The art of Karate is a system of combat developed on the island of Okinawa. Karate can also be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Karate helps with the development of a strong character and builds a feeling of respect toward our fellow man. The study of Karate, therefore, may be valuable to all people, male and female, young and old alike.

The literal meaning of the two Japanese characters which make up the word “Kara” and “te” Karate is “Empty Hand.” This, of course, refers simply to the fact that Karate originated as a system of self - defence which relied on the effective use of the unarmed body of the practitioner. This system consisted of techniques of blocking or thwarting an attack and counter-attacking the opponent by punching, striking or kicking. The modern art of Karate has developed out of a thorough organization of these techniques.

Karate as a means of self - defence has the oldest history, going back hundreds of years. It is only in recent years that the techniques which have been handed down were scientifically studied and the principles evolved for making the most effective use of the various moves of the body. Training based on these principles and knowledge of the working of the muscles and the joints and the vital relation between movement and balance enable the modern student of Karate to be prepared, both physically and psychologically, to defend himself successfully against any would-be assailant.

Many girls and women in world have taken up Karate because, in addition to its usefulness as self - defence, it is especially good for the figure. It is widely practiced by both children and older people as a means of keeping in top physical condition, and many schools are promoting it as a physical art among their students.

As a sport, Karate has a relatively short history. Contest rules have been devised, however, and it is now possible to hold actual matches as in other competitive sports. because of the speed, the variety of techniques, and the split-second timing it calls for, many athletic-minded people have come to show an interest in competitive Karate and there is every indication that it will continue to grow in popularity

Western (non-Japanese) students may be interested to know that the Japan Karate Association emphasizes Karate's character-building aspects, in which respect for one's opponent (sportsmanship) is the cardinal principle.Western (non-Japanese) students may be interested to know that the Japan Karate Association emphasizes Karate's character-building aspects, in which respect for one's opponent (sportsmanship) is the cardinal principle.

Benefits of Karate

1. Awareness and Self Defence

Learning self-defence Maneuvers is a key skill that is developed by learning karate or other martial arts. The key to self-defence does not rely on punching and kicking. As a matter of fact, we discourse physical action in any confrontation unless it is an absolute last resort.

2. Concentration and Focus

Concentration is something that for many people, has to be taught. Karate practice strengthens the mind, develops composure, a clearer thought process.

3. Balance

It strengthens the entire body, improves coordination, quickens reflexes, builds stamina and overall health.

4. Respect, Discipline, and Humility

Karate Teach values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honour and self-control.

5. Goal Orientation

One of the first things to attract youngsters to Karate are the Karate belts and ranks. The colour of the Karate belt indicates the level of expertise. Focussing on picking up the next belt, gives a child a measurable goal to follow. The discipline needed to graduate to a new belt (colour) is a valuable lesson that helps the child in other aspects of life as well. As instructors we help individuals set reasonable goals so that a person can make these ambitions attainable.

6. Self Confidence

While defensive encounters take skill, having the confidence to stand up to trouble is invaluable, especially for those who are at a malleable age. In karate classes, instructors provide continual encouragement and feedback, which, in combination, builds students’ selfconfidence levels as well as proper technique

Every individual has certain a limit and once you find it you feel comfortable. Once your comfortable you can start to expand or push those limits and feel good about trying something you never imagined you could before. Karate is an endless learning experience that provides constant challenge keeping you alert and to let your confidence grow.

7. Leadership Skills

Leadership traits depend on both self-respect and respect for others. Both of these essential forms of respect are developed during the young martial arts students’ regular training. As class participants bow to their teachers or wait for instructor commands, respect for authority is instilled.

8. Promotes Healthy Body and Weight

Regular physical activity of any form helps children develop and maintain a healthy body weight. Children who embrace the martial arts learn to enrich their bodies with healthy foods and nutrients as well as the right amounts of physical activity. As these martial arts students grow into adulthood, their childhood karate lessons will have piqued their interest in maintaining a strong and fit lifestyle

9. Karate as a Sport

Karate as a sport has been on a steady incline since the late 1960s. It provides a method of testing your abilities in a controlled environment. The sparring is fast paced not only for the spectator, but requires precision skill and control by the competitor. In karate you pull your technique, scoring points by showing the judges what you could do in a self-defence situation. The kata competition shows a combination of grace and power in technique through a series of choreographed movements that represent the competitor defending themselves in a multi attack environment. Both provide a sense of self accomplishment and build confidence by performing in front of their peers and an audience.

10.  Karate is Fun!

Not only do you benefit from learning the techniques and routines that karate provides, you do it with other people that share a common interest. Any extracurricular activity you involve yourself with should be a release from the stress or anxiety that is built up in our daily routines. People involved in karate can established friendships for life

Brief History of Karate

OKINAWAN KARATE

Two kinds of styles found their way to Okinawa, and had their influence on Okinawa’s own original fighting method, called Okinawa-te (Okinawan hand) or simply te. A ban on weapons in Okinawa for two long periods in its history is also partly responsible for the high degree of development of unarmed fighting techniques on the island.

