Shotokan

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Not to be confused with Shotacon.

Shtkan
()

Date founded

1939

Country of

Japan

origin

Founder

Gichin Funakoshi (18681957)

Yoshitaka Funakoshi (19061945)

Arts taught

Karate

Ancestor

Shrei-ry, Shrin-ry

schools

Descendant

Wad-ry Shtkai Chit-ry Shind jinen-

schools

ry Yoseikan Karate Kyokushin

Shotokan ( Shtkan ) is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin
Funakoshi (18681957) and his sonGigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (19061945). Gichin was born
in Okinawa[1] and is widely credited with popularizing "karate do" through a series of public
demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including those
at Keio, Waseda,Hitotsubashi (Shodai), Takushoku, Chuo, Gakushuin, and Hosei.[2]
?

Funakoshi had many students at the university clubs and outside dojos, who continued to teach
karate after his death in 1957. However, internal disagreements (in particular the notion that
competition is contrary to the essence of karate) led to the creation of different organizations
including an initial split between the Japan Karate Association (headed by Masatoshi Nakayama)
and the Shotokai(headed by Motonobu Hironishi and Shigeru Egami), followed by many othersso
that today there is no single "Shotokan school", although they all bear Funakoshi's influence.
As the most widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of karate
do.
Contents
[hide]

1Etymology

2Characteristics
o

2.1Philosophy

2.2Common terms

2.3Ranks

2.4Kihon

2.5Kata

2.6Kumite

3History

4Major Shotokan organizations

5Famous practitioners

6See also

7Footnotes

8Bibliography

9External links

Etymology[edit]

Calligraphy ofShotokan

Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Gichin Funakoshi, in 1936 [3] at Mejiro, and
destroyed in 1945 as a result of an allied bombing.[4] Shoto ( Sht ), meaning "pine-waves" (the
movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them), was Funakoshi's pen-name, [5] which
he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. The
Japanese kan ( kan ) means "house" or "hall". In honor of their sensei, Funakoshi's students
created a sign reading sht-kan, which they placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi
taught.[5] Gichin Funakoshi never gave his system a name, just calling it karate.
?

Characteristics[edit]
Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of
moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long
stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is
regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as
developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing
motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style that
incorporates grappling, throwing and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found even in basic
kata.[6] Kumite (fighting) techniques are practised in the kihon and kata and developed from basic to
advanced levels with an opponent.

Philosophy[edit]
Gichin Funakoshi laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate,[7] (or Niju kun[8]) which form the
foundations of the art, before some of his students established the JKA. Within these twenty
principles, based heavily on Bushido and Zen, lies the philosophy of Shotokan. The principles allude
to notions of humility, respect, compassion, patience, and both an inward and outward calmness. It
was Funakoshi's belief that through karate practice and observation of these 20 principles, the
karateka would improve their person.[5]
The Dojo kun lists five philosophical rules for training in the dojo; seek perfection of character, be
faithful, endeavor to excel, respect others, refrain from violent behavior. These rules are called the
Five Maxims of Karate.[9] The Dojo kun is usually posted on a wall in the dojo, and some shotokan
clubs recite the Dojo kun at the beginning and/or end of each class to provide motivation and a
context for further training.
Funakoshi also wrote: "The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of
the character of the participant."[5]

Common terms[edit]
Main article: List of karate terms

Many terms used in karate stem from Japanese culture. While many are names
(e.g. Heian, Gankaku), others are exclusive to martial arts (e.g. kata, kumite). Many terms are
seldom used in daily life, such as zenkutsu dachi, while others appear routinely, such as rei. The
Japanese form is often retained in schools outside of Japan to preserve the Okinawan culture and
Funakoshi's philosophies.
However, many schools of JKA (Japan Karate Association) affiliated Shotokan Karate used the full
terminology on a daily basis, providing translations also. For example, the KUI (Karate Union of
Ireland), utilises the full and proper Japanese name for each move and kata in training, grading and
competition.

Ranks[edit]
Rank is used in karate to indicate experience, expertise, and to a lesser degree, seniority. As with
many martial arts, Shotokan uses a system of colored belts to indicate rank. Most Shotokan schools
use the ky / dan system but have added other belt colors. The order of colors varies widely from
school to school, but kyu belts are denoted with colors that in some schools become darker as a
student approaches shodan. Dan level belts are invariably black, with some schools using stripes to
denote various ranks of black belt. Master Gichin Funakoshi himself never awarded a rank higher
than Godan (5th degree black belt/5th Dan).

