Karate styles – Shotokan

Shotokan karate is one of the most widely practised and influential forms of karate-dō in the world. It is considered a modern Japanese martial art, although its roots are firmly planted in the indigenous Okinawan fighting methods. The name “Shotokan” itself is derived from the pen name of its founder, Gichin Funakoshi, “Shoto” (meaning “pine-waves”), combined with “kan,” which means “house” or “hall,” referring to Funakoshi’s first official dojo in Tokyo.

Founding and Key Figures

The foundation of Shotokan karate is primarily attributed to Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍) (1868–1957), often referred to as the “father of modern karate”.

  • Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957): Born on 10 November 1868, in Shuri, Okinawa, Funakoshi was initially a frail child who was not expected to live past the age of three. Through diligent training in karate-dō, he developed a strong body and spirit, reportedly never falling sick in his long life. He began studying tode jutsu (the Okinawan martial art) around the age of eleven under two prominent Okinawan masters: Ankō Asato (安里 安恒) (1827–1906) and Ankō Itosu (安里 安恒) (1831–1915). Funakoshi was noted as an enthusiastic and determined student who studied the art in isolation and total secrecy. He became president of the Okinawan Shobukai in 1912.
    • Introduction to Mainland Japan: Funakoshi was one of the main pioneers who transported Okinawan unarmed methods to mainland Japan in the early 1920s. He first demonstrated the art in Tokyo in 1922. He initially introduced his approach as Ryukyu Kempo to-te jutsu. He later became a professional teacher of karate-dō in Tokyo. Funakoshi strongly disapproved of jiyu kumite (free sparring) and the competitiveness it involves. He devoted his entire life to the development, preservation, and promotion of karate-dō, establishing a strong foundation despite initial opposition.
    • Name Change and Philosophy: As part of the “Japanisation” of karate during the kokutai (national essence) program in Japan, Funakoshi vigorously cultivated the new term “karate-dō” (“empty-hand way”) to distance it from its Chinese origins. He also used Japanese pronunciations for many kata names instead of their original Okinawan dialect or Chinese pronunciations, for example, changing Pinan to Heian, Naihanchi to Tekki, Passai to Bassai, and Kusanku to Kanku. His famous guiding principle, “Karate ni sente nashi” (There is no first attack in Karate), emphasised the art’s defensive nature. Funakoshi believed the ultimate aim of karate-dō was character building and conquering human misery.
  • Yoshitaka (Gigo) Funakoshi (1906–1945): Gichin Funakoshi‘s son played an essential role in the development of modern Shotokan karate. He is widely credited with developing the foundation of the modern Shotokan style and is rumoured to have invented many of the methods practiced today, as well as importing and converting many popular kata to the Shotokan method, such as Unsu and Sochin. Yoshitaka also developed the Taikyoku Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan kata as a basic introduction to karate.

Influences and Development

Shotokan karate developed from the historical methods of Okinawan tode (hand). These methods, referred to as “Te” or “Ti,” meaning “hand” or “technique,” were developed more than 500 years ago in Okinawa. They were later improved by integrating Chinese martial arts, specifically ch’üan fa (Chinese boxing) and kempō (fist method), without sacrificing Okinawa karate’s essence of self-protection. The sources indicate that karate in its early stages was exclusively practiced in Okinawa and largely unknown in mainland Japan for centuries.

Modern karate is widely considered a hybrid art with complex origins, but the details are often difficult to describe. Shotokan, specifically, is primarily derived from the Shuri-te tradition. Shuri-te was considered the most indigenous Okinawan style, less influenced by Chinese martial arts. It originated from the teachings of Sōkon Matsumura (1809–1901) and his teacher Kanga Sakugawa in the 1800s. Funakoshi, though trained in Shuri-te, also supposedly learned some Naha-te, indicating cross-training was common.

The “Japanisation” of Okinawan karate involved its promotion and standardisation by organisations like the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Great Japan Martial Arts Association), established in 1895 in Kyoto under Japanese government authority. This led to the classification of karate into distinct “styles” (ryu). Before the early 20th century, karate was not systematised into “styles” as we know them today; rather, each expert taught karate their particular way. The terms Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te were not used as distinct style names until 1926, and their introduction was often an artificial invention driven by nationalistic interests to unify Japan and its new territory, Okinawa. The actual style names like Shotokan, Gōjū-ryū, and Shitō-ryū were adopted around the 1930s to gain acceptance within the Japanese martial arts establishment.

Characteristics and Philosophy

Shotokan is known for its deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Training emphasises anaerobic, powerful techniques and speed development. Modern Shotokan practice is divided more or less equally between three elements:

  • Kihon (基本) (“fundamentals”): Practice of basic techniques, including stances, blocks, punches, kicks, and displacements.
  • Kata (型): Forms or patterns of moves, considered fundamental to karate.
  • Kumite (組手): Sparring, practiced from basic to advanced levels with an opponent.

