Karate originated in Okinawa around about the early 1600s. It was developed from imported Chinese martial arts skills and refined as a means of self-defense because weapons were outlawed on the island.

    Gichin Funakoshi has been historically accredited as the father of karate. Though in his youth none would have ever thought this to be his destiny.

    Born in Shuri, Okinawa, in 1868. Funakoshi began as a sickly child in poor health . His doctor, Tokashiki,  prescribed herbal remedies that would strengthen him. At about the age of 10yrs his father brought him to Yasutsune Itosu and Yasutsune Azato for karate training. This in hopes that it would strengthen the young boy. He would perform what we might refer to as kata every day after his school lessons at times well into the dark hours under the instruction of Azato and Itosu. Funakoshi soon became a strong karate-ka. It is said that Funakoshi would perform the same kata over and over again with out question or needing reason why from his Masters until they saw it fit to teach him something new. This time was often measured in years. It is also notable that his masters would never coo over his accomplishments. They would only respond with "better".

    In 1922 Funakoshi organized the first public demonstration of karate (kata) in Tokyo Japan. It is said afterwards at the urging of friends and officials he remained in Tokyo to teach. He stayed among his own people at the prefecture students' dormitory at Suidobata, Tokyo. He lived in a small room alongside the entrance and would clean the dormitory during the day when the students were in their classes. At night, he would teach them karate.

    Shortly after, he had earned sufficient means to open his first school in Meishojuku. After this his Shoto-kan in Mejiro was opened. From here many great masters of the art came, such as Egami (his successor), Nakayama,  Ohtsuka, Shimoda, and, Yoshitaka (Funakoshi's 3rd son). This to only name a few.

    It was here also as I understand it that the term Shotokan was born. Master Funakoshi was also known as a learned scholar, as well as a poet or writer. Shoto was his pen name. Being a humble man he would have never thought to name a martial art after himself. It is said that one day he arrived at his dojo, and saw that his students had placed a sign above the entrance. It read Shoto-Kan (school / hall of Shoto).

     While other Martial Art Masters relied upon the spoken word, and "do as you see" methods of handing down their art, Master Funakoshi also put pen to parchment. His writings, as well as his instruction, is now considered the backbone of modern-day karate.

    Funakoshi died in 1957 at age 89. He attributed his long life and good health at one time to living a simple life, never over indulging, and karate training. He was a man who was said to have lived his life at peace with himself as well as his fellow man.

    Some notes***