Shotokan-ryu Karate is a traditional form of Karate that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It was developed by Gichin Funakoshi, who is widely considered to be the “father of modern Karate.”
Funakoshi began his training in the Shuri-te and Naha-te styles of Karate in his youth, and later traveled to mainland Japan to promote the art. He changed the name of the style to “Shotokan” which means “Shoto’s house” (Shoto was Funakoshi’s pen-name) in order to make it more accessible to the Japanese population.
Shotokan-ryu Karate is characterized by its emphasis on power, speed, and strong linear techniques. It is known for its deep stances and powerful strikes, as well as its emphasis on the traditional katas. The style also includes grappling and joint-locking techniques, but these are not emphasized as much as the striking techniques.
Funakoshi’s teaching and spread of Shotokan Karate outside of Okinawa, made a huge impact in the Karate community and it became one of the most popular styles in the world. He established the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in 1949, which helped to further spread the style and standardize the teaching methods.
After Funakoshi’s death in 1957, his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi and other top students took over the direction of the JKA, working to ensure that the principles and techniques of Shotokan-ryu Karate were passed down to future generations.
In summary, Shotokan-ryu Karate is a traditional martial art that was developed by Gichin Funakoshi in Okinawa, Japan. It is characterized by its emphasis on power, speed, and strong linear techniques, and is known for its deep stances and powerful strikes, as well as its emphasis on traditional katas. Shotokan Karate has become one of the most popular styles in the world, and it spread widely thanks to the work of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) that Funakoshi established in 1949. After Funakoshi’s death, his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) and other top students took over the direction of JKA and continued to work to ensure that the principles and techniques of Shotokan-ryu Karate were passed down to future generations.