Shotokan

Histoire

Shotokan is the karate style of Gichin Funakoshi and the most practised in the world. It takes its name from the Shotokan dojo opened in Tokyo in 1939 — "Shoto" ("pine waves") was Funakoshi's pen name — which was destroyed in the bombings of 1945.

After the war his students founded the Japan Karate Association (1949), led by Masatoshi Nakayama, which built a rigorous teaching system and sent instructors all over the world.

Le saviez-vous ?

• Shotokan is known for long, deep stances and strong straight techniques.
• Funakoshi's twenty principles (niju kun) begin with "karate begins and ends with respect".
• The Heian kata were created by Anko Itosu for schoolchildren.

Glossaire des techniques

Zenkutsu-dachi

long front stance

Kokutsu-dachi

back stance

Kiba-dachi

horse stance

Gyaku-zuki

reverse punch

Kizami-zuki

jab

Formes

Taikyoku ShodanHeian Shodan–GodanTekki Shodan–SandanBassai DaiKanku DaiJionEmpiHangetsuGankakuUnsuSochin

⚔ In the Arsenal

Makiwara

☯ Philosophy and quotes

“Karate begins and ends with respect.”— Gichin Funakoshi, Niju kun, principle 1 (1938)

“Karate is like hot water: without constant heat it grows cold.”— Gichin Funakoshi, Niju kun, principle 11 (1938)

Funakoshi's twenty principles (Niju kun)The dojo kunKimeSee all →

Figures clés

• Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) — founder
• Yoshitaka (Gigo) Funakoshi (1906–1945) — his son, who developed high kicks and low stances
• Masatoshi Nakayama (1913–1987) — chief instructor of the JKA

Sources: Japan Karate Association (JKA) · Encyclopaedia Britannica