and deflecting an opponent's attack. In addition, there is a secret technique called torite (tuitī in Okinawan dialect), which is a rule passed down orally.. You must decide if karate is for your health or to aid your duty. When you train, do so as if on the battlefield. Your eyes should glare, shoulders drop, and body harden. You should always train with intensity and spirit, and in this way you will naturally be ready. One must not overtrain; this will cause you to lose the energy in your lower abdomen and will be harmful to your body. Your face and eyes will turn red. Train wisely. In the past, masters of karate have enjoyed long lives. Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles. It helps the digestion as well as the circulation. If karate should be introduced beginning in the elementary schools, then we will produce many men each capable of defeating ten assailants. I further believe this can be done by having all students at the Okinawa Teachers' College practice karate. In this way, after graduation, they can teach at the elementary schools at which they have been taught. I believe this will be a great benefit to our nation and our military. It is my hope you will seriously consider my suggestion. Anko Itosu, October 1908 This letter was influential in the spread of karate. See also Okinawan martial arts Pechin/Peichin Notes 'Tang Te' means 'China Art' or 'China Hand.' 'Makiwara' refers to the striking post, a training aid in karate. References External links Itosu's Ten Precepts of Okinawa karate Notes on Anko Itosu Newly discovered photo of Itosu Anko 1831 births 1915 deaths Karate coaches Okinawan male karateka People from Naha https://www.itosu-ryu.net/