Mabuni began his training in his hometown at the age of 13 under the guidance of Anko Itosu. He trained every day and within seven years learned the Shuri-te style. At the age of 20, Mabuni's friend Chojun Miyagi (founder of Goju-ryu) introduced him to the Naha-te master, Kanryo Higaonna, whom Mabuni began training under. It was these two styles, Shuri-te and Naha-te, that would form the basis for Shito-ryu.

After graduating from high school and being discharged from the army, Mabuni went to work as a police officer. His position allowed him to travel the country, affording him the opportunity to train in other forms of Karate with little known, local masters. 1910 saw the official recognition of Karate as it was introduced into the Okinawan school system as a separate subject. In 1913, Mabuni and other well-known instructors began to popularize Karate. Mabuni organized meetings at his house which were attended by Gichin Funakoshi, Choju Oshiro, Choshin Chibana, Shimpan Shiroma, Seicho Tokuumura and Hoko Ishikawa. Mabuni made a few trips to Japan in 1915 to teach Karate. In 1918 Mabuni had the honor to demonstrate Karate-Do at the Okinawa Middle School in the presence of Prince Kuni and Prince Kacho. Kenwa Mabuni became the Karate-Do instructor in two schools in 1924 and received the honor to demonstrate the Art for Prince Titibu. With other masters, Mabuni organized "Okinawan Karate-Do Club" in 1925, which brought to life his dream of establishing a permanent training dojo. Many famous Karate-Do leaders like Juhatsu Kyoda, Chojun Miyagi, Choyu Motobu, Chomo Hanashiro, Choju Oshiro, Choshin Chibana, and Wu Xianhui (Go Kenki) trained in this first dojo. Kenwa Mabuni and Chojun Miyagi became the permanent instructors of the club as the youngest members.

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