Initially, Shotokan emphasises strength and power over slower, more flowing motions. However, those who progress to brown and black belt levels develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling, throwing, and some standing joint locking techniques, which can be found even in basic kata.

Funakoshi’s philosophy focused on karate as a defensive art that should never serve offensive purposes. He believed in the importance of character building through karate-dō. The ethical development of the practitioner (dō) is a core aspect of karate-dō, stemming from the Bushidō code of the samurai. Karate-dō, in this sense, is more than just a sport or a fighting method; it’s a way of life.

Growth Across Okinawa, Japan, and Worldwide

Gichin Funakoshi was instrumental in bringing Okinawan karate to mainland Japan. His public demonstrations, such as the one for Crown Prince Hirohito in 1922, helped popularize the art. Shotokan became solidly established in Japanese universities. Funakoshi’s relentless efforts, despite opposition, led to the development of modern karate-dō in Japan.

After World War II, karate spread rapidly to the United States and Europe, primarily through American GIs and Allied troops stationed in Okinawa. High unemployment in Okinawa at the time led many budo masters to teach Westerners as a means to earn a living, though true secrets were often withheld due to cultural norms and language barriers. This global dissemination led to the rapid growth of Shotokan, making it one of the most widely recognised and practiced styles worldwide.

Associated Kata

Shotokan’s kata curriculum emphasises a narrow curriculum with a very deep practice level. The typical Japanese corporate association Shotokan canon comprises approximately twenty-six kata. However, the Shōtōkai, a more conservative group, endorses only fifteen kata, based on Funakoshi’s master text Karate-dō Kyohan.

Here is a comprehensive list of kata associated with Shotokan, including those in its various curricula and those influenced by its founders’ original teachings:

  • Taikyoku (1–3): Developed by Yoshitaka Funakoshi as a basic introduction to karate kata. In Shotokan, these follow an “H” pattern. The Taikyoku series means “First course”. These are not practices in all Shotokan associations.
  • Heian (1–5): These five kata (Heian Shodan, Heian Nidan, Heian Sandan, Heian Yondan, Heian Godan) are also known as Pinan in other styles. Funakoshi changed the name from Pinan to Heian and also transposed the order of Heian Shodan and Heian Nidan at some point in the 1930s, meaning that what Shotokan calls Heian Nidan was originally Pinan Shodan in Okinawan styles like Shitō-ryū and Wadō-ryū. These kata were devised by Itosu Anko from longer kata like Kūsankū and Channan. In Kyokushinkai, Pinan kata are performed with a unique “ura” (reverse) technique involving backward spinning turns.
  • Tekki (1–3): These three kata (Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan) were originally known as Naihanchi in Okinawan karate. Naihanchi was one of the first forms taught to karateka in Okinawa, characterised by anchored stances, minimal hip torque, and hard-style short movements. Motobu Choki, an influential Okinawan master, heavily emphasised Naihanchi and credited it with containing all that one needs to know to be a proficient fighter. Funakoshi renamed it Tekki (“Iron Horse”).
  • Bassai Dai (披塞大) and Bassai Sho (披塞小): Originally known as Passai. Passai was one of the most practiced kata in Okinawa. Funakoshi changed the name to Bassai (meaning “to penetrate a fortress”) to reflect Japanese pronunciation and Kanji. Passai has many variants across different schools.
  • Kanku Dai (観空大) and Kanku Sho (観空小): Originally known as Kusanku (Kosokun). Kusanku is a cornerstone kata in many karate styles, known for flowing techniques resembling White Crane Kung Fu and a variety of open-handed techniques. Kanku-Dai was reportedly Funakoshi’s favorite kata. Kanku-Sho is a smaller, more energy-intensive version.
  • Hangetsu (半月): Originally known as Seisan (“Thirteen Hands”). This kata originated from the Naha-te school, emphasizing strong breathing and the development of hara (energy field), with similarities to the Sanchin kata. Its Shotokan version is unique due to Funakoshi’s synthesis of contrasting styles.
  • Jion (慈恩): Considered part of a group with Ji’in and Jitte, characterised by a specific opening posture. Its origin is thought to be from the Tomari-te school, or possibly devised at the Jionji temple.
  • Jitte (十手): Part of the Jion kata group, characterised by the same unique starting posture.
  • Ji’in (慈陰): Also part of the Jion kata group. Some Shotokan enthusiasts acknowledge that Jion, Ji’in, and Jitte are different versions of the same kata, even though Funakoshi classified them as different styles.
  • Empi (燕飛): Originally known as Wansu.
  • Gankaku (岩鶴): Originally known as Chinto. Chinto is characterised by single-leg stances and quick jumps, resembling a crane. In some schools a version of Gankaku called Gankaku Sho is also taught, though it is not part of the typical Shotokan canon.
  • Nijushiho (二十四步): Meaning “24 steps”.
  • Sochin (壯鎭): Meaning “strength and tranquility” or “great quietness”. The kata is characterised by its powerful stances and movements.
  • Meikyo (明鏡): Originally known as Rohai (“Vision of a Crane”). The Shotokan version is very distinct from others.
  • Unsu (雲手): Meaning “cloud hands,” it is a highly advanced kata known for its complex techniques, including a flying kick.
  • Gōjūshiho Dai (五十四歩大) and Gōjūshiho Sho (五十四歩小): Originally known as Useishi or Sushiho (“54 steps”). This kata was developed by Sōkon Matsumura. It focuses on advanced open-handed techniques. In some Shotokan circles, the Gōjū-ryū kata Suparinpei (108 techniques) is sometimes learned and called “Hyakuhachiho” (108 steps), though it is not part of the typical Shotokan canon.
  • Chinte (珍手): Meaning “rare hands” or “unusual hands”.
  • Wankan (王冠): Meaning “king’s crown” or “pine branch”.

