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