Shotokan is a martial art that is practiced worldwide. It is among the four most prominent karate styles.It first became popular in Okinawa, Japan, and spread to China and the United States. In Shotokan, practitioners use punches, kicks, elbows, and other techniques to defend themselves and defeat opponents. It was founded in 1922 by Gichin Funakoshi and has been taught at various locations in Japan and worldwide. Shotokan Karate is often seen with a ‘spirit of martial arts. Funakoshi’s philosophy behind martial arts training is based on three underlying principles, which are: “harmony of the mind and body,” “the restoration of balance and harmony,” and “the preservation of a person’s basic vitality.” Here is all you need to know about Shotokan Karatedo.
The History Shotokan Karatedo
Shotokan began under the patronage of an Okinawan master named Master Gichin Funakoshi on 18 September 1922. He started the style off by teaching it to students who paid for his lessons out of their pocket. Over time it became popular and sought after as a fighting style. In 1925, Master Funakoshi made his trip to teach the technique to a group of Americans who formed the ‘Negatoro-Shorin Ryu organization in 1926. This new school of Karate was later renamed Shotokan Karatedo at the end of that year in Osaka. Under Funakoshi’s guidance, one disciple named George Ohta began teaching parts of the style in America in 1932. In 1935 Ohta created the first American Shitoryu Karatedo group.
Over the years, Funakoshi’s style of Shotokan became popular amongst many martial artists. Masters like Rashid Ahmad, a student of Funakoshi, taught the technique in India, another to his students named Noritaka Kinas, who taught in Malaysia, and to one of his other students named Gaku Homma, who taught in China. Then there was Yoshiji Soeno, who became an instructor for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
In the 1950s, the next generation of Shotokan Kaoshu masters emerged, taking their cue from Funakoshi’s original teachings. One of these was Master Gichiro Ogasawara, also known as Master K. Kato, who published his books on Shotokan at the end of the 1960s. His student Masatoshi Nakayama came to be known as Master Tatsuo Suzuki, is also known for introducing techniques such as ‘Shuto’ and ‘Jodan Uke.’ Another student of Funakoshi was named Yoshiji Soeno, who began teaching for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
In the 1950s, the next generation of Shotokan Karatedo masters emerged, taking their cue from Funakoshi’s original teachings. One of these was Master Gichiro Ogasawara, also known as Master K. Kato, and for introducing techniques such as ‘Shuto’ and ‘Jodan Uke.’ Another student of Funakoshi was named Yoshiji Soeno, who began teaching for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. This technique came to be known as ‘Tanto,’ or the finger flick. Master Soeno also introduced ‘Tekken’ (block and punch), which was to become a trademark of the style. Another student of Funakoshi was named Yoshiji Soeno, who began teaching for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. This technique came to be known as ‘Tanto,’ or the finger flick. Master Soeno also introduced ‘Tekken’ (block and punch), which was to become a trademark of the style.