Differences in Kata Performance: Shotokan versions of kata have been “heavily edited by experts to create multiple kata, or to simplify them, or to change some of the moves so that the entire kata seemed to flow better”. For instance, Shotokan’s Pinan (Heian) kata differs from some Shorin styles by incorporating block and punch techniques in one action rather than two. Shotokan kata generally feature deeper, longer stances compared to the more anchored and compact stances in Okinawan Gōjū-ryū. The “ura” (reverse) technique found in Kyokushinkai’s Taikyoku and Pinan kata, involving backward spinning turns, is unique to that style and not typically found in Shotokan.

Branches and Official Organisations

After Gichin Funakoshi‘s death in 1957, internecine strife began almost immediately within the Shotokan community. The Japan Karate Association (JKA) was established in May 1949, with Funakoshi as its formal head and Masatoshi Nakayama (1913–1987) appointed as Chief Instructor. Nakayama was instrumental in restructuring the Shotokan training program to incorporate both traditional karate and modern sports sciences. He established kata and kumite as tournament disciplines, leading to significant tournament success for JKA students in the 1950s and 60s.

After Nakayama’s death in 1987, the JKA divided into two main factions, which further splintered into numerous independent organisations. Many senior JKA instructors left to form their own associations, leading to the creation of various Shotokan branches worldwide. These include:

  • International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF): Founded by Teruyuki Okazaki.
  • Japan Karate Shōtōkai: Associated with Tetsuhiko Asai.
  • Japan Shotokan Karate Association: Founded by Keigo Abe.
  • Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF): Founded by Hirokazu Kanazawa (1931–2019). Kanazawa was one of the last living karateka to have trained under Gichin Funakoshi himself. He held a 10th Dan in Shotokan.
  • Japan Karate Association / World Federation America: Associated with Shojiro Koyama.
  • Karatenomichi World Federation: Associated with Mikio Yahara.
  • Shōtōkai: A more conservative, loosely arranged group of karate experts in Japan, which adheres strictly to Funakoshi’s original teachings, endorsing only fifteen kata.

Other styles that trace their lineage, in part, to Shotokan’s founders or early teachers include:

  • Wadō-ryū (和道流): Founded by Hironori Ōtsuka, it is a fusion of Shotokan karate with Shindō Yoshin Ryu ju-jutsu. Ōtsuka studied under Funakoshi and was an assistant instructor.
  • Shitō-ryū (糸東流): Founded by Kenwa Mabuni, it is a fusion style intentionally combining Shuri-te/Tomari-te and Naha-te elements. Mabuni derived the name from the on’yomi readings of the first Kanji characters in the names of his two main influences: Itosu (“Shi”) and Higaonna (“To”). Mabuni was a fellow pupil of Funakoshi under Itosu.
  • Chitō-ryū (千唐流): Founded by Tsuyoshi Chitose, who assisted Gichin Funakoshi in the early introduction of karate in Japan. It is considered a Japanese style but deeply rooted in Okinawan Tode.
  • Shindō Jinen-ryū(神道自然流): Founded by Yasuhiro Konishi, who was also a student of Funakoshi.
  • Kyokushin (極真会): While distinct, its founder, Oyama Masutatsu, initially studied Shotokan under Funakoshi before creating his own style.
  • Taekwondo (태권도): Shotokan served as the basis for several styles practiced by a number of the original Korean Kwans, which eventually united to form Taekwondo.

Legacy

Shotokan karate, through the efforts of Gichin Funakoshi and his successors, has become the most widely recognizable of all Asian martial arts globally. Funakoshi’s overall impact on the advent and subsequent development of modern karate-dō is profound. His work helped transform karate from a secretive Okinawan combat art into a public budo (martial way) in Japan, emphasizing physical, mental, and spiritual development.

The style’s emphasis on strong fundamentals, disciplined kata practice, and practical kumite has ensured its enduring popularity. Despite the proliferation of various branches and interpretations, Shotokan continues to be a dominant force in the karate world, serving as a foundation for many other styles and influencing martial arts practice across continents. The legacy of Funakoshi and Shotokan is one of spreading karate’s principles and techniques to a global audience, making it a truly international martial art.