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Shotokan

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Shotokan (松涛館) is a school of karate, reflecting the style of the initial students (including his son, Yoshitaka) of master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957). Gichin Funakoshi was the man who 'officially' brought karate from Okinawa to mainland Japan, although Kenwa Mabuni, Motobu Choki and other Okinawans were actively teaching karate in Japan prior to this point. "Shoto" (松涛) was the pen name Gichin Funakoshi used in his poetry, in which "松" means "pine tree" and "涛" is a Kanji variant of "濤", which means "large wave", thus meaning "Pine Waves" ([1], pg. 85); hence "Shotokan" was the name of the hall where he trained his students -- since "kan", "館", means "house".

Origins

Funakoshi had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan karate of the time: Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu. After years of intense study of both styles, Master Funakoshi arrived at a new understanding of martial arts, and a simpler style was created, that combined the ideals of Shorei and Shorin. He combined and modified the styles, and made his own, though he never named it, always referring to it simply as "karate". The karate that he transmitted to his students reflects the changes made in the art by Anko Itosu, including the Heian/Pinan kata series. Funakoshi himself changed the names of the kata included in his curriculum, in an effort to make the "foreign" Okinawan names more palatable to the then nationalistic Japanese mainland. In several cases, Shotokan kata have been modified, in some places favoring athleticism over practicality. A good example can be found in the side thrust kicks added to the nijushiho kata.

As in all Karate styles it is kata (in this sense, 'kata' is pluralised; since it is Japanese, nothing needs to be done to pluralise the word), formal sequences of basic techniques, that form the backbone of the tradition. The traditional Japanese martial arts, Sumo, JuJutsu and KenJutsu were heavily centered around combat. Master Funakoshi instead, sought a path to physical health and stamina through individual technique. Thus, Modern Karate focused on breathing, releasing energy and outstanding mind and body control.

Common Terms

  • Karate: Empty hand (i.e., unarmed combat)
  • Yoi: Ready
  • Hajime: Begin
  • Osu: An aknowledgement (used primarily when bowing)
  • Yame: Stop
  • Rei: Bow
  • Sensei: Teacher (literally "The one who has gone before")
  • Shihan: Master
  • Mawatte: Turn
  • Narande: Line up
  • (Karate-)Gi: Karate suit
  • Dan: Level
  • Dojo: Place of the way
  • zanshin: awareness (that you might be attacked -- literally "continuing mind")

Characteristics

Training is usually divided into three sections: kihon or "basics", kumite or "sparring", and kata (forms or patterns of moves). Shotokan techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances which provide stability and powerful movements. Strength and power are often demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. The kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to be being more "free" and flexible at a higher level. Funakoshi is said to have found the traditional martial arts (such as sumo, jujutsu and kenjutsu) to be too focused on combat, and he put more emphasis on health, breathing, releasing energy and outstanding mind and body control.

Shotokan Today

Today, Shotokan remains a very popular style worldwide:

Master Funakoshi gave direct permission to Mr. Tsutomu Ohshima, to start a Shotokan organization in the United States of America. Shotokan Karate of America is a nonprofit organization that has been teaching traditional karate-do in the United States since 1955. SKA is still led by Tsutomu Ohshima to this day. Mr. Ohshima is also recognized as the chief instructor of many other SKA-affiliated national Shotokan organizations worldwide. SKA maintains its national headquarters in Los Angeles.

Hirokazu Kanazawa (1931-present) was the first to found his own school, called Shotokan Karate International. He studied under Masatoshi Nakayama (1913-1987) and Hidetaka Nishiyama (1928-present), both disciples of Gichin Funakoshi. His group introduced elements of Tai Chi Chuan, particularly in the matter of flow and balance, and more traditional karate.

Taiji Kase (1929-2004) also founded his own group, called the World Shotokan Karate Academy, since re-born as the Shotokan-Ryu-Kase-Ha Instructor Academy. He studied martial arts under his father (a Judo instructor), as well as both Gichin Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka Funakoshi. He left Japan in 1964 to teach karate internationally, but started teaching his own style of Shotokan to avoid the power struggles in the art. The SRKHIA, is an organsiation for 3rd Dans and above as individual members, it does not register national associations and as such its mission is for the technical development of its members to continue.

Hidetaka Nishiyama still practices and teaches in Los Angeles, California, as part of the JKI, (Japan Karate Institute).

