Shotokan was formed in Japan in the year 1938.  The founder of Shotokan is Gichin Funakoshi. Without a doubt, Gichin Funakoshi is known as the father of  “modern” karate. Funakoshi is considered to be the founder of modern karate. Gichin was born in Okinawa, in the year of 1868. Gichin began his studies on karate with Ankō Itosu and Yasutsune Azato, and at this time it was illegal to learn martial arts.  Funakoshi was the first person to introduce karate to Japan. Shotokan Karate is a way for one to realize their greater potential, and expand the limits of the persons physical and mental capabilities. Shotokan is rooted in a strong martial artist tradition, emphasizing lifetime training for a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

The term “Shotokan” was originated in 1939 when a Dojo Funakoshi and his students built was named “Shotokan” the actual meaning of the word is separated into two parts “shoto” and “kan”. The meaning of “shoto” is pine-waves, which was the name of the pen used by Funakoshi. The term “kan” means house, they named the Dojo -“Shotokan” to honor their Sensei. This Dojo was eventually destroyed in the bombing by allied forces in 1945 during World War II. This style of karate is known to be one of the best styles of karate, given its practicality and effectiveness. The father of modern karate, Gichin Funakoshi, died from colon cancer April 25, 1957. Even though Funakoshi passed away this does not in any means insist that Shotokan karate would lose its popularity. Today Shotokan is still a widely known style of karate, and numerous senior students spread  this style throughout the world.

Lastly, I will talk about how Shotokan affects one persons’ body, mind, and spirit. The practice of Shotokan karate strengthens your mind, and also develops composure, a clearer thought process, and more self-confidence. Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi said ¨mind and technique are to become one true in karate.¨ Shotokan strengthens the human body, and as well enhances ones coordination, reflexes, and builds stamina. Furthermore, Shotokan betters ones health, and expands a person’s integrity. Shotokan is a style that can sharpen one’s academic performance by raising energy levels, focus, and concentration. The overall look of Shotokan is enhancement of the body, mind, and spirit. This is how the style of karate, Shotokan, affects a persons life and revamps a persons lifestyle for the better. Funakoshi is a forever living legend of karate, he is a master that will be forever etched in history due to his compassion and love for Shotokan.

“Any man will be able, after sufficient practice, to accomplish remarkable feats of strength, but he may go only so far and no farther.” – Gichin Funakoshi