Tode Sakukawa (Sakugawa Satunuku 1733 - 1815). In 1750, Sakugawa began his training as a student of an Okinawan monk, Peichin Takahara. After six years of training, Takahara suggested that Sakugawa train under Kusanku, a Chinese master in Ch'uan Fa. Sakugawa spent six years training with Kusanku.

The teachings of Kusanku enabled Sakugawa to combine the essence of both Te and Chinese Boxing principles. These principles form the basis of modern day Shorinryu Karatedo.

After Kusanku's death (around 1762), Sakugawa developed and named the Kusanku kata in honor of his teacher.

Sakugawa's most famous student, Sokon Matsumura, went on to create the Shorinryu style of karatedo.