List of Techniques

  • NB: Abbreviations in the brackets are used in execution lists of kata

Stances

  • hachiji dachi (hcd): natural stance
  • heisoku dachi (hsd): informal attention stance
  • shizentai (szt): ready stance
  • zenkutsu dachi (zkd): front stance
  • kiba dachi (kbd): horse stance / side stance
  • kokutsu dachi (kkd): back stance
  • kosa dachi (ksd): cross-legged stance
  • renoji dachi (rnd): L-stance (e.g. in the kata, Heian godan)
  • neko ashi dachi (nad): cat stance
  • hangetsu dachi (hgd): half-moon stance
  • sanchin dachi (scd): hourglass stance
  • fudo dachi (fd): rooted stance
  • tsuru ashi dachi (tsad): crane stance

Preparatory Positions

  • koshi gamae (ksG): hip preparatory position
  • ryoken koshi gamae (rksG): double hip preparatory position (e.g. in the kata, Heian sandan)
  • manji gamae (mjG): 'lambda' praparatory position (e.g., in the kata, Heian godan)
  • manji uke (mju): 'lambda' block (usually while going into kkd)

Blocking Techniques (Uke-waza)

Using the Arms

  • gedan barai (gb): sweeping low block
  • age uke (au): rising high-level block
  • soto uke (stu): outside mid-level block
  • uchi uke (uu): inside mid-level block
  • uchi ude uke (udu): outside forearm block
  • shuto uke (shk): knife hand block
  • gedan morote barai (gb-m): double sweeping low block (usually while going into kiba dachi)
  • haiwan uke (hwu): square side block (e.g. in the kata, Heian nidan)
  • uchi uke gyaku hanmi (uu-gh): inside mid-level block with reverse hand (e.g. in the kata, Heian nidan)
  • morote uke (mu): double forearm block (e.g in the kata, Heian sandan)
  • empi uke (euk): elbow block (e.g in the kata, Heian sandan)
  • tate shuto uke (tshk): half knife-hand block
  • kaisho haiwan uke (khu): knife-hand square side block (e.g. in the kata, Heian yondan)
  • kakiwake uke (kwu): floating x block (e.g. in the kata, Heian yondan)
  • shuto gedan barai (shgb): knife-hand sweeping low block
  • juji uke (jju): x block
  • kaisho ake uke (kau): open-palm rising block
  • kaisho juji uke (kju): open-palm x block (e.g. in the kata, Heian godan)
  • otoshi uke (otu): dropping forearm block
  • nagashi uke (nu): rising palm sweep block (e.g. in the kata, Tekki shodan)
  • osae uke (ou): palm block
  • ude barai: reverse sweeping forearm block
  • te osae uke (tou): dropping palm block
  • sukui uke (suku): scooping block

Using the Legs

  • mika zuki geri uke (mzg): crescent kick block (e.g. in the kata, Heian godan)
  • nami ashi, a.k.a. nami gaeshi (nas): leg snapping wave block (e.g. in the kata, Tekki shodan)
  • sokutei osae uke (seou): pressing sole block
  • sokuto osae uke (soou): pressing footedge block
  • ashikubi kake uke (asku): hooking ankle block

Striking Techniques (Uchi-waza)

  • Oi zuki (oz): Lunge punch
  • Gyaku zuki (gz): Reverse punch
  • Tettsui (tts): Hammer-fist strike
  • Yoko tettsui (y-tts): Sideways hammer-fist strike (e.g. in the kata, Heian sandan)
  • Kizami zuki (kzz): Straight punch
  • Empi uchi (eu): Elbow strike
  • Uraken uchi (uku): Backfist strike
  • Ura zuki (urz) (uz): Backfist punch
  • Shuto uchi (shu): Knife-hand strike
  • Nukite (nkt): Spear-hand strike
  • Choku zuki (cz): Straight jab punch
  • Kagi zuki (kgz): Hook punch
  • Mae mawashi empi uchi (mmwe): Augmented side elbow strike (e.g. in the kata, Heian yondan)
  • Sokumen empi uchi (ske): Augmented elbow strike (e.g. in the kata, Tekki shodan
  • Yoko empi (ye): Side elbow strike
  • Mawashi empi (mwe): Hook elbow strike
  • Ake empi (ae): Rising elbow strike
  • Ushiro empi (ue): Back elbow strike
  • Tate zuki (tz): Half reverse punch
  • Tettsui hasami uchi (thu): Hammer-fist scissor strike
  • Yama zuki (ymz): Wide double fisted strike (aka U Punch) (literally 'mountain punch')(e.g. in the kata, Bassai dai)
  • Awase zuke (awz): Narrow double fisted strike
  • Haishu uchi (hsz): Back hand strike
  • Morote zuki (mtz): Double punch
  • Hisami zuki (hsz): Scissor strike
  • Haito uchi (htu): Ridge hand strike
  • Teisho uchi (tei): Palm-heel strike
  • Teisho furi uchi (tei-f): Sideways palm-heel strike
  • Sanbon zuki: Triple punch

