FUNAKOSHI GICHIN

THE FATHER OF MODERN KARATE-DO

 BEGINNINGS
• born in Okinawa in 1868
• Began training at a young age.
• Studied under various masters
• Itosu Anko
• Matsumura Sokon
• Shuri-te and Naha-te
 INTRODUCTION TO JAPAN
• 唐手 to 空手
• In 1922 First National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo
• Karate was formally introduced to Japan
• Demonstration garnered attention and interest
 Foundation of Shotokan
• Funakoshi decided to stay in Japan
• Dojo established in Tokyo in 1936
• "Shotokan"
• "Shoto," his pen name, and
• “Kan," meaning training hall.
 "Karate-Do: My Way of Life"
• Published in 1956
• Provided insights into the philosophy
and practice of karate
 Promotion and Recognition
• Funakoshi worked tirelessly to promote karate
• Not just a martial art but as a way of life
• Earned respect from the Japanese martial arts community,
• Received the rank of 5th dan from the Kodokan judo institute
• Recognized by the Emperor of Japan
 Legacy
• Foundation for the spread of karate in Japan and worldwide
• His studentsfurther popularized and systematized karate
• Shotokan karate remains a prominent and influential style