Shotokan Karate
Various styles of self defense based on unarmed combat have been studied for centuries in the Far East. They were said to have originated in times of rebellion when the feudal overlords forbade the carrying of weapons. Several of these martial arts were adopted and extensively developed by the monks who wished to be able to defend themselves without weapons or armour. Shotokan Karate-Do, the Way of the Empty Hand, was created by Gichin Funakoshi in the early part of this century from the combination of older open-hand fighting techniques practiced in Okinawa, an island off the coast of Japan. Master Funakoshi, a school teacher and poet, brought together the best elements of these techniques and added training methods that emphasized the balance of kata (training forms), kumite (sparring) and kihon (basics). Shotokan was used to refer to this method of training.
Master Funakoshi was also responsible for the popularization of karate throughout the whole of Japan beginning with a demonstration tour in 1922. The study of karate spread rapidly during the succeeding decades, especially through the establishment of karate clubs at many of Japanese universities. Writers on the history of karate credit the popularity of the new technique among the "intellectually inclined" with many of the scientifically sound refinements of Master Funakoshi methods. Modern Shotokan karate techniques are based on a linear fighting style that emphasizes speed and power. Equally important in the study of karate is the development of the student´s character: through the discipline of hard work, the drive for technical excellence and the practice of humility and respect for others.
20 Precepts of
Gichin Funakoshi
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Karate begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy.
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There is no first attack in Karate.
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Karate is an aid to justice.
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First control yourself before attempting to control others.
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Spirit first, technique second.
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Always be ready to release your mind.
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Accidents arise from negligence.
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Do not think that Karate training is only in the dojo.
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It will take your entire life to learn Karate; there is no limit.
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Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find “Myo” (subtle secrets).
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Karate is like boiling water. If you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.
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Do not think that you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose.
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Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
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The battle is according to how you move guarded and unguarded (move according to your opponent).
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Think of your hands and feet as swords.
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When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behaviour that invites trouble from them.
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Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.
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Practicing a kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.
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Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body and slowness and speed of techniques.
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Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day.