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GICHIN FUNAKOSHI
1868-1952
When Gichin Funakoshi set foot on Japanese soil in the spring of 1922, karate was virtually unknown outside the islands of Okinawa. Many teachers were involved in karate’s emergence from obscurity, however, Funakoshi’s contribution to the popularity and development of the art is generally regarded as the main influence on modem day karate. Born in Shuri, the old capital of Okinawa, he began his martial arts training under the Master Yasutsune (Ankoh) Azato (1827 - 1906) and later studied with the famous Master Yasutsune (Ankoh) Itosu (1830 1915). The style he studied was then known as Shuri-te after the locality in which it developed. He was invited to Japan to give demonstrations and was so well received that he returned to take up permanent residence there. At first he hired judo and kendo halls for his clubs but eventually opened a permanent dojo which became known as the "Shoto-Kan" or Shoto’s house or hall, Shoto being Funakoshi’s pen-name. Shotokan eventually became the name of the style he practised.
To search for the old is to understand the new. The old, the new This is a matter of time. In all things man must have a clear mind. The Way: Who will pass it on straight and well?
Poem and calligraphy by Master Funakoshi