At our Dojo we teach traditional Shotokan Karate according to the standards and principles of the Japan Karate Association. We put immense focus on the proper form and balance of each kihon, or basic technique.
Gichin Funakoshi played a major role in introducing karate from Okinawa to Japan, adjusted to reduce injury and merged with approaches for athletic training. On May 27, 1949, some of his senior students, such as Isao Obata, Masatoshi Nakayama, and Hidetaka Nishiyama, formed a karate organization dedicated to research, promotion, events management, and education: the Japan Karate Association. Funakoshi, then around 80 years old, held a position equivalent to emeritus chief instructor. Nakayama designated as the chief instructor. Funakoshi is considered the father of modern karate. The style of Karate taught by Funakoshi became known as Shotokan.
The word Shotokan (松濤館) can be divided into two words.
Shoto (松濤) which was Gichin Funakoshi’s pen name (he wrote poetry). Kan (館) means house or practice hall. Therefore, Shotokan means the place where Shoto practices.
In 1949 Funakoshi along with his senior students formed the Japan Karate Association.
He became the first Chief Instructor of JKA.
Master Gichin Funakoshi laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate (Niju kun), which are there as a guide for all karateka to follow and adhere to. These principles form the foundations Shotokan karate. These twenty principles were based heavily on Bushido and Zen.
Precepts or Principles of Shotokan Karate
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Karate begins and ends with rei (respect).
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There is no first strike in karate.
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Karate stands on the side of justice.
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First know yourself, then know others.
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Mentality over technique.
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The heart must be set free.
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Calamity springs from carelessness.
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Karate goes beyond the dojo.
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Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
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Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.
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Karate is like boiling water; without heat, it returns to its tepid state.
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Do not think of winning. Think, rather, of not losing.
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Make adjustments according to your opponent.
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The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and fullness (weakness and strength).
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Think of hands and feet as swords.
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When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.
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Formal stances are for beginners; later, one stands naturally.
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Perform prescribed sets of techniques exactly; actual combat is another matter.
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Do not forget the employment of withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique.
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Be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful, in your pursuit of the Way.
