[1] Chitose developed Chitō-ryū using his understanding of physiology to adjust traditional techniques to make them both more effective and less detrimental to the bodies of long-term practitioners.

[1] Chitose created Chitō-ryū by combining the strength techniques from Shuri-te (see also Shōrin-ryū and Shōrei-ryū), with those of Naha-te.

There are some exceptions to this; Chitō-ryū versions of Seisan, Bassai and Chintō are nearly identical to the original Shōrin-ryū forms as taught by Chōtoku Kyan.

Overall, the higher-level kata of Chitō-ryū show a decisively strong Chinese influence compared to other Karate systems.

[12],[13] Chitose's own book, "Kempō Karate-dō" states that he learned this kata from Hanashiro Chōmo at Sōgen-ji.

There is a set of eleven Niseishi kaisetsu (解説, "explanation") techniques which are drawn from movements in the kata and are executed with a partner.

The kanji used in Chitō-ryū translates as: sei (正) - "correct"; san (整) - "arrangement or position".

[citation needed] Although not practiced in every style, Seisan appears in all three major Karate lineages in Okinawa--Shōrin-ryū, Gojū-ryū and Uechi-ryū.

[citation needed] The kanji used for Bassai are batsu (抜) - "to extract or remove"; sai (塞) - "close, shut, or cover".

While sharing a name with kata from other styles, the Chitō-ryū version of Sōchin (荘鎮) is completely different and seems to be Chitose's own creation.

[citation needed] Distinctive elements of the Chitō-ryū version include defense and attack to all four sides and the bull like posture with the arms.

Rōhai (鷺牌) shō (小, "small") or dai (大, "large") in Chitō-ryū is a kata completely different from those in other styles, and it seems to be Chitose's own creation.

The stance transitions are complex with the trailing leg sometimes pulling up and creating a shorter seisan-dachi, which is unlike other kata in the style.

Like Niseishi, Sanchin (三戦, "Three battles") is a very old kata that is also generally acknowledged as originating in southern China from the Fujian White Crane style of martial art.

Ideally, it is supposed to take no less than seven minutes to perform properly and focuses on highly developed use of breathing techniques and shime.

In Chitō-ryū, Sanchin is generally considered a senior dan kata, and is usually only required at levels above yondan.

The design was based on the original crest of the Japan Karatedo Federation (財団法人 全日本空手道連盟, Zaidan Hōjin Zen Nippon Karate-dō Renmei) founded by Toyama Kanken, of which Chitō-ryū is a member.

Chitose first visited Canada in 1967, accompanied by protégé Mamoru Yamamoto (who would later go on to found Yōshūkai Karate-dō).

This trip was organized by Masami Tsuruoka, recognized as the father of Canadian karate by Black Belt Magazine,[18] who was then head of Chitō-ryū in Canada.

During this trip, Chitose presided over events at the Canadian National Karate Tournament in Toronto and conducted clinics at dōjō across Canada.

[citation needed] However, in 2008, a rift occurred between the Canadian Chito-ryū Karate-dō Association[19] and the Japanese parent organization.

Dōjō in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia remain associated with the parent organization in Japan.

Chitō-ryū was introduced to Australia by Vance Prince in 1969, after studying in Toronto, Ontario, Canada under Shane Higashi.

[citation needed] Over the next six years Prince trained and qualified six black belt students, who went on to establish clubs throughout Australia.

[25] Noonan currently teaches at the Tasseikan dōjō in Sydney and has been granted the rank of 7th dan (七段) and Renshi (錬士, "instructor").