KUSANKU
(AKA: Kung Syanag, Koso Kun)

 

In year 1756, a Chinese expert of Quan-Fa of Shaolin named Kushanku also known as: Ku Shanku, Kosokun, Kung Hsiang Chun, Kwang Shang Fu, Ku Shan Ku, Koshokun, Kwanku, Ko Sokun, Gong Xiang Fu; came to Okinawa, as an emissary and aggregate in a delegation with the Chinese army of the Ming dynasty. He settled with thirty six Chinese families in the village of Kanemura near the city of Naha. He lived there until 1762.

It is known that Kushanku, who was a well known expert in the fighting arts was able to overcome bigger and stronger aponents than himself.. When Kusanku left Okinawa, he left a permanent legacy behind, including famous students such as: Chatan Yara - 1740-1812) and Sakugawa (1733-1815). Kushanku was a crucial influence in the development of the extensive art of Te.

Nevertheless the most important contribution was the mediation and introduction of a Kata, named in the traditional way with the name of the “carrier” Kushanku. which was to have a great influence in Shorin-ryu style and styles evoving from it.