| History: Shotokan is both a young and an | | | | real organisations and metaphors for |
| . It is ancient because its roots are | | | | something much deeper within the human |
| deeply entrenched in the past, and young | | | | psyche. There exists the physical triad |
| because, as it is expressed today, it is | | | | of kihon (basics), kumite (sparring) and |
| an art that is less than a 100 years | | | | kata (forms), which require dedicated |
| old. Shotokan is characterised by its | | | | training and the constant perfecting of |
| long and low stances, its powerful | | | | technique. This is followed by the moral |
| techniques and its dynamic forms. The | | | | triad of justice, mercy and compassion |
| founder of Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi, | | | | and finally by the ethical triad of |
| was an Okinawan. He trained in the | | | | duty, honour and loyalty. If we put all |
| oldest of the Okinawan te (hand) systems | | | | of the 9 triad principles together (9 |
| as a young man and in the early 20th | | | | symbolises perfection) we achieve the |
| century brought what he had learned in | | | | whole, rounded person. When these |
| the island of Okinawa to mainland Japan, | | | | principles are practised in a martial |
| where he demonstrated his art before the | | | | art, they illustrate one of the |
| Emperor. He originally intended to | | | | fundamental concepts of Shotokan, as |
| return to Okinawa but was persuaded to | | | | advocated by the founder, Gichin |
| to remain and continue teaching in | | | | Funakoshi. His aim was to focus on the |
| Japan. Funakoshi's pen name was Shoto | | | | development of the human character as a |
| (waving pines) and kan (hall). Hence | | | | whole being, rather than on winning and |
| Shotokan can be translated to mean | | | | losing. Significance: While Shotokan is |
| "Shoto's hall of the way of the empty | | | | a wonderful form of relaxation or sport |
| hand". While Funakoshi was the | | | | for many people, for those who practise |
| originator of Shotokan, it was really | | | | it seriously it has a much deeper and |
| his son, Yoshitaka Funakoshi, who | | | | wider significance. This deeper |
| developed it into the form we know | | | | realisation, however, can only come |
| today. It rapidly grew in popularity, | | | | after years of dedicated practice. While |
| supported, encouraged and regulated by | | | | this is a dimension of the art that |
| the powerful Japan Karate Association. | | | | emerges rather slowly, Shotokan can |
| Before long, it was to be found all over | | | | still be enjoyed at all levels by |
| the world. Triads: Shotokan is built on | | | | hundreds of thousands of people |
| what are known as triads, which are both | | | | throughout the world. |