The Roots of Modern Karate: Itosu Ankō’s Ten Precepts (with Taekwon-Do Commentary)
by Roy Rolstad, VI Dan, ITF Taekwon-Do
In 1908, Master Itosu Ankō wrote a letter to the Ministries of Education and War, outlining his vision for karate’s role in public education. Known as the Tode Jukun, or Ten Precepts of Karate, this letter profoundly shaped the development of karate, and by extension, Taekwon-Do, as it transitioned from a combative civilian art to a school-based discipline.
What’s often overlooked is that this transformation occurred during a time of significant political upheaval: Korea was then under increasing control of the Japanese Empire. By 1910, Korea was formally annexed and would remain under Japanese rule until 1945. Korean martial arts were suppressed, and Japanese styles like karate were taught in schools, often as a form of cultural assimilation.
While Itosu’s motives were sincere, his approach also became a vehicle for Japanese imperial policy, contributing to a version of karate, and later Taekwon-Do, that emphasized conformity, discipline, and physical education over practical self-defense.
1. Karate is for Health and Conditioning
"Karate is not originally intended for attack or defense. Its aim lies in improving the health and conditioning of children."
Radix view: Here lies the first pivot, karate (and later Taekwon-Do) was rebranded as physical education. While health is essential, the original self-defense intent was obscured.
2. Karate Should Begin in Schools
"By training in karate, students will become stronger and more courageous, and will be better prepared for national service if needed."
Radix view: Training children in basics is beneficial, but when applications are stripped out to make karate “safe,” the student’s understanding of the art becomes incomplete.
3. Karate Requires No Weapons
"Therefore, it is ideal for physical education... and easy to implement without special equipment."
Radix view: A double-edged sword. Simplicity allowed karate to spread widely, but at the cost of depth. Many applications involving joint locks, throws, and pressure points were lost in this simplification.
4. Start with Kata (Patterns)
"Students should learn kata well and not rush to learn applications."
Radix view: Patterns were emphasized, but their meaning was not. At ITF Radix, we believe patterns must be taught with application in mind to preserve their purpose.
5. Consistent and Correct Training is Key
"Constant and sincere training is the only way to master karate."
Radix view: Absolutely true. But consistent repetition of misunderstood movements leads only to well-practiced confusion. Intent matters.
6. Teach According to Level
"Beginners must not attempt advanced techniques."
Radix view: Yes, but what counts as "advanced"? Radix breaks down complex ideas into scalable drills, ensuring students of all levels learn meaning, not just motion.
7. Karate Builds Character
"Karate nurtures courage and discipline... calmness and decisiveness."
Radix view: Training should strengthen character and capability. But removing the stressors of real application (contact, unpredictability, pressure) makes this incomplete.
8. Never Use Karate for Ego
"The purpose of karate is self-improvement and service, not violence or dominance."
Radix view: A principle we fully support. Radix exists to empower, not impress.
9. Understand the Principles Behind Movements
"The kata are not meaningless."
Radix view: This is our core mission. Every move in Tul has intent, biomechanics, and context. Rediscovering that is the essence of Radix.
10. Widespread Practice Will Benefit the Nation
"Japan will have stronger, more disciplined citizens."
Radix view: True martial arts build better citizens. But that includes teaching people how to protect themselves and others, not just follow directions in a dojang.
Historical Context: Karate, Empire, and Taekwon-Do’s Origins
This period of karate's evolution coincided with Japan’s imperial expansion. Korea, the birthplace of Taekwon-Do, was annexed by Japan in 1910, just two years after Itosu’s letter. During this time:
- Japanese martial arts were taught in Korean schools.
- Korean martial traditions were marginalized or erased.
- Many early Taekwon-Do pioneers (like Choi Hong Hi) learned karate in Japan, and later reinterpreted it through a Korean lens.
The legacy of Itosu’s reforms, both good and bad, thus became part of Taekwon-Do’s DNA.
Conclusion
Itosu Ankō laid a noble foundation, but his push to adapt karate for schools marked the beginning of a great compromise. Over a century later, the need to restore depth and meaning to our patterns has never been greater.
That’s the mission of ITF Radix:
To return the why to every how, and to treat tul not as performance, but as strategy, survival, and structure.
