Gichin Funakoshi – Founder of Shotokan Karate

This page looks at the life and teachings of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. He helped to expand Karate across Japan and the world. Today, Shotokan is one of the most popular styles of Karate worldwide.

Gichin Funakoshi Biography

  • Gichin Funakoshi was born on November 10, 1868 in Yamakawa, Shuri, Okinawa Japan.
  • According to Japanese Karate Association, Funakoshi was of “samurai lineage, from a family which in former times had been vassals of Ryukyu Dynasty nobles”.
  • Gichin Funakoshi is the founder of Shotokan Karate.
  • He is also known as the father of modern karate because of his efforts to educate mainland Japan about the benefits and utility of Okinawan Karate.
  • When growing up, Gichin Funakoshi learned the Karate styles of Shorei-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu.
  • In 1922, he introduced Okinawan Karate to the Japanese Ministry of Education. This helped to popularize Karate in mainland Japan.
  • In 1924, Funakoshi created first ever Dan ranking certification.
  • He also changed the Chinese and Okinawan names of Okinawan Karate techniques & kata into standard Japanese. This helped to further popularize Karate within mainland Japan.
  • In 1936, he established the first formal Shotokan dojo in Tokyo, Japan.
  • Funakoshi wrote a number of important books on Karate including Karate-Do Kyohan, Karate-Do: My Way of Life and The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate.
  • In 1949, the Japanese Karate Association was created (with Funakoshi as the honorary Supreme Master).
  • He died from cancer in 1957.

Shotokan Kata

  • Gichin Funakoshi and his son, Gigo Funakoshi, developed many of the official Shotokan kata and kihon kata.

Philosophy

  • Funakoshi created the 20 principles of Shotokan Karate. These principles or precepts were designed to help students to become better human beings. They are also key to the philosophy of Shotokan Karate. He believed that “The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant”. For more Funakoshi quotes, please visit our section on Famous Karate Quotes.
  1. Karate begins and ends with rei (respect). FYI – Bowing symbolizes this respect.
  2. There is no first strike in karate.
  3. Karate stands on the side of justice.
  4. First know yourself, then know others.
  5. Mentality over technique.
  6. The heart must be set free.
  7. Calamity springs from carelessness.
  8. Karate goes beyond the dojo.
  9. Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
  10. Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.
  11. Karate is like boiling water; without heat, it returns to its tepid state.
  12. Do not think of winning. Think, rather, of not losing.
  13. Make adjustments according to your opponent.
  14. The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and fullness (weakness and strength).
  15. Think of hands and feet as swords.
  16. When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.
  17. Formal stances are for beginners; later, one stands naturally.
  18. Perform prescribed sets of techniques exactly; actual combat is another matter.
  19. Do not forget the employment of withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique.
  20. Be constantly mindful, diligent, and resourceful, in your pursuit of the Way.

Life of Gichin Funakoshi

Gichin Funakoshi – Founder of Shotokan Karate

Gichin Funakoshi

Image provided by Wikimedia Commons

Reference Sources

  1. Japanese Karate Association, Supreme Master Funakoshi Gichin, https://www.jka.or.jp/en/about-jka/profiles/supreme-master-funakoshi-gichin/
  2. Wikipedia, Gichin Funakoshi, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gichin_Funakoshi