Shotokan Karate
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Quick Reference: Shotokan Karate History Description Benefits Shotokan Videos
Shotokan Karate history; about
Shotokan karate history begins with Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan man.
Funakoshi trained in the oldest hand systems as a young man. In the early
20th century, Funakoshi traveled to mainland Japan and demonstrated his
techniques to the Emporer.
Although Gichin Funakoshi intended to return to Okinawa,
he was persuaded to stay in Japan and teach others. So he
stayed and developed the style now known as “Shoto’s hall of
the way of the empty hand”, or as we call it, Shotokan Karate.
While Funakoshi is recognized as the originator of the art,
his son Yoshitaka Funakoshi, is credited for it’s modern day development.
Yoshitaka studied karate at Takushoku University and won the Japan Championships
in 1962. This feat was accomplished despite having a broken hand.
Shotokan Karate Description
Founder: Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi was born in Shuri, Okinawa in 1868.
He originally trained in two different Okinawan martial ars. He learned
Shuri-te from Yasutsune Azato and Naha-te from Yasutsune Itosu. It was
from the combination of these two styles that Gichin Funakoshi created Shotokan Karate.
Shotokan Karate history began its introduction of karate to Japan, and eventually the world,
started in 1917 when Funakohsi was asked to perform a demonstation
at a physical education exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Education.
He returned in 1922 for a second exhibition. Yet again, he was asked back for
a third time, however this performance was to take place before the emporer of
Japan and the royal family.
Staying in Japan, he opened his first school and began
teaching Shotokan Karate to Japanese students. His son followed in
his footsteps and further developed the style. Today, Shotokan is
practiced by thousands of people all around the world.
The goal of Shotokan karate is multi-faceted.
Not only is this martial art designed to teach one self
defense, it is also designed to build self-confidence, to
stimulate a sense of well-being, and a greater sense of self-awareness
when faced with difficult and trying situations.
The foundation of Shotokan Karate is a system of “triads”.
Although triads exist as real organizations, the application in
Shotokan is a metaphor for something much deeper within the human mind.
There are nine triad principles categorized by 3 levels:
Physical: kihon (basics); kumite (sparring); shotokan kata (forms)
Moral: justice; mercy; compassion
Ethical: duty, honor, loyalty
Shotokan Karate Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep,
long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements,
and strengthen the legs. Many people regard Shotokan as a hard and
external martial art. The reason for this explanation is that it is
taught this way to both beginning and more experienced students to develop strong basic techniques and stances.
Strenght and power are initially the focus of Shotokan, however fluid motions are also incorporated.
During early development, the student will learn the more powerful techniques and learn a more flowing style
as they progress. Grappling and Aikido-like techniques are also incorporated into training.
Shotokan Karate is a wonderful method for developing techniques
and abilities to help one defend against aggressors. However,
though training and the pursuit of excellence, it exist to help
perfect the individual and help students become compassionate and
honorable members of society.
Benefits of Shotokan Karate
- Excellent form of physical fitness
- Enhances flexibility and mobility
- Stress reduction
- Assertiveness
- Respect and courtesy
- Confidence and self awareness
Shotokan Karate Videos
Shotokan Karate video clip. This is a collection of short fight clips.
Human Weapon Shotokan Karate - Jodan Mawashi Geri, High Kick
Retrun to Types of Martial Arts from
Shotokan Karate History
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