When looking at the history of shotokan karate, we have early records with the Egyptians from about 3000BC!
In more recent times :), the Chinese emperor Shi-Huang-Di (221-206 BC), was buried with more than 7,000 life-size terracotta figures, which included horses and soldiers to guard him in the afterlife.
Some of the unarmed soldiers are clearly in some sort of martial arts fighting stances.
Okinawan Karate And The 36 Families
In the 13th Century, martial arts was already developing among the indigenous people of Okinawa, then in the 14th century, there was many cultural exchanges between Okinawa and China.
These exchanges brought many families to Okinawa, which included scholars, craftsmen, scientists and several martial arts masters, who shared their Kung-Fu expertise with the Okinawan nobility.
These Chinese martial arts masters heavily influenced the already developing fighting arts on Okinawa, which became known as Tode (Chinese hand).
A huge influence on the development of Karate was White Crane Kung Fu from Fujian in China.
In 1429, the three kingdoms on Okinawa unified to form the Kingdom of Ryukyu. When King Shō Shin came into power in 1477, he banned the practice of martial arts.
Tode (Chinese Hand) continued to be taught in secret, then in 1609 Okinawa was invaded by the Satsuma Domain of Japan. The ban continued and the development of Tode carried on in secret, at this time Tode was also referred to as Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand).
The White Crane Kung-Fu Connection
White Crane Kung-Fu is a Southern Chinese martial art that originated in Fujian province.
White Crane Kung-Fu was developed from closely watching and examining the crane’s movements. It is known for it’s close quarter fighting. White Crane Kung Fu, from Fujian in China, was instrumental in the development of karate on Okinawa.
By the 18th century, different types of Okinawa Te had developed in three different areas of Okinawa, they were Shuri, Naha and Tomari. Okinawa now had three slightly different styles, Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te.
History Of Shotokan Karate
Gichin Funakoshi The founder Of shotokan Karate
Gichin Funakoshi Lineage
Gichin Funakoshi was born on November 10, 1868. At primary school, he became close friends with the son of Ankō Asato, a karate master who would soon become funakoshi’s first karate teacher.
Gichin Funakoshi soon became good friends with the Asato family and was soon making daily trips to go and practice karatedo with Anko Asato.
Funakoshi also trained with Anko Itosu, was known for his incredible punches, who also created the Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate.
Anko Itosu also played a major role in introducing karate into Okinawa’s schools. Anko Itosu also developed the 5 Heian kata from the longer kata Channan, as he believed Kusanku (Kanku dai) was to hard for beginners to learn.
Itosu did a similar thing with long kata Naihanchi, breaking it down into three tekki kata we have today.
Anko Itosu, Anko Asato and Gichin Funakoshi also trained under Matsumura “Bushi” Sōkon (1809-1899).
Matsumura “Bushi” Sōkon (1809-1899), was chief martial arts instructor and bodyguard for the Okinawan King Shō Kō.
He subsequently served in this capacity for the last two Okinawan kings, Shō Iku and Shō Tai. Matsumura travelled to China and studied Chuan Fa and other martial arts which he shared with his students on Okinawa.
Matsumura “Bushi” Sōkon was a student of Kanga (Tode) Sakugawa (1733-1815).
Kanga Sakugawa began his training in 1750 as a student of Takahara Pēchin (1683-1760). After six years of training, Takahara suggested that Sakugawa train under Kusanku, a Chinese master in Ch’uan Fa.
Sakugawa spent six years training with Kusanku. He became so good that people gave him, as a nickname: “Tōde” Sakugawa (Sakugawa “Chinese Hand”).
Takahara Pēchin was an early karate practitioner. He was known as a great martial artist and is believed to have been the first to explain the principles of the dō (“way”).
These principles are:
1) ijō, the way-compassion, humility, and love.
2) katsu, the laws-complete understanding of all techniques and forms of karate.
3) fo, dedication-the seriousness of karate that must be understood not only in practice, but in actual combat. The collective translation is: “One’s duty to himself and his fellow man.”
Takahara Pēchin studied under Chatan Yara (1668–1756). Chatan Yara is believed to be the first karateka to spread karate around the island of Okinawa.
Chatan Yara studied under Kusanku (1670–1762).
Kūsankū, also known as Kwang Shang Fu, was a Chinese martial artist master who is credited as having an influence on all the karate on Okinawa.
Kūsankū learned the art of Ch’uan Fa in China from a Shaolin monk. It is likely that he studied martial arts in Fujian for much of his life.
Kūsankū was sent to Ryukyu in 1756 as an ambassador of the Qing Dynasty. He lived in the village of Kumemura, near Naha. During his stay in Ryukyu, Kūsankū also taught Kanga Sakugawa.
After Kūsankū’s death, Kanga Sakugawa created and named the Kusanku kata in honor of his teacher.
Shotokan is named after Funakoshi’s pen name, Shōtō (松濤), which means “waving pines”. Kan means training hall.
