What is

Shotokan Karate?

Shotokan karate - started by Gichin Funakoshi (1868 - 1957), combines both hard and soft styles of karate from Okinawa. Master Funakoshi is considered to be the father of modern karate.

Following Master Funakoshi was Master Nakayama (1913 - 1987). Under his leadership the Japan Karate Association was formed. All black belts are registered with the International Shotokan Karate Federation. All dojos listed on this website are affiliates of International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) of Canada.

funakoshi pose

Gichin Funakoshi
the founder of Shotokan Karate

History of JKA

The roots of karate are believed to have come from India around 530 AD. A monk while in China used a method of physical training to help religious students develop discipline. The techniques of training and fighting then spread through Asia to Okinawa. Karate was first demonstrated to the emperor of Japan by Gichin Funakoshi while the emperor was visiting Okinawa in 1921.

In 1922, Master Funakoshi, President of the Okinawan Association of Martial Arts, introduced karate to the mainland of Japan, during the National Athletic Exhibition, held in Tokyo. Karate became known as the martial art of the "true gentleman" and gained nation-wide popularity among university students. Master Funakoshi was not only a genius in martial arts, but also a literary talent. In 1949 the Japan Karate Association was established, with Master Funakoshi as the chief instructor. The JKA had the honour to hold the All Japan Karate Championships in the presence of the Emperor, in 1961.

In the western hemisphere, the JKA is represented by the International Shotokan Karate Federation. It was established in Philadelphia in 1961 by a young instructor named Teruyuki Okazaki. Across Canada a number of JKA clubs were formed and in 1979, under the leadership of Teruyuki Okazaki, ISKF - Canada was given a constitution and formally registered as a non-profit organization with the Federal Government of Canada. At the 1994 World Championship "Shoto Cup", the JKA /World Federation was officially established, formally linking Shotokan organizations throughout the world.

ISKF-Independence

In August 2006, at the World Shoto Cup meeting the JKA asked the ISKF to make operational changes and a name change. These requests would affect all of the Pan-American countries affiliation with the ISKF and in some cases their December 5, 2010 Tournament, the Board of Directors convened and discussed these requests. The Pan-American countries were asked to weigh in with their opinions as well. Representatives from each member country met at the 2007 Master Camp and decided it was in the best interest of the ISKF to become independent and a letter of separation from the JKA was signed.

The ISKF accepts membership from countries all around the world. In the past, countries outside of the Pan American region were only allowed an affiliate or associate member status with the ISKF in accordance with JKA rules. Now, any country is able to become a full-fledged member and participate in all ISKF events.

  1. In Karate, start with a bow and finish with a bow.
  2. There is no first attack in Karate
  3. Karate is a great assistance to justice.
  4. Know yourself first and then others.
  5. Spirit first: techniques second.
  6. Be ready to release your mind.
  7. Misfortune (accidents) always come out of idleness (negligence).
  8. Do not think that you can learn Karate only in the Dojo.
  9. It will take your entire life to learn Karate: there is no limit.
  10. Put your everyday living into karate and you will find the ideal state of existence
  11. Karate is just like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly, it will again become cold water.
  12. Do not think you have to win. Think, rather, that you do not have to lose.
  13. Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
  14. Move according to your opponent.
  15. Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords.
  16. When you leave home, think you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behaviour that invites trouble from them.
  17. Low stance for beginners; natural stance for advanced students.
  18. Practicing a Kata is one thing and engaging in a real fight is another.
  19. Do not forget (1) light and heavy application of power, (2) expansion and contraction of the body, (3) slowness and speed of techniques.
  20. Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day..

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