The History and Philosophy of Shotokan Karate

Shotokan karate is the most widely practised style of karate in the world today. Its origins lie in the traditional fighting arts of Okinawa, refined over centuries and brought to mainland Japan by Master Gichin Funakoshi in 1922. Funakoshi, born in 1868, was a student of Anko Itosu and Anko Azato — two of Okinawa's greatest martial artists. He spent his early life mastering the Okinawan arts of Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu before synthesising them into what would become Shotokan. The name Shotokan comes from Funakoshi's pen name, Shoto (meaning "waving pines"), and kan (meaning "hall" or "house"). The original Shotokan dojo in Tokyo was established in 1936 and became the centre of karate instruction in Japan. Funakoshi's philosophy was shaped by Confucian thought and Zen Buddhism. He encapsulated it in his famous Niju Kun — Twenty Guiding Principles — which elevated karate beyond mere combat to a lifelong path of self-cultivation. His most quoted maxim, *Karate ni sente nashi* ("There is no first attack in karate"), remains central to the spirit of Shotokan today. The Shotokan system is characterised by long, deep stances, powerful linear techniques, and a rigorous emphasis on kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). This structured approach has made it an ideal martial art for people of all ages. Today, the Japan Karate Association, founded in 1949, continues to be the primary custodian of Funakoshi's teachings. Through the JKA and affiliated organisations like the ISKF, Shotokan has spread to over 100 countries, making it a true global martial art.