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  • 27.09.2025
• Intern

SHOTOKAN KARATE

Shotokan karate is a traditional karate style.

This style was founded by Gichin Funakoshi (1868 - 1957), who studied with the grandmasters Asato and Itosu. His youngest son Yoshitaka changed karate so that the stances became deeper and the techniques more athletic. However, the original purpose of self-defense is still present. Shotokan karate is the most widespread style of karate.

Shotokan Karate is based on three pillars: Kihon (basic movements), Kata (patterns of movements) and Kumite (literally "grappling hands” forms of sparring).

Shoto was Funakoshi's pen name and describes the sound of pine trees. His first training hall (built in Tokyo in 1938) was called Shotokan (building of Shoto) for this reason. This name was later adopted for his karate style.

The symbol of the style is “Tora no Maki”, the tiger scroll.