THE HISTORY OF SHOTOKAN KARATE
“The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”
Funakoshi Gichin
Funakoshi Gichin, November 10, 1868 – April 26, 1957
Learn the history and why shotokan karate is so important to rikido karate.
Shotokan Karate, one of the most widely practiced forms of karate in the world, traces its origins to Okinawa, Japan. This martial art emphasizes discipline, precision, and the unification of body and mind. The history of Shotokan is deeply intertwined with its founder, Gichin Funakoshi, whose dedication to teaching and codifying karate transformed it into the global practice it is today.
Okinawan Roots
The roots of Shotokan Karate lie in Okinawa, where Chinese martial arts heavily influenced the local fighting styles. During the Ryūkyū Kingdom era (15th-19th centuries), Okinawans developed an unarmed combat system called "Tōde" or "Te" (meaning "hand"). This system combined indigenous fighting methods with techniques brought from China. Over time, these techniques evolved into three primary styles: Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, named after their respective regions in Okinawa.
Gichin Funakoshi: The Father of Modern Karate
Gichin Funakoshi, born in 1868 in Okinawa, is credited with bringing karate to mainland Japan and establishing Shotokan as a distinct style. Funakoshi studied under two of Okinawa’s most prominent karate masters: Anko Itosu and Anko Asato. His training combined the fluid, powerful techniques of Shuri-te with the refined movements of other styles, creating a well-rounded martial art.
In 1922, Funakoshi was invited to Tokyo to demonstrate karate at a physical education exposition. His performance impressed Japanese martial arts experts, and he decided to stay in Japan to teach and promote karate. Over the next several decades, Funakoshi worked tirelessly to adapt Okinawan karate to Japanese culture, simplifying techniques, standardizing katas (forms), and incorporating philosophical principles influenced by Bushido, the way of the samurai.
Minoru Kawawada
16 January 1952
https://jtk-world.com/master/minoru-kawawada/
Nakayama Masatoshi
April 13, 1913 – April 15, 1987
The Establishment of Shotokan
The term "Shotokan" originates from Funakoshi’s pen name, "Shoto," which means "pine waves," inspired by the sound of wind rustling through pine trees. "Kan" means "hall," referring to the first official dojo established by Funakoshi’s students in 1936 in Tokyo. Thus, Shotokan translates to "Shoto’s hall."
Funakoshi emphasized the importance of character development and self-discipline over mere physical prowess. His teachings focused on the principles of humility, respect, and perseverance, encapsulated in the dojo kun (training hall rules) and the Niju Kun (twenty precepts of karate).
Post-Funakoshi Leadership: Nakayama and Beyond
After Gichin Funakoshi’s passing in 1957, the responsibility of continuing the Shotokan tradition fell to his dedicated students, including Masatoshi Nakayama. Nakayama, one of Funakoshi’s most prominent disciples, played a pivotal role in modernizing and popularizing Shotokan Karate. As the head instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), Nakayama developed a systematic approach to karate instruction, incorporating scientific principles into training methods and emphasizing standardization across dojos worldwide.
Nakayama’s vision extended beyond Japan, and he spearheaded efforts to spread Shotokan Karate internationally. His innovative teaching methodologies, combined with his emphasis on dynamic training and tournament competition, helped establish Shotokan as a globally recognized style. Nakayama also authored numerous books on karate, including the seminal "Best Karate" series, which remains a cornerstone for practitioners.
Minoru Kawawada: Continuing Nakayama’s Legacy
Following Nakayama’s passing in 1987, Minoru Kawawada emerged as one of the key figures in preserving and advancing the Shotokan tradition. Kawawada, a highly skilled practitioner and student of Nakayama, took over Nakayama’s dojo in Japan. Under his leadership, the dojo became a hub for rigorous training and adherence to traditional Shotokan values.
Kawawada continues to dedicate his life to upholding the principles of Shotokan Karate while ensuring its teachings remained relevant to modern practitioners. His deep understanding of katas and innovative approaches to instruction, inspired generations of karateka. Kawawada’s commitment to preserving the philosophical and technical foundations laid by Funakoshi and Nakayama ensured that Shotokan Karate continued to thrive as a disciplined and respected martial art.
Now Technical Advisor for the Japan Traditional Karate Association, he continues to impact and develop students from all over the world.
Rikido Karate: Building on Tradition
Rikido Karate seeks to continue the enduring legacy of Shotokan while integrating the diverse experiences available through training under different Senseis. Adam Smith began his martial arts journey at a local dojo, where he studied Shotokan Karate and earned his black belt under Sensei Dion. His dedication to the art took him across Australia, where he earned numerous state titles and competed in prestigious events such as the Kobe Osaka, Shotokan Cup, and the Australian Open.
One of the highlights of Adam's journey was the opportunity to train in seminars under Minoru Kawawada at the renowned Hoitsukan Dojo in Japan, deepening his understanding of traditional Shotokan techniques and philosophies. Drawing from these formative experiences, as well as training in multiple dojos across Japan, America, and Australia, Adam established Rikido Karate as a reflection of both his personal journey and the principles of discipline, respect, and growth central to Shotokan Karate.
In addition to founding Rikido Karate, Adam is an active member of the Karate SA state team. Under the guidance and experience of Sensei Matt Johnson, Adam has continued to develop his skills and has traveled across Australia to compete. He has achieved significant success, earning gold at the Australian Open and medaling at National Championships. His competitive achievements and global training experiences reflect his dedication to the art and his commitment to excellence.
Rikido Karate stands as a testament to the adaptability and timelessness of Shotokan, offering students a path to both technical mastery and personal development while honoring the art’s rich history and traditions.
