Funakoshi biography

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate was born in Nov 10, in Yamakawa, Shuri, Okinawa.

 

He had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawa karate of the time:

1. Shōrin-ryū (Shuri-te) with masters:

   • Anko Azato ( – )

   • Anko Itosu  ( – 11 March )

2. Shōrei-ryū (Naha-te )

 

After years of study in both styles, master Funakoshi created a simpler system that combined the ideals of the two.

He never named this style, however, always referring to it simply as "Karate."

 

“Karate” was then brought by Sensei Funakoshi to Japan, when he was invited in to perform at a physical education exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Education.

He was asked back several times in the following years, including by Japan’s emperor in , at which time Master Funakoshi decided to teach and promote his art in Japan.

 

Master Funakoshi changed the names of some of the kata in an effort to make the Okinawan kata names easier to pronounce in the