A brief outline of what Shotokan karate is

Shotokan (松濤館 Shōtōkan) is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Yoshitaka Funakoshi (1906–1945). Funakoshi Sensei was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing "karate do" through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including those at Keio, Waseda, Takushoku.

When it comes to individual karate styles; Shotokan involves long, deep stances and powerful long range techniques.

Gichin Funakoshi Sensei is known today as the father of modern day karate. He was born in 1868 in Okinawa. As a boy he studied karate under two masters, Master Itosu and Master Azato. In those days a master only took on a few students and the practice of the martial arts was still kept secret. When Funakoshi Sensei grew up he became a school teacher, training in karate all the while with both masters.

It was during this time, Okinawan karate emerged from its seclusion to become a legally sanctioned martial art. Funakoshi Sensei, knowing the huge benefits of the study of karate, introduced karate into the Okinawan public school system. In 1922, the Japanese Ministry of Education held a martial arts demonstration in Tokyo and Funakoshi Sensei was asked to introduce Okinawan karate to Japan.

In 1955, Funakoshi Sensei established the Japan Karate Association. Funakoshi Sensei served as chief instructor of the JKA until his death in 1957. Since then, Shotokan students have continued his spirit and teachings.

Traditional shotokan karate training consists of many things.  Typically the "three k's" of Kihon (basics), Kata (preset forms), Kumite (sparring). In our aim to be well rounded martial artists and develop strong character, we train equally in all aspects of karate.  In shotokan we put emphasis; at a basic level, on deep strong stances & as the student advances through the years these stances can become more natural in application.

Shotokan karate is a strong style with emphasis on using our whole body to generate power with each technique.  After Funakoshi Sensei's death the JKA was run by Master Masaotoshi Nakayama, whose version of shotokan karate is closest to what we practice today.  Nakayama Sensei had a vast number of high level students, including the Senpai & founder of our JKS; Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei.