History of
Shotokan
Karate, (Which means, "empty hand") is an
oriental Art of defense based upon proper use of the body and mind. Its history
is said to date back over 2000 years and involve development in India, China,
Korea and other countries.
Karate as we know it today was introduced to Japan
from Okinawa in 1022 when Gichin Funakoshi (20 Principles of Master
Funakoshi) presented a
demonstration in Tokyo. Karate in Okinawa had two primary schools: the Shorei
School, which was characterized by forceful breathing and short hard movements,
and the Shorin School, which was characterized by sharp, fast long movements.
Funakoshi put the techniques of both schools together to formulate what he
considered a more all-around style.
Master Funakoshi never named his style of karate, but
his students called it "Shotokan". Funakoshi's calligraphy pen name
was Shoto, and kan means, building. Thus, we have the translation of Shotokan,
or House of Funakoshi.
In the early 1950's many of master Funakoshi's
students formed a large organization for the continued propagation of the Art.
Since Master Funakoshi had never officially named his style, the students, in
respect to him, called the organization the Nihon Karate Kyokai, which is
translated to "Japan Karate Association" (JKA).
Master Funakoshi passed away in 1957. However, he had
taught many students in Japan, thus assuring the continuing spread of Karate
not only throughout Japan, but also throughout the world. As a result of Master
Funakoshi's leadership, the JKA is now one of the largest karate organizations
in the world. It's current leaders, students of Master Funakoshi, are some of
the most respected karate practitioners in the world, renowned in brilliant
technicians.
But the major purpose of the JKA has less to do with
physical technique than with personal development, as reflected by its motto:
"The ultimate aim of the Art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but
in the perfection of the character of the individual". This idea is also
represented by Mr. Funakoshi's Well-known quote: "To win one hundred
victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill; to subdue the enemy
without fighting is the highest skill.": It is the spirit of this
philosophy which "International Shotokan Karate Federation"
(I.S.K.F.) seeks to promote.