History of Shotokan Karate
Shotokan Karate is highly respected as one of the best systems of traditional karate in the world. Originally developed in China, the technique of karate spread from Okinawa to Japan in the early 18th century as a self-defense martial art called "Budo." It was in Japan that karate became the systemized form of martial art as we know it today.
Its popularity is credited to Master Gichin Funakoshi
(1868-1957), who brought the art from Okinawa to
Japan.
Master Funakoshi is often referred to as “The father of
modern karate.” Shoto means "pine waves", while kan
means "streams" or styles. Shoto was the pen name of
Gichin Funakoshi's. Loosely translated, Shotokan means
the style of Funakoshi, as opposed to other styles. The
practice in Shotokan is based on the premise "ikken hisatsu",
or a single blow must decide all.
Today we follow the guidelines of Master Hidetaka Nishiyama, the head of
our organization, and a direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi.
If your hand goes
forth
Withhold your anger
If your anger goes forth
Withhold your hand
Gichin
Funakoshi
founder of Shotokan Karate