This name was coined by Funakoshi’s students when they posted a sign above the entrance of the hall at which Funakoshi taught.
In 1922 when Gichin Funakoshi was 54 years old, he held a demonstration of Okinawan karate-jutsu at the first Ministry of Education Sponsored Physical Education Exhibition.
This demonstration was the first ever public display of karate-jutsu in Japan, it was an incredible success.
In 1936, Funakoshi built the first Shōtōkan dojo (pictured) in Tokyo. At about this time he also changed the written characters of karate to mean “empty hand” (空手) instead of “China hand” (唐手) (literally Tang dynasty) to downplay its connection to Chinese boxing.
Karate had borrowed many aspects from Chinese boxing.
Gichin Funakoshi published several books on karate including his autobiography, Karate-Do: My Way of Life.
However many karateka believe his most importnt work was a document containing his philosophies of karate training now referred to as the niju kun, or “twenty principles”.
These rules are the premise of training for all Shotokan practitioners. Funakoshi lays out 20 rules by which students of karate are urged to abide in an effort to “become better human beings”
History Of Shotokan Karate
Masatoshi Nakayama Spreads Shotokan Around The World
Masatoshi Nakayama (1913-1987) was a direct student of Gichin Funakoshi.
Funakoshi, Nakayama and some other prominent Funakoshi students formed the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in November 1949.
By 1955, the first JKA headquarters dojo had been built at Yotsuya in Tokyo.
In October 1957, the 1st JKA All Japan Karate Championship was held in Tokyo.
Karate was now starting to get very popular and it wasn’t long before there were JKA karate branches in towns, schools and many universities in Japan.
In 1958, Master Nakayama was appointed Chief Instructor.
The JKA continued developing its karate style, and while expanding its dojo numbers throughout Japan.
The JKA also began sending (as early as 1958) some of its most highly-accomplished professional karate instructors overseas to America, Europe and the Middle East.
The instructors were sent to teach and establish JKA dojo around the world. Karate was now expanding and growing at an incredible rate.
In the 1980’s the JKA had over 9 million members worldwide, an incredible growth and established Shotokan karate all over the world.
When JKA Chief Instructor Masatoshi Nakayama passed away in 1987, there were some splinter groups that pulled away from the JKA.
These groups today, are now very large and there are many other associations around the world, with many millions of Shotokan Karateka.
Who would have thought that this secretive Okinawan martial art would now be practiced by millions of people from all over the world.
I hope you enjoyed this brief history of shotokan karate article.
Oss!
FAQs
What is the brief history of Shotokan Karate? ›
The Martial Art School known as Shotokan has a long and rich history dating back 18th century. Formalized as a school in 1939 by Gichin Funakoshi based on Okinawan Karate, its Shotokai and Shotokan Masters have shared this magnificent art throughout the world.
Who invented Shotokan karate? ›Funakoshi Gichin (1869-1957) was the founder of modern Karate and creator of the Shotokan Style of Japanese Karate.
What is Shotokan Karate known for? ›Techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed.
What is traditional Shotokan karate? ›Shotokan is a type of karate characterized by long, deep stances in its forms (kata) and a more dynamic sparring (Kumite) element. While the deep stances of the forms are intended to give students strong legs, balance and stability, the sparring training offers a more fluid style of applied fighting technique.
How many styles of Shotokan karate are there? ›There are over 75 style of Karate, the four prominent among them being Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Wado-ryu, and Goju-ryu. Of these, the first three styles originated in Okinawa's Shuri region while Goju-ryu originated in the Naha province.
How many forms does Shotokan karate have? ›Shotokan Karate is comprised of 26 katas, each with their own emphasis on fast and slow or controlled and powerfull movements.
Where was Shotokan Karate originated? ›Shotokan Karate is a Traditional Martial Art From The Island of Okinawa in Japan. Shotokan Karate is a form of unarmed combat - "Karate" means empty hand. However the "karate-ka" also uses their feet, knees and elbows. Karate as a martial art was cultivated in the island of Okinawa, south of mainland Japan.
What does the Shotokan symbol mean? ›When Master Gichin Funakoshi created our system of martial arts, he chose the tiger as the animal symbol to represent Shotokan. He chose it because it signified strength, power, and tenacity.
What does Shotokan mean in English? ›Shotokan Karate is characterized by powerful linear techniques and deep strong stances. It is the style taught at the Tulane Karate Club. Like the word karate, Shotokan is also composed of two different kanji : Shoto, meaning "pine breeze" and kan, meaning "the place", thus Shotokan means the place of shoto.
What are the basics of Shotokan? ›Basics (Kihon) - At each belt level, you will learn a set of basic techniques. These are the Stances (Tachikata), Punches (Tsuki), Blocks (Uke), and Kicks (Geri). You will learn the sequence of body movement, proper targets, correct stances, practical applications, and other subtleties.
