Saito-Ha Shito-Ryu Karate-Do For the Modern Warrior

This book captures the very essence of the true principles of principles taught by the Del Saito to many students here in the United States and abroad over many decades which focus on the development of good character, a healthy mind and body, and the higher calling for serving others. Since the late 1960s, Del has lived by example with his healthy attitude and wholesome philosophy while teaching the fundamentals, history, philosophy, competition and self defense of karate. This book is especially a good read for parents who want to instill good moral character, inspire confidence, discipline and leadership skills in their children. This work has been a synergistic outcome coordinated with many of the author's students, Karate masters, friends, and supporters. It began in the 1980s when he decided to collect all of his notes, thoughts, and experiences together and present them in an organized book. Del Saito's hope is to assist others in making their journey in Karate both rewarding and enjoyable. The information set forth in this book will share with you, the student of Karate, information he has attained in his lifelong passion with devotion to martial art. Del Saito was born in 1948 in the small Hawaiian town of Wailuku, on the island of Maui. His family later moved to Sunset Beach, a small community on the North Shore of Oahu. During his formative years here, surrounded by the vast beauty of the Pacific Ocean, he began his journey in the martial arts. Since then, he has taught, and organized seminars and tournaments, sharing his knowledge and passion for Karate. He was graciously honored with countless awards for his leadership and dedication. He served as the National Director of the International Karate Federation of Hawaii and also was the National Executive Director for Karate for the United States Amateur Athletic Union. In 1994, his 35th year of service, he was inducted into the International Karate Hall of Fame. Preserving and teaching the true essence of Karate, while instilling a sense of human decency in his students, is the foundation of his teaching. He believes in the importance of inspiring his students to embrace and develop the essential qualities of strong human character, and these are godliness, honesty, and trustworthiness. Humility, understanding, and compassion. Bravery and fairness, discipline and commitment. In 2008, at the age of 60, he decided to explore a new avenue in his study of Karate. He was drawn to the artistic and powerful pure Shito-ryu style, and began training with the Nihon Karate-do Kai under Master Kenzo Mabuni, son of Kenwa Mabuni, founder of the Shito-ryu style. Soke Mabuni was so impressed with his Karate-do knowledge and organizational skills that he gave his blessing for him to pursue his personal vision of Shito-ryu independently, without the constraint of any organization. Del Saito is the only instructor granted this high honor by Kenzo Mabuni Soke. So, in his 49th year in the martial arts, he founded the Saito-ha Shito-ryu Karate-do. "We need to conduct ourselves with proper attitudes, with the ultimate goal of capturing a higher level of understanding while practicing the art of Karate-do."