Shotokan karate is a martial arts style that draws from ancient Egyptian and Chinese fighting techniques. Karate was first developed on the island of Okinawa after hundreds of years of Chinese and Japanese rule. During this period weapons were banned, and locals often had to engage in hand-to-hand combat. In 1922, an Okinawan karate fighter, Gichin Funakoshi, introduced his new fighting style, Shotokan, to the Japanese mainland. While teaching karate at Japanese universities, Funakoshi formed a friendship with Kano, the founder of modern judo. Kano's influence is thought to have shaped the development of Shotokan. Funakoshi’s son, Yoshitaka, further refined the style. He incorporated budo, a philosophy grounded in self-improvement, and other elements from Japanese free-style fighting. These additions solidified Shotokan into its own distinctive style. At the end of World War II, Funakoshi traveled to U.S. military bases across Japan and taught Shotokan to American soldiers. By the 1950s, Shotokan was the most widely practiced fighting form in Japan. Soldiers returning to the US also helped spread interest in the sport. Over the following decades, the Shotokan school spread around the world and became one of the most popular karate styles. Like other forms of karate, Shotokan combines philosophy, self-development, and physical fitness. Shotokan stances add more weight to the lower half of the body. Hip rotations power punches and strikes. Fighters may also use their elbows, knees, and palms to attack their opponents.

1. Eric Rossini

2. Shotokan karate is a martial arts style that draws from ancient Egyptian
and Chinese fighting techniques. Karate was first developed on the island
of Okinawa after hundreds of years of Chinese and Japanese rule. During
this period weapons were banned, and locals often had to engage in
hand-to-hand combat.

3. In 1922, an Okinawan karate fighter, Gichin Funakoshi, introduced his
new fighting style, Shotokan, to the Japanese mainland. While teaching
karate at Japanese universities, Funakoshi formed a friendship with Kano,
the founder of modern judo. Kano's influence is thought to have shaped
the development of Shotokan. Funakoshi’s son, Yoshitaka, further refined
the style. He incorporated budo, a philosophy grounded in self-
improvement, and other elements from Japanese free-style fighting.
These additions solidified Shotokan into its own distinctive style.

4. At the end of World War II, Funakoshi traveled to U.S. military bases
across Japan and taught Shotokan to American soldiers. By the 1950s,
Shotokan was the most widely practiced fighting form in Japan. Soldiers
returning to the US also helped spread interest in the sport. Over the
following decades, the Shotokan school spread around the world and
became one of the most popular karate styles.

5. Like other forms of karate, Shotokan combines philosophy, self-
development, and physical fitness. Shotokan stances add more weight to
the lower half of the body. Hip rotations power punches and strikes.
Fighters may also use their elbows, knees, and palms to attack their
opponents.

6. The Shotokan style also puts more emphasis on structured sequences,
known as katas. Since sparring is somewhat predictable, fighters can
anticipate their opponents’ reactions and respond accordingly. This is
distinct from other karate styles that include some element of surprise.
Further, there are no ground fighting positions such as those in judo.

7. Shotokan teaches students to defend themselves, but also to control their
emotions and reactions. During a Shotokan competition, judges score
fighters on the appropriate amount of force. Using excessive force results
in a lower score. Fighters use controlled movements and strike only the
upper parts of their opponents’ bodies. Since competitions are more
concerned with accurate form and technique than attacking opponents,
many consider the Shotokan style more suitable for beginners and
children.

8. Shotokan practitioners are divided by ability into categories called kyu.
Beginners wear white belts and advance from light to dark colors until
they reach the third-level brown belt. From there, students enter the
black belt, or dan, level. Up to 10 levels of black belt exist. Most students
advance one level every few months. However, reaching master status
can take years of dedication.

9. Despite being a particularly disciplined karate form, Shotokan still can be
used effectively for self-defense. Training enables students to develop
quick reflexes to counter attacks. Shotokan is also physically challenging
and builds endurance and strength. Students may practice sparring
against partners to improve their skills.

10. However, teachers stress that sparring is not sufficient to protect yourself
against an attacker. Students must undergo separate self-defense
training that includes the unpredictable behaviors associated with
attacks.

11. Teachers encourage students to recognize their weaknesses and
limitations. Self-awareness increases mental toughness. For this reason,
students can use the Shotokan style as a tool for self-development.