu Kempo woven throughout. This fusion gives our practice a character and depth that stands apart within the world of Karate.

Launching with the Pinan 1-5 Kata Series

We begin this journey with a special feature: the Pinan 1-5 kata series (Shodan through Godan). Filmed in the early to mid-1990s at Soke Joseph Ruiz’s hombu dojo in Augusta, GA, these recordings offer both technical precision and historical significance.

Each kata is presented in full, accompanied by context that explains its history, purpose, and place within our curriculum.

Click Here To Watch The Pinan Kata Videos!

Join the IKKU Family

We invite you to subscribe and be notified as we release more kata from the KoToSu-Ha Shito-Ryu system. This is a rare opportunity to train with us—virtually and in person—while preserving the authenticity of our art for future generations.

If you are interested in joining the IKKU and gaining access to live events, training camps, and detailed instructional materials, click here to begin your membership. Enrollment is currently open to qualified practitioners.

For upcoming training opportunities, visit our Events Calendar and plan your next step toward mastery. We look forward to seeing you on the dojo floor.

Featured Release:
Pinan 1-5 Series – Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan
Starring Soke Joseph Ruiz – Early to Mid-1990s