Kihon[edit]
Main article: Kihon
Kihon basics is the practice of basic techniques in Shotokan Karate. Kihon Kata, or Taikyoku
Shodan, was developed by Yoshitaka Funakoshi, the son of Gichin Funakoshi, as a basic
introduction to karate kata. (Yoshitaka also developed Taikyoku Nidan and Sandan) The kata
consists of successive restatements of the theme of gedan barai - oi tsuki.

Kata[edit]
Main article: Karate kata

Gichin Funakoshi executing Kanku dai () kata

Embusen of Heian Shodan (fromBest Embusen: Shotokan)

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organized into a pre-arranged fight
against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes and blocks. Body
movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping.
In Shotokan, kata is a performance or a demonstration, with every technique potentially a killing blow
(ikken hisatsu)while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm). As the karateka grows
older, more emphasis is placed on the health benefits of practicing kata, promoting fitness while
keeping the body soft, supple, and agile.
Several Shotokan groups have introduced kata from other styles into their training. The original
Shotokan kata syllabus is introduced in Funakoshi's book Karate-do Kyohan, which is the Master
Text of Shotokan karate. Dai Nihon Karate-do Shotokai is the official representative of Shotokan
karate. Japan Shotokai's kata syllabus is the same as established in "Karate-do Kyohan" added
Gigo Funakoshi's staff kata Matsukaze No Kon.[10] When the JKA was formed, Nakayama laid down
27 kata as the kata syllabus for this organization. Even today, thousands of Shotokan dojo only
practice 26 of these 27 kata. The standard JKA kata are: Taikyoku shodan (sometimes termed Kata
Kihon or Kihon Kata, the name has been discontinued in some Shotokan dojos) (), Heian
shodan (), Heian nidan (), Heian sandan (), Heian yondan (
), Heian godan (), Bassai dai (), Jion (), Enpi (), Kanku dai (
),Hangetsu (), Jitte (), Gankaku (), Tekki shodan (), Tekki nidan (
), Tekki sandan (), Nijshiho (), Chinte (), Schin (), Meiky/Rhai (
), Unsu (), Bassai sh (), Kank sh (), Wankan (), Gojshiho sh(
), Gojshiho dai (), and Ji'in ().[2][11][12]

Kumite[edit]
Main article: Kumite
Kumite, or sparring (lit. Meeting of hands), is the practical application of kihon and kata to real
opponents. The formalities of kumite in Shotokan karate were first instituted by Masatoshi
Nakayama wherein basic, intermediate, and advanced sparring techniques and rules were
formalized.[13]
Shotokan practitioners first learn how to apply the techniques taught in kata to hypothetical
opponents by way of kata bunkai. Kata bunkai then matures into controlled kumite.[14]

