Shotokan is known for its linear, direct punching, blocking, and kicking from stances that are low and rooted. Correct posture, joint alignment and strong foundation are the basis for all techniques.
The Shotokan practitioner should train with a "Ippon Ieatsu" or "to kill with one blow" train of thought. This is not to say these karateka wish to truly kill, but instead to effectively execute a technique with as little effort or wasted energy as possible while apply 100% of ones body into it. To eliminate ones attacker , be it with a hard hitting block that makes him think twice about continueing, a strike that stuns him allowing you the chance to escape or to render them incapatitated. After all think on this, in the situation of several attackers does one have the time to grapple with one while two others are coming for you?
Shotokan fighters will stay in close even when attacked, perfering to shift to the side to evade an assault but still be within distance to counter with a technique of their own. Or even take full control of a situation, by "luring" the foe into throwing a punch or strike and taking advantage of the enticed technique they made come forth.
Three Japanese kanji characters form the word Shotokan.. The "Sho" character means pine tree. "To" represents the character for waves. "Kan"stands for "Club or School". Funakoshi Gichin, the founder of this style, was a poet and Shoto was his pen name, signing works of calligraphy with it. His studens would say they are going to Shoto's kan or Shoto's club.
Though Funakoshi was the founder of Shotokan, there are several Masters who were a direct influance on how it was developed. Master Funakoshi's own teachers: Master Matsumura, Master Yasutsune Azato and Master Yasutsune Itosu. The art then and there was known as To-te it was Funakoshi who adapted the term "kara-te" meaning "emty hand." The following is just a brief synapsose of these great Karateka.
Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura
(1797-1889)
On the island of Okinawa, Matsumura was born in the city of Shuri .From very early in his life he was train by Master Sakugawa and Master Kushanku. There is information as well to conclude that he was taught by a Chinese Master named Iwah and possibly a master of the Jigen sword school of the Satsuma clan, most likely the Master Yashuhiro Ijuin.
The military Chief of Okinawa, he worked as a bodyguard and advisor for three different kings: Sho-Ko, Sho Iku and Sho Tai.
There are a great many stories following this man. How he attanined the name "Bushi", which means Warrior, is just one of them. One story goes that the King Sho Ko was gifted a bull from the king of Japan and to test Matsumura, he posed a challange between him and the bull. Through intelligant strategy, Matsumura won and the Okinawan King bestowed the name to him. Through his teaching there were a great many a masters born. Two of which were Yasutsune Azato and Yasutsune Itosu.
Master Matsumura is the founding father of Shorin-Ryu karate
In the Okinawan town of Azato, Yasutsune was born to aTonichi, one of the two highest classes in the Okinawan society. This advantage made it capable to become very well versed. Besides martial arts, he was an expert on archery, horsemanship and kendo. He gained the station of advisor to the king in both military and state affairs. All information indicats that he had only one student,Gichin Funakoshi. Even his older sons' teaching was left in the capable hands of Itosu
Yasutsune Azato's method of teaching was very strict. He would have Funakoshi repeating the same kata over and over form three to ten months. He would say "The secret of victory is to know yourself and your opponent through careful preparation and observation." This way you will never be caught off guard. Azato kept a very complete registry of all martial artists on the island, listing in detail their abilities and defects..
One incredable story was, Azato was challanged by Yorin Kanna, the most famous swordmen of Okinawa. Kanna was known not only for his skill but his huge size and strength. Kanna was surprised when he first attacked Azato, for even though Azato was an expert in Jigen-kenjutsu, he met his adversary unarmed. Azato was able to unarm Kanna of his sword and bring him to his knees. bare handed
Like Matsumua, Itosu was born in the city of Shuri, Okinawa. At sixteen, Itosu began training with Master Matsumura. He was a very close friend of Matsumura's uchi deshi(live-in student),Yasutsune Azato.
Secretary to the king of Okinawa, Itosu is was instrumental in introducing Karate into the public school systems. To help the teaching, he is credited with developong the Pinan katas.
Itosu beleived the body should be trained to withstand the hardest of blows, he was reknowned for incredable strength in his legs, arms and had. It was said he could crush green bamboo with his vice-like grip. There are many stories that flow from this. One being he would practise punching against the stone walls and would proceed to knock away the stones themselves. .
Describing the art in his own words, he said: "Karate means not only to develop one's physical strength but to learn how to defend oneself. Be helpful to all people and never fight against one person. Never try to strike if possible. even when taken unawares, as perhaps meeting a robber or a deranged person. Never face others with fists and feet. As you practice karate, try to open your eyes brightly and keep your shoulders down, stiffen your body as if you are on the battleground. Imagine that you are facing the enemy when you practice the punching or blocking techniques. Soon you will find your own striking performance. Always concentrate attention around you. A man of character will avoid any quarrels and loves peace. Thus the more a karateka practices the more modest he should be with others. This is the true karateka."
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