Simply, Shotokan is the name given to a Japanese form of unarmed striking martial art more commonly known as Karate. The name derives from the pen name used in the calligraphy of Gichin Funakoshi, who studied several Okinawan fighting methods. He is credited with introducing what came to be known as Karate to mainland Japan as he synthesized Okinawan fighting techniques into one body of codified and sequential instruction. Karate was quickly assimilated into the traditional Japanese martial arts culture, and joined Judo, Kendo, Aikido, and others being taught in Japanese schools and Universities as vehicles of character development and physical education. Karate became popular in the US as many servicemen in the occupation forces after World War II spent time learning it in Japan and then returned home. The US Air Force sponsored a program with Japanese Karate instructors teaching at US air bases in the 1950′s. Shotokan Karate is now practiced worldwide, with several large international organizations representing its participants. It is possible to travel worldwide and train in clubs and schools that all teach the same art.
Nature of Training
Shotokan Karate emphasizes development of efficient and powerful striking techniques combined with stable ground-supported body postures. Beginning students are taught to use their entire body in a variety of basic foot and hand striking techniques to impact or penetrate a target with a maximum speed and shock. Conditioning, flexibility, relaxation, strengthening, balance and overall body control are progressively developed through strenuous physical training. As students progress, an infinite varieties of techniques and applications are revealed throughout their training — all developed on basic physical principles.
Striking practice against stationary targets helps to develop power in basic techniques, and controlled practice with partners provides safe understanding of their use, distance and timing. At higher skill levels, training develops understanding of advanced technique applications, vulnerable targets, and strategies. Partner training becomes less regimented and progresses into free sparring after basic abilities and technique control are attained.
The ultimate purpose of training as stated by Funakoshi, is the development of the character of the participants. The traditional training environment requires mutually respectful behavior, perseverance, earnest effort, and humility in the collective pursuit of each individual’s development. It can offer clear insight into the risks and futility of aggressive or impulsive behavior. As a lifelong pursuit, Shotokan Karate can become a vehicle for developing leadership qualities, character, physical health and practical skills.