Kumite is the third part of the Shotokan triumvirate of kihon, kata and kumite. Kumite is taught in
ever increasing complexity from beginner through low grade blackbelt (1st - 2nd) to intermediate (3rd
- 4th) and advanced (5th onwards) level practitioners.
Beginners first learn kumite through basic drills, of one, three or five attacks to the head (jodan) or
body (chudan) with the defender stepping backwards whilst blocking and only countering on the last
defence. These drills use basic (kihon) techniques and develop a sense of timing and distance in
defence against a known attack.
At around purple belt level karateka learn one-step sparring (ippon kumite). Though there is only one
step involved, rather than three or five, this exercise is more advanced because it involves a greater
variety of attacks and blocks usually the defenders own choice.[15] It also requires the defender to
execute a counter-attack faster than in the earlier types of sparring. Counter-attacks may be almost
anything, including strikes, grapples, and take-down manoeuvres.
Some schools prescribe the defences, most notably the Kase-ha Shotokan-ry, which uses an eight
step, three directional blocking and attacking pattern, which develops from yellow belt level through
to advanced level.
The next level of kumite is freestyle one-step sparring (jiyu ippon kumite). This type of kumite, and its
successorfree sparring, have been documented extensively by Nakayama [13][16][17] and are expanded
upon by the JKA instructor trainee program, for those clubs under the JKA. Freestyle one-step
sparring is similar to one-step sparring but requires the karateka to be in motion. Practicing one-step
sparring improves free sparring (jiyu kumite) skills, and also provides an opportunity for practicing
major counter-attacks (as opposed to minor counter-attacks).[14] Tsutomu Ohshima states that
freestyle one-step sparring is the most realistic practice in Shotokan Karate, and that it is more
realistic than free sparring.[18]
Free sparring (or free style) (jiyu kumite) is the last element of sparring learned. In this exercise, two
training partners are free to use any karate technique or combination of attacks, and the defender at
any given moment is free to avoid, block, counter, or attack with any karate technique. Training
partners are encouraged to make controlled and focused contact with their opponent, but to
withdraw their attack as soon as surface contact has been made.[16] This allows attacking a full range
of target areas (including punches and kicks to the face, head, throat, and body) with no padding or
protective gloves, but maintains a degree of safety for the participants. Throwing one's partner and
performing takedowns are permitted in free sparring, but it is unusual for competition matches to
involve extended grappling or ground-wrestling, as Shotokan karateka are encouraged to end an
encounter with a single attack (ippon), avoiding extended periods of conflict, or unnecessary contact
in situations where there may be more than one attacker.
Kaishu ippon kumite is an additional sparring exercise that is usually introduced for higher grades.
This starts in a similar manner to freestyle one-step sparring; the attacker names the attack he/she
will execute, attacks with that technique, and the defender blocks and counters the attack. Unlike
freestyle one-step sparring, however, the attacker may then be required to block the defender's
counter-attack and strike back. This exercise is often considered more difficult than either freestyle
one-step sparring or free sparring, as the defender typically cannot escape to a safe distance in time
to avoid the counter to the counter-attack.[14]
Kumite within the dojo often differs from competition kumite. In dojo kumite any and all techniques,
within reason, are valid; punches, knife hand strikes, headbutt, locks, takedowns, kicks, etc. In
competition certain regulations apply, certain techniques are valid, and certain target areas, such as
the joints or throat, are forbidden. The purpose of competition is to score points through the
application of kumite principles while creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere, whereas the
purpose of training kumite in the dojo is to be prepared to kill or cripple an opponent in a realistic
situation.[19]

History[edit]

Shtkan-ry founder Gichin Funakoshi

Gichin Funakoshi had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan karate of the time: Shreiry and Shrin-ry. After years of study in both styles, Funakoshi created a simpler system that
combined the ideals of the two.[5] He never named this system, however, always referring to it simply
as "karate." Funakoshi's karate reflects the changes made in the art by Ank Itosu, including
the Heian/Pinan kata series. Funakoshi changed the names of some of the kata in an effort to make
the Okinawan kata names easier to pronounce in the JapaneseHonsh dialect.
In 1924, Funakoshi adopted the Ky / Dan rank system and the uniform (keikogi) developed by Kano
Jigoro, the founder of judo.[20] This system uses colored belts (obi) to indicate rank. Originally, karate
had only three belt colors: white, brown, and black (with ranks within each). The original belt system,
still used by many Shotokan schools, is:

8th rising to 4th ky: white

3rd rising to 1st ky: brown

1st and higher dan: black

Funakoshi awarded the first 1st dan (; shodan) Shotokan karate ranks to Tokuda, Hironori
tsuka (Otsuka), Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Makoto Gima, and Shiny Kasuya on 10 April 1924.

Major Shotokan organizations[edit]

Further information: List of major Shotokan Karate organizations

Famous practitioners[edit]
Further information: List of karateka
Former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida holds a 3rd dan black belt in Shotokan
karate, while his brother Shinzo holds a 4th dan and their father Yoshizo Machida holds a

7th dan and was head of the Japan Karate Association's Brazilian branch. Vitor Belfort also got a
purple belt in Shotokan.
Action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme holds a black belt in Shotokan and used the style when
he competed in full contact karate competitions in the 1970s and 1980s. Wesley Snipes has a 5th
dan black belt in Shotokan.[21] Actor and action movie star Michael Jai White is also a practitioner of
and black belt in Shotokan alongside six other distinct martial arts.[22] Bear Grylls[citation needed] and Karate
World Champion Luca Valdesi[citation needed] also practice the art.