Brief History of Shotokan Karate

Gichin Funakoshi Born Wednesday, November 10, 1868, District of Yamakawa-Cho, in the port city of Shuri (Okinawan capital), Okinawa (largest island in the Ryukyu chain) Died Friday, April 26, 1957, Tokyo, Japan Buried May 10, 1957 at Engakugi Temple (Zen temple), Kamakura, Japan Born into the skizoku class (privileged class) DOB changed on birth certificate to enable him to set for exams to enter medical school to 1870 (no one born prior to 1870 could take exams), but actual DOB = 1868 Family name = Tominokoshi (Boat crossing) Pen name = Shoto (Pine Waves) Shuri was surrounded by hills and forests of pines and subtropical vegetation. Funakoshi used to walk on Mt. Torao hearing the rustle of the pines used to sign poems he wrote using Shoto Father = Gisu (minor official, but usually just a drunk) Grandfather = Gifuku (noted Confucian scholar) Funakoshi had 3 sons and a daughter: 1st son = Giei 3rd son = Gigo/Yoshitaki (1906-1945) died from TB at 39 years old Grandson = Ishiro No other names available for wife, 2nd son and daughter Sensei 1. Yasutsune Azato 1827-1906 Funakoshi was Azatos only student. Azato was a tonichi (hereditary chief of a small village, named Azato between Naha and Shuri). Azato excelled at horsemanship, archery and kendo (Japanese fencing). Funakoshi met Azato while he was living at his grandparents house, through Azatos son, a schoolmate. 2. Yasutsune (Shishu) Itosu 1832-1915 (he was a private secretary to a king) friend of Azato taught by Gusukuma) nickname = Anko (horse) 3. Sokon Matsumura 1850-1930 (taught Azato), he was a military officer to the king, and taught karate to the head of the clan 4. Master Kiyuna (1845-1920) 5. Master Toonno of Naha (Confucian scholar) 6. Master Niigaki

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Brief History of Shotokan Karate

(Continued) Professions 1. Taught school during the day, trained in secret at night. Began to teach in the lower grades, as an assistant instructor at 21, passed exam to become full instructor, transferred to Naha (seat of the government), qualified as instructor in higher grades. Didnt go, because required a geographical move. (30 years) 2. Watchman 3. Caretaker, gardener, room sweeper (in Tokyo) Kata 2 main schools Shorin (based upon Shuri-te and Tomari-te) and Shorei (based upon Naha-te) Shorin (from Azato) More mobile style Heians (original name Pinans) Name = Peaceful mind. Funakoshi states that, having mastered these 5 Heians, one can be confident that he can defend himself in most situations Bassai (To penetrate a fortress) the name in Okinawa is called Passai. Funakoshi said that the name was derived from the feeling of shifting from a disadvantageous position to one of advantage a will similar to that of attacking an enemys fortress. Bassai Dai developed by Matsumura, Bassai Sho developed by Itosu) Also, Empi (formerly called Wansu or Wanshu), Gankaku (formerly called Chinto), Kanku Dai (formally known as Kushanku, or Koshokun) Style emphasizes 1) development of speed 2)quick movements/agility 3)body shifting Shorei (from Itosu) More effective form of self-defense, but lacks the mobility of shorin Tekkis (original name = Naihanchin, or Naifanchin) Iron Horse or Horse-Riding. Name is derived from the stance origin of shodan is unknown, but 2nd/3rd developed by Itosu Hangetsu (original name = Seishan) Half-Moon derived from the stance used of Chinese origin Jion, Jitte Emphasis 1)Development of muscular strength 2)Slow movements 3)emphasis on forcefulness Key points in Kata 1. Correct order the # and sequence of movements are predetermined all must be performed 2. Beginning and end same spot on the embusen zanshin = perfect finish
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Brief History of Shotokan Karate

(Continued) 3. 4. 5. 6. Meaning of each movement each movement clearly understood and expressed Awareness of the target Rhythm and timing Proper breathing changes with position usually inhale with block, exhale with finishing of technique

