Shotokan-ryu is a school of karate, developed from
various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi
(1868–1957) and his son Yoshitaka Funakoshi
(1906–1945). Gichin Funakoshi is widely recognized
as having brought karate from Okinawa to mainland
Japan, although Kenwa Mabuni, Chōki Motobu, and
other Okinawan karate masters were actively
teaching karate in Japan prior to this point. Shōtō
("pine waves") was Funakoshi's pen-name, while kan
means "house." Hence, shōtō-kan was the name of the
hall where Funakoshi trained his students.
Shotokan is one of the four traditional karate styles, the others being Gōjū-ryū, Shitō-ryū, and Wadō-ryū. Although it began as a unified karate school that developed into the Japan Karate Association, Shotokan now exists as several independent organizations.
Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Strength and power are often demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to being more flexible with greater experience. Funakoshi reportedly found traditional martial arts (e.g., sumo, jujutsu, and kenjutsu) to be too focused on combat; he emphasised health, breathing, release of energy, and concentrated mind- and body-control.
Shotokan can be regarded as a 'hard' and 'external' martial art.
One of Funakoshi Sensei's last students was Hirokazu Kanazawa; first All Japan Tournament Grand Champion, currently 10th dan and president of Shotokan Karate International Federation. S.K.I.F. is active in over 100 countries.
Satsuma dojo is a member of S.K.I.F. and Castellano Sensei (and many of the black belt members), have been students of Kanazawa Sensei. Thus, there is a direct lineage from the foundations of karate to the Satsuma Dojo
Shotokan is one of the four traditional karate styles, the others being Gōjū-ryū, Shitō-ryū, and Wadō-ryū. Although it began as a unified karate school that developed into the Japan Karate Association, Shotokan now exists as several independent organizations.
Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Strength and power are often demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to being more flexible with greater experience. Funakoshi reportedly found traditional martial arts (e.g., sumo, jujutsu, and kenjutsu) to be too focused on combat; he emphasised health, breathing, release of energy, and concentrated mind- and body-control.
Shotokan can be regarded as a 'hard' and 'external' martial art.
One of Funakoshi Sensei's last students was Hirokazu Kanazawa; first All Japan Tournament Grand Champion, currently 10th dan and president of Shotokan Karate International Federation. S.K.I.F. is active in over 100 countries.
Satsuma dojo is a member of S.K.I.F. and Castellano Sensei (and many of the black belt members), have been students of Kanazawa Sensei. Thus, there is a direct lineage from the foundations of karate to the Satsuma Dojo
