Shotokan Karate - History and Technique

Shotokan karate is a martial arts style that draws from ancient Egyptian and Chinese fighting techniques. Karate was first developed on the island of Okinawa after hundreds of years of Chinese and Japanese rule. During this period weapons were banned, and locals often had to engage in hand-to-hand combat.

In 1922, an Okinawan karate fighter, Gichin Funakoshi, introduced his new fighting style, Shotokan, to the Japanese mainland. While teaching karate at Japanese universities, Funakoshi formed a friendship with Kano, the founder of modern judo. Kano's influence is thought to have shaped the development of Shotokan. Funakoshi’s son, Yoshitaka, further refined the style. He incorporated budo, a philosophy grounded in self-improvement, and other elements from Japanese free-style fighting. These additions solidified Shotokan into its own distinctive style.

At the end of World War II, Funakoshi traveled to U.S. military bases across Japan and taught Shotokan to American soldiers. By the 1950s, Shotokan was the most widely practiced fighting form in Japan. Soldiers returning to the US also helped spread interest in the sport. Over the following decades, the Shotokan school spread around the world and became one of the most popular karate styles.

Like other forms of karate, Shotokan combines philosophy, self-development, and physical fitness. Shotokan stances add more weight to the lower half of the body. Hip rotations power punches and strikes. Fighters may also use their elbows, knees, and palms to attack their opponents.

1. Shotokan Karate - History and Technique Eric Rossini

2. Introduction Shotokan karate is a martial arts style that draws from ancient Egyptian and Chinese fighting techniques. Karate was first developed on the island of Okinawa after hundreds of years of Chinese and Japanese rule. During this period weapons were banned, and locals often had to engage in hand-to-hand combat.

3. In 1922, an Okinawan karate fighter, Gichin Funakoshi, introduced his new fighting style, Shotokan , to the Japanese mainland. While teaching karate at Japanese universities, Funakoshi formed a friendship with Kano, the founder of modern judo. Kano's influence is thought to have shaped the development of Shotokan . Funakoshi’s son, Yoshitaka, further refined the style. He incorporated budo , a philosophy grounded in self-improvement, and other elements from Japanese free-style fighting. These additions solidified Shotokan into its own distinctive style.

4. At the end of World War II, Funakoshi traveled to U.S. military bases across Japan and taught Shotokan to American soldiers. By the 1950s, Shotokan was the most widely practiced fighting form in Japan. Soldiers returning to the US also helped spread interest in the sport. Over the following decades, the Shotokan school spread around the world and became one of the most popular karate styles.

5. Like other forms of karate, Shotokan combines philosophy, self-development, and physical fitness. Shotokan stances add more weight to the lower half of the body. Hip rotations power punches and strikes. Fighters may also use their elbows, knees, and palms to attack their opponents.

6. The Shotokan style also puts more emphasis on structured sequences, known as katas . Since sparring is somewhat predictable, fighters can anticipate their opponents’ reactions and respond accordingly. This is distinct from other karate styles that include some element of surprise. Further, there are no ground fighting positions such as those in judo.

7. Shotokan teaches students to defend themselves, but also to control their emotions and reactions. During a Shotokan competition, judges score fighters on the appropriate amount of force. Using excessive force results in a lower score. Fighters use controlled movements and strike only the upper parts of their opponents’ bodies. Since competitions are more concerned with accurate form and technique than attacking opponents, many consider the Shotokan style more suitable for beginners and children.

8. Shotokan practitioners are divided by ability into categories called kyu . Beginners wear white belts and advance from light to dark colors until they reach the third-level brown belt. From there, students enter the black belt, or dan , level. Up to 10 levels of black belt exist. Most students advance one level every few months. However, reaching master status can take years of dedication.

9. Despite being a particularly disciplined karate form, Shotokan still can be used effectively for self-defense. Training enables students to develop quick reflexes to counter attacks. Shotokan is also physically challenging and builds endurance and strength. Students may practice sparring against partners to improve their skills.

10. However, teachers stress that sparring is not sufficient to protect yourself against an attacker. Students must undergo separate self-defense training that includes the unpredictable behaviors associated with attacks.

11. Teachers encourage students to recognize their weaknesses and limitations. Self-awareness increases mental toughness. For this reason, students can use the Shotokan style as a tool for self-development.