What is the difference between Karate and Shotokan karate? ›
When it comes to individual karate styles; Shotokan involves long, deep stances and powerful long range techniques. Shito-ryu, on the other hand, uses more upright stances and stresses speed rather than power in its long and middle range techniques.
What is the hardest kata in Shotokan? ›Unsu (雲手, lit. 'cloud hands'), is the most advanced kata found in the Shotokan and Shito-Ryu karate styles and is generally taught to karateka at the 3rd to 4th Dan.
What are the three 3 separate styles of Karate that emerged from three Okinawan cities? ›By the 18th century, different types of Te had developed in three different villages – Shuri, Naha and Tomari. The styles were named Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, respectively.
What is the oldest style of Karate? ›Okinawa Shorin-Ryu is the oldest karate fighting style. Its founder Grandmaster Sokon Matsumura was the only person in history of karate who was awarded the honorary title of “Bushi” by the King of Ryukyuan Dynasty. Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura called his fighting style ShuriTe.
What are the three parts of Shotokan training? ›There are three components to Shotokan karate training: kihon, kata, and kumite. Each plays a crucial role to the development of karate skills. While particular teachers and particular training sessions may emphasize some (or only one) components, none of them can be neglected in the course of one's training.
What is the longest kata in Shotokan? ›Kanku Dai is the major form of the two katas which evolved from the kata Kushanku. With 65 moves, it is the longest kata in Shotokan karate, and was said to be the favourite kata of Sensei Funakoshi.
What are the first five Shotokan katas? ›The 5 kata were Pinan Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, and Godan. When Gichin Funakoshi brought karate to Japan, he renamed the kata to "Heian", which is translated as "peaceful and calm mind".
What language is Shotokan Karate? ›Even though it is taught all over the world, and in many different languages, it is common for commands in dojo to be given in Japanese. This is because Japan is where this art form came to life.
How did Shotokan karate get its name? ›The word 'shotokan' was chosen by Funakoshi's students to name his first personal dojo, and it derives from his pen name, 'shoto', meaning 'pine waves', and 'kan', meaning hall. It soon became the name for Funakoshi's style of karate.
Is Shotokan karate the best? ›Shotokan Karate is hands-down the most popular style of Karate in the world. It comes from Tokyo and was taught by Master Gichin Funakoshi, the Okinawan who is generally recognized as the founder of modern Karate. Traditionally taught Shotokan is effective for street fighting and self-defense.
Does Shotokan teach weapons? ›
Shotokan Karate is an empty handed martial art. However, there are Kata and techniques designed to defend against weapons, such as the Jo and Bo, knives and many more. Due to this connection, we have instructors that teach basic uses for some of the Okinawan and Japanese weapons.
What is the deadliest karate move? ›In karate, the most dangerous move is simply an elbow to the face, Ribeiro said. Elbows are harder than fists, and an attack with an elbow is more likely to make contact than a knee or kick attack, Ribeiro said. Whereas a punch can lead to a broken fist, an elbow will simply make a solid impact, Ribeiro said.
Why Shotokan is the best? ›Because Shotokan is a form of karate, when you learn this style, you learn how to defend yourself. In addition to providing you with a means to divert physical attack, Shotokan also helps to improve your speed, reaction time, striking ability and awareness of an opponent.
What is the most powerful kata? ›Honjō Masamune
It is one of the best known of the swords created by Masamune and is believed to be among the finest Japanese swords ever made.
Shotokan Karate is characterized by powerful linear techniques and deep strong stances. It is the style taught at the Tulane Karate Club. Like the word karate, Shotokan is also composed of two different kanji : Shoto, meaning "pine breeze" and kan, meaning "the place", thus Shotokan means the place of shoto.
What is the difference between Karate and Shotokan Karate? ›When it comes to individual karate styles; Shotokan involves long, deep stances and powerful long range techniques. Shito-ryu, on the other hand, uses more upright stances and stresses speed rather than power in its long and middle range techniques.
Why is Shotokan symbol a tiger? ›When Master Gichin Funakoshi created our system of martial arts, he chose the tiger as the animal symbol to represent Shotokan. He chose it because it signified strength, power, and tenacity. In those days, Japan was full of artisans and craftsmen.
What are the three parts of Shotokan karate? ›There are three components to Shotokan karate training: kihon, kata, and kumite. Each plays a crucial role to the development of karate skills. While particular teachers and particular training sessions may emphasize some (or only one) components, none of them can be neglected in the course of one's training.
What is the oldest style of karate? ›Okinawa Shorin-Ryu is the oldest karate fighting style. Its founder Grandmaster Sokon Matsumura was the only person in history of karate who was awarded the honorary title of “Bushi” by the King of Ryukyuan Dynasty. Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura called his fighting style ShuriTe.
How did Shotokan Karate get its name? ›The word 'shotokan' was chosen by Funakoshi's students to name his first personal dojo, and it derives from his pen name, 'shoto', meaning 'pine waves', and 'kan', meaning hall. It soon became the name for Funakoshi's style of karate.