Chito Ryu Karate was developed by the Okinawan Karate master, Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898-1984). His teaching was based on his extensive study of Okinawan Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu karate and his medical knowledge of physiology. He combined the strengths of these two systems and eliminated the training elements which were detrimental to the health and well-being of the practitioner.

Currently,the Internatinal Chito Ryu Karate-do Federation is headed by Chitose Sensei, 2nd generation Soke of Chito-Ryu Karate-do. The Federation's headquarter is in Kumamoto, Japan. Chito-Ryu dojos are in Japan, Canada, USA, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Norway and Hong Kong.