Karate in Okinawa developed from the synthesis of two fighting techniques. The first one, used by the inhabitants of Okinawa, was very simple but terribly effective and, above all, very close to reality since it was used throughout many centuries in real combat. The second one, much more elaborate and impregnated with philosophical teachings, was a product of the ancient culture of China. These two origins explain the double character of Karate– extremely violent and efficient but at the same time a strict and austere discipline and philosophy with a non-violent emphasis.

The Okinawans combined Chinese martial arts with the existing local variants to form Tōde ( 唐手). The Okinawan characters for Tōde where translated in Japanese as Kara Te. The style of Karate based on Gichin Funakoshi's teachings was simply called Karate."

History of 松濤館 Shotokan

Shotokan-style Karate was developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi.

The Martial Art School known as Shotokan has a long and rich history dating back 18th century. Formalized as a school in 1939 by Gichin Funakoshi based on Okinawan Karate, its Shotokai and Shotokan Masters have shared this magnificent art throughout the world. Today there are many schools = kan and variations of Master Funakoshi's Karate.

Gichin Funakoshi Lineage

❖ Gichin Funakoshi was born on November 10, 1868. At primary school, he became close friends with the son of Ankō Asato, a karate master who would soon become funakoshi’s first karate teacher.

❖ Gichin Funakoshi became good freinds with the Asato family and was soon making daily trips to go and practice karatedo with Anko Asato.

❖ Funakoshi also trained with Anko Itosu , was known for his incredible punches, who also created the Ten Precepts (Tode Jukun) of Karate

❖ Anko Itosu also played a major role in introducing karate into Okinawa’s schools. Anko Itosu also developed the 5 Heian kata from the longer kata Channan, as he believed Kusanku (Kanku dai) was to hard for beginners to learn.

❖ Itosu did a similar thing with long kata Naihanchi, breaking it down into three tekki kata we have today.

❖ Anko Itosu, Anko Asato and Gichin Funakoshi also trained under Matsumura “Bushi” Sōkon (1809-1899)

❖ Matsumura “Bushi” Sōkon (1809-1899), was chief martial arts instructor and bodyguard for the Okinawan King Shō Kō.

He subsequently served in this capacity for the last two Okinawan kings, Shō Iku and Shō Tai. Matsumura travelled to China and studied Chuan Fa and other martial arts which he shared with his students on Okinawa.

❖ Matsumura “Bushi” Sōkon was a student of Kanga (Tode) Sakugawa (1733-1815). Kanga Sakugawa began his training in 1750 as a student of Takahara Pēchin (1683- 1760). After six years of training, Takahara suggested that Sakugawa train under Kusanku, a Chinese master in Ch’uan Fa.

❖ Sakugawa spent six years training with Kusanku. He became so good that people gave him, as a nickname: “Tōde” Sakugawa (Sakugawa “Chinese Hand”).

❖ Takahara Pēchin was an early karate practitioner. He was known as a great martial artist and is believed to have been the first to explain the principles of the dō (“way”).

These principles are:

1) ijō, the way-compassion, humility, and love.

2) katsu, the laws-complete understanding of all techniques and forms of karate.

3) fo dedication-the seriousness of karate that must be understood not only in practice, but in actual combat. The collective translation is: “One’s duty to himself and his fellow man.”

❖ Takahara Pēchin studied under Chatan Yara (1668–1756). Chatan Yara is believed to be the first karateka to spread karate around the island of Okinawa.

❖ Chatan Yara studied under Kusanku (1670–1762).

❖ Kūsankū, also known as Kwang Shang Fu, was a Chinese martial artist master who is credited as having an influence on all the karate on Okinawa.

❖ Kūsankū learned the art of Ch’uan Fa in China from a Shaolin monk. It is likely that he studied martial arts in Fujian for much of his life.

❖ Kūsankū was sent to Ryukyu in 1756 as an ambassador of the Qing Dynasty. He lived in the village of Kumemura, near Naha. During his stay in Ryukyu, Kūsankū also taught Kanga Sakugawa.

❖ After Kūsankū’s death, Kanga Sakugawa created and named the Kusanku kata in honor of his teacher.

❖ Shotokan is named after Funakoshi’s pen name, Shōtō (松濤), which means “waving pines”.Kan means training hall.This name was coined by Funakoshi’s students when they posted a sign above the entrance of the hall at which Funakoshi taught.

❖ In 1922 when Gichin Funakoshi was 54 years old, he held a demonstration of Okinawan karate-jutsu at the first Ministry of Education Sponsored Physical Education Exhibition.

This demonstration was the first ever public display of karate-jutsu in Japan, it was an incredible success.

In 1936, Funakoshi built the first Shōtōkan dojo in Tokyo. At about this time he also changed the written characters of karate to mean “empty hand” (空手) instead of “China hand” (唐手) (literally Tang dynasty) to downplay its connection to Chinese boxing.Karate had borrowed many aspects from Chinese boxing.