Other kata Taikyoku (First Cause developed by Funakoshi designed to teach basics Funakoshi states that through of this kata, the student will get an appreciation for There is no first attack in karate Ten No Kata (Kata of the Universe) also developed by Funakoshi meant to be both a kata and continuous practice in basics outlined in Karate-do Nyomon (Master Introductory Text, published in Japanese in Dec 1943) Origins of Karate Chinese fighting (kempo) probably originated as a result of influences from India. China was in a turbulent state, and people needed to develop new strategies to overcome opponents. The development of Shao-Lin style in China is said to have originated in about 500 AD from Bodhidharma (founder of Zen Buddhism, from India). The Shao-Lin style of kempo spread through China Shorinji is the Japanese pronunciation for the Shao-Lin temple, and Shorinji Kempo is the style). This is the style that eventually spread to Okinawa. In 1429, the 3 warring kingdoms (Chuzan, Nanzan and Hokuzan) were unified (the Unified Three Kingdoms Period) under the Chuzan (King Sho Hashi, 1327-1439). A law was passed (by King Shoshin) prohibiting use of weapons, and all existing weapons were confiscated. He formed a truly centralized administration, and peace lasted for about 200 years. In 1609, the Shimadzu (military governors of the Satsuma fief in Kyushu) attacked the Ryukus. A direct frontal assault on Naha failed, but they circled around and took Unten (another port). They eventually took control of Okinawa. Under the Shimadzu, weapons were again banned, for the general population and upper classes alike, and sent out inspectors to ensure that it was being enforced.. Most historians agree that this 2nd ban led to the creation of karate, because it forced the Ryukyuans to invent a means of unarmed self-defense. Since the Satsuma clan also banned this practice, sit continued in great secrecy. No written records are available, and everything was passed down verbally from teacher to student. Okinawa was the main island in the Ryukyu chain in the East China Sea, and its close proximity to China let to trade between the Ming Dynasty and the Okinawans. Chinese kempo was imported into the islands with many other element of Chinese culture, to mix
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Brief History of Shotokan Karate

(Continued) with the indigenous Okinawan fighting style. First known as Okinawa-te and kara-te (referring to China) the character refers to the Tang dynasty and is interpreted an anything Chinese. Also referred to as bush no to or warriors hand. Whatever was Chinese was considered to be highly respected and fashionable. Shao-Lin stresses the practical application of hand and foot techniques for blocking and attacking, with both thrusting and snapping techniques. The change in the ID of karate from Chinese hand to empty hand is credited to Funakoshi in 1929 partially, as a mechanism of stressing Japanese nationalism (rejection of things Chinese), partly as a reminder that the art is without weapons (i.e. empty-handed), as well as stressing the clarity (emptiness) of the mind. Also, emptiness as the universe is empty. In 1891-1892, a teacher at the Shiru Jinjo Koto Shogakko in Okinawa began to teach karate to his students. With the beginning of the Meji period (1868-1912), the formal education and the draft began. During the physical exams, it was noted that the students of karate were healthier and better physically developed. Shintaro Ogawa (local Minister of Education) wrote to the Ministry of Education strongly recommending that the PE programs of both the grade and high schools incorporate this in the curriculum, after witnessing a demo by Itosu adopted in 1902 also adopted training at Officers Candidate school. . After the Russo-Japanese war in 1906, Funakoshi and others gave a demo and toured Okinawa. Probably the first time that karate had been demonstrated in public. In 1912, the Imperial Navys fleet (command of Admiral Dewa) stayed for a week in the Daiichi Middle school to observe and practice karate. In 1916-1917, Funakoshi was invited to give a demo at the Butoku-den in Kyoto. First time karate demonstrated outside of Okinawa. In 1921, deemed before the crown prince (later the emperor). (slightly before this time, Funakoshi resigned as a teacher). In May 1922, first National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo, asked by the Dept of Ed of Okinawa to give demo. After exhibition, requested by Kano Jigoro (judo master) to provide demo and to teach him at the Kodakan. Remained in Tokyo to teach him and the Painters group (Hoan Kosugi). Moved into dorm for students and used as a dojo. First karate study group at a Tokyo University Keio University In 1924, demo at Jichi Hall (Hall of Self-Government) in Tokyo

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Brief History of Shotokan Karate

