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Yasutsune Azato 1827 – 1906 was an Okinawan master of Karate born in the town of Azato into the 'Tonichi' one of the two highest classes of Okinwan society.  He was advisor to the King on both military subjects and questions of Okinawan politics.   Azato had a key role in the royal inner circle along with his close friend Anko Itosu, both studied Karate together under Sokon Matsumura.  Training under Matsumara was relentless and always conducted early in the morning before dawn until the sun came up with no exception or observation of holidays.    Azato was also a highly trained swordsman, horseman and archer and along with Itosu helped spearhead the movement which introduced the defensive tradition in to the public school system.  

It was Azato along with Itosu who were responsible for the instruction of Gichin Funakoshi, who was a school friend of his (Azato's) son. Azato passed on to Funakoshi the methodology that would help him develop modern Karate.  He had taken his strict teaching style from Matsumura and would have Funakoshi repeating again and again the same Kata and it was from this the rule of three years per Kata arose.  Azato made himself aware of all of the martial artists on the Island, detailing all of their strengths and weaknesses saying "know yourself and your enemy; this is the secret key of strategy".

Azato once tested his ability by challenging a sword master Yorin Kanna, a master from the Jigen-ryu school of the sword in Satsuma to a match.  Azato was unarmed and won the match using his lightening fast tai-sabaki, disarming Kanna and immobilised him several times.

Funakoshi is quoted as saying Azato was "the greatest Karate master" and had upmost respect and admiration for his teacher.  All of the records on Azato have come from Funakoshi and to date no one has found a photo or drawing of him.
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