Gichin Funakoshi published several books on karate including his autobiography, Karate-Do : My Way of Life.

However many karateka believe his most important work was a document containing his philosophies of karate training now referred to as the niju kun, or “twenty principles”. These rules are the premise of training for all Shotokan practitioners. Funakoshi lays out 20 rules by which students of karate are urged to abide in an effort to “become better human beings”

JAPANESE SHOTOKAN KARATE

Master Funakoshi, Yoshitaka Funakoshi (Master's son aka Gigo), Shigeru Egami, and Takeshi Shimoda, and other seniors students continued to adapt and meld Shotokan Karate with Japanese Martial Arts and Philosophy brought about the evolution to Japanese Shotokan Karate. Their efforts found purchase in many of Japan's higher education academic institutions including Waseda University, Keio University, and others.

Hoan Kosugi, friend and student of Master Funakoshi [Keio University] created the Shotokan Tiger or “Tora no Maki,” or the Tiger Scroll. He also encouraged Master Funakoshi to document his techniques in a book, which became Kyohan.

Master Funakoshi became increasingly busy Shotokan dojo and writing Kyohan. He began handing over his teaching assignments at the various universities to his students. He still conducted demonstrations, including regular performances before Emperor Hirohito, who invited him to the Imperial Palace on an annual basis.

The Pacific War started in 1941, and times grew hard in Japan. Master Funakoshi's third son, Gigo, who was supposed to inherit his father's school, died of tuberculosis in 1945. A few months later, Master Funakoshi's dojo was destroyed by Allied bombers. In that same year, the battle for Okinawa began and many people fled to the island of Kyushu, including Funakoshi's wife, who had remained in Shuri during his residence in Tokyo. The couple were reunited at a refugee camp on Kyushu, and he stayed with his wife until her death in 1947. He then boarded a train for Tokyo to start all over again.

In 1945, the Empire of Japan surrendered to the Allies. The occupying forces disallowed martial arts instruction.

Because of Master Funakoshi's association with the Universities and with the Ministry of Education, karate was classified as physical education, not a martial art. He therefore began teaching again, and within a few years was drawing martial artists from other disciplines, all of whom were longing for a place to practice. Included among these new recruits were American servicemen, who were amazed at this form of exercise. For every GI who returned to the United States with a karate tale, Funakoshi received two more letters from Americans, who wished to become students.

He had spread karate throughout Japan, now it was time to spread it throughout the world. In 1953, after several requests from Americans for qualified karate instructors, he began sending some of his finest students around the world to begin teaching Karate. Through their efforts Shotokan-ryu became one of the first and most widely practiced styles in Japan post World War II. In 1957, at age 89, Master Funakoshi died in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy that of which he took little credit for karate's immense popularity, but few denied that he had almost single-handedly brought the art to Japan and subsequently sent it overseas.

MODERN SHOTOKAN KARATE

Upon bringing karate to Japan and seeing it's traditional martial arts, such as judo and kendo, Master Funakoshi patterned karate after these arts to a large degree and made karate popular. He held many conversations with fellow Masters including Jigoro Kano the founder of Judo and Morihei Ueshiba founder of Aikido. Once again he evolved and combined his karate techniques by applying his philosophy. He continuted to develop Karate and capture the essence of traditional budo (the martial way) in his Te.

As with so many things in life, adaptation and evolution are natural. Shotokan-ryu Karate is no exception. The influence of people, environment, technology, and other social aspects of life affect its propagation. The principles and basics of Master Funakoshi's Karate are not identical the "te" he learned from his teachers Yasutsune Azato and Anko Itosu. So it is for Master Funakoshi's son Yoshitaka and the many great Karate-ka who learned directly from O-sensei. Today, their students continue to explore and evolve Karate. Each can explore the depth of martials way in pursuit of budo and find steadfast truths based on Master Funakoshi's key prinicples, and areas of improvement where O-sensei himself admitted was necessary.

Modern Karate is often defined by the written text such as Kyohan, however as insightful as Master Funakoshi was, he knew that the text would only be a guide, and the true karate would explore beyond the text.

The Twenty Precepts of Master Gichin Funakoshi

Words of wisdom.

Lessons from the Master.

1. Karate-do begins with courtesy and ends with rei.

2. There is no first strike in karate.

3. Karate is an aid to justice.

4. First know yourself before attempting to know others.

5. Spirit first, technique second.

6. Always be ready to release your mind.

7. Accidents arise from negligence.

8. Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo.

9. It will take your entire life to learn karate, there is no limit.

10. Put your everyday living into karate and you will find "Myo" (subtle secrets).

11. Karate is like boiling water, if you do not heat it constantly, it will cool.

12. Do not think that you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose.

13. Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.

14. The out come of the battle depends on how you handle weakness and strength.

15. Think of your opponents hands and feet as swords.

16. When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you.

17. Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced.

18. Practicing a kata exactly is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.

19. Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body, and slowness and speed of techniques.

20. Always think and devise ways to live the precepts of karate-do every day.