(Continued) March, 1928, demo for the emperor at the palace 1930 clubs formed in Osaka. 1936 Shotokan built (in Zoshigaya, Toshima Ward) Spring 1945 Gigo Funakoshi dies from TB at 39. Shotokan destroyed in an air raid. 1947 Funakoshis wife died (pulmonary disease) - Ban on martial arts imposed by American forces rescinded 1948 - JKA established Funakoshi = chief instructor 1952 US Strategic Air Command sent a group of officers to Japan to study judo, akido and karate for 3 months. Early 1950s 1953 Karate makes it way to the American mainland Funakoshi asked to do a 3-month tour of mainland bases. Assistance = Obata, Kamata, Nakayama Publications Ryukyu Kempo: Karate, 1922 1st published work on karate bookplates were destroyed in an earthquake in 1923 Rentan Goshin Karate-Jitsu, 1926 (Strengthening of willpower and Self-defense Through Techniques of Karate), basically a revision of the 1st book Karate-do Kyohan, 1935 Samurai The warrior class began to rise in the 8th century, and within the next 400 years developed from a group of armed guards and soldiers into a class that ruled Japan through military government. Until the 19th century, the samurai held the top position in Japanese class structure. Developed a value system known as bushido (warriors way). Samurai is derived from a word meaning to serve or to stand by, denoting their position in service to an overlord. Samurai could carry arms. Samurai valued literacy, duty, fairness, filial piety, justice, loyalty, discretion, correct moral behavior, frugality, courage, skill in the martial arts, righteousness, proprietary, wisdom and good faith. Zen played an important part in the life of a samurai. Up until the 1600s, it was not uncommon for samurai to kill themselves then their lord died. 47 Ronin The carrying out of a vendetta was a common practice among samurais. It was a common practice for the shogun to pay tribute to the imperial court, and for the emperor to send envoys to receive this tribute. These envoys had to be entertained and served, and 2 members of the upper ruling class (the daimyo) were chosen every year to do this. In
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Brief History of Shotokan Karate

(Continued) 1701, Asano, Lord of Ako was chosen. Since he was not familiar with protocol, he asked for assistance. Grand Master of Ceremonies (Kira) was assigned to help. Kira expected a bribe from Asano in exchange, and when he didnt receive one, he deliberately misinformed Asano, causing him to commit several breaches of etiquette. Kira also insulted Asano publicly, so Asano struck Kira with his sword, wounding him. The shogun was outraged, ordered Asano to commit sepuku, and struck his name from the records. Kira was unpunished. Asanos samurai were now ronin (masterless). They swore revenge. Of the original 300, only 47 agreed to plot to assassinate Kira. In 1703, they did, cutting off his head, and placing it on Asanos grave. They then turned themselves in. Their act caused a great deal of trouble. Although they had committed murder, they had also lived up to the samurai ethic of revenge for ones lord. They were allowed to commit sepuku and did so. They passed into Japanese lore as examples of loyalty and honor. Meaning of Dojo Kun 1. Seek perfection of character the art is more than just physical. Through training, the spirit to fight and succeed will be developed 2. Be faithful emphasizes the samurai tradition, also loyalty to ones instructors and seniors 3. Endeavor refers to the complete dedication necessary to achieve mastery of the marital arts 4. Respect for others reflection of the formal nature of the Japanese people. Respect is common to all Japanese fighting systems 5. Refrain from violent behavior karate training is self-mastery, including mastery of ones behavior Physical Principles 1. F=mv2 (force is inversely proportional to the time required for application, or force is mass times velocity squared). Force is directly proportional to the degree of muscular expansion and contraction 2. Concentration of strength the shorter the time a striking force is applied, the more effective it is. The greater the # of muscles involved, the greater the concentration of strength. 3. Action-reaction principle (ex: = hike-te) 4. Exhaling aids in contracting the muscles, inhaling tends to relax the muscles Psychological Principles 1. Mind like water (mizo no kokoro) need to make the mind calm, like undisturbed water 2. Mind like the moon (tsuki no kokoro) need to be constantly aware of the totality of the opponent like the moonlight shines on all surfaces with equal intensity 3. Unity of mind and will need the will to act on your opponent

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Brief History of Shotokan Karate

(Continued) Combined principles 1. Focus (kime) Concentration of the energy of the body in an instant on a specific target 2. Responding (hen-o) To instinctively know the opponents movements, and react to them

What you have been taught by listening to others words you will forget very quickly; what you have learned with your whole body you will remember for the rest of your life.

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