Kicking Techniques (Geri-waza)

  • Mae geri (mg): Front kick
  • Mawashi geri (mwg): Roundhouse kick
  • Mae-ashi mae geri, a.k.a choku geri (cg): Front kick with front leg
  • Yoko geri keage (yg-kg): Side snap kick
  • Yoko geri kekomi (yg-kk): Side thrust kick
  • Hiza geri (hg): Knee strike
  • Fumikomi (fk): Stomp kick
  • Ushiro geri (ug): Back kick
  • Ura mawashi geri (umwg): Reverse roundhouse kick
  • Ushiro mawashi geri (uumwg): Reverse back roundhouse kick
  • Yoko tobi geri (ytg): Jumping side kick
  • Tobi geri (tg): Jump kick
  • Nidan tobi geri (ntg): Double jump kick
  • Ushiro kekomi geri (ukg): Back thrusting kick
  • Tobi ushiro mawashi geri (tumwg): Jumping back roundhouse kick
  • Mae tobi geri (mtg): Front flying kick
  • Ashi barai (ab): Foot sweep

List of Kata

  • NB: Some kata have an in-depth execution list. Abbreviations from above's list of techniques are used along with these:
    • '# - pause (determines the end of a combination)
    • m-1 - mouth breath out (medium)
    • m-2 - mouth breath out (large)
    • m\1-1 - mouth breath in (slow, short)
    • m\1-2 - mouth breath in (slow, long)
    • m\2-1 - mouth breath in (fast, short)
    • m\2-2 - mouth breath in (fast, long)
    • /n - nose breath out
    • n\ - nose breath in
  • For video demonstrations of all shotokan kata, click here.

Shotokan Kata

Kumite

Beginners are usually introduced to kumite training with 'gohon kumite' (five-step sparring). Two karateka are required for the exercise. Once they pair up and bow, the attacking karateka steps back into a zenkutsu dachi and announces in a clear, audible fashion the attack. The first type is designated 'jodan' (high level), where they will subsequently execute a high oi-zuki. Their partner must then react by stepping back and executing an age uke to block the attack. This is repeated until the fifth oi zuki, when the defender executes a minor counter in the form of a gyaku zuki. The rhythm of the attacker is important, in that the first three punches are relatively slow, while the pause ought to be very short before the last punch. The defender is expected to kiai with their counter attack.

That completes one sequence. The next step is for the karateka to return to yoi position and the one that was defending takes a turn at attacking, repeating the sequence above.

The other type of gohon kumite is designated 'chudan' (mid level). The differences are that chudan level oi-zuki are used by the attacker and soto uke blocks are used by the defender.

The next stage of kumite training is the 'sanbon kumite' (three-step sparring). As its name suggest it involves three steps. It is homologous to gohon kumite but instead of five steps, has three.

At intermediate level (usually above 5th kyu), karateka are expected to learn 'ippon kumite' (one step sparring). Though it is only one step, it is more advanced because it involves a greater variety of attacks and blocks. It also requires the defender to execute a minor counter in a timely fashion. Minor counters can be almost anything, including strikes, grapples and take-downs.

The next level of kumite is the 'jiyu ippon kumite' (freestyle one step sparring)(Tsutomu Ohshima actually says in his book "Notes on Training" that jiyu ippon kumite is the most realistic practice in Shotokan Karate, and that it is more realistic than jiyu kumite). This is almost the same as ippon kumite but requires the karateka to be in motion. Practice in this is beneficial in improving jiyu kumite (freestyle sparring) skills.

Meditation

At the end of a training session, mokuso (meditation) may occur. It is a short, tranquil period where the karateka can reflect on the session just finished.

Often a recitation of a simplified, English dojo kun follows the meditation. There are several variations to the dojo kun. One type begins with the most senior karateka in the line who announces 'repeat dojo code, CHARACTER'. 'Character' being the first one. Hence, everyone else should repeat the word 'character' in an audible and charasmatic manor. The second is 'sincerity', next is 'effort', followed by 'etiquette' and ends with 'self-control'. Another variation is the sensei, or teacher of the class, speaking the words instead of the most senior student.

The dojo kun used by the International Shotokan Karate Federation is as follows:

  • Seek perfection of character
  • Be faithful
  • Endeavor to excell
  • Respect others
  • Refrain from violent behavior

Belt Colours

Originally, Karate had only 3 obi (belt) colours. White, Brown and Black, with several ranks of each. Here is the original belt system, still used by Shotokan Karate of America [1]:

  • Ungraded - white
  • 8th kyu ~ 4th kyu - white
  • 3rd kyu ~ 1st kyu - brown
  • 1st dan and above - black

As karate became more widespread, a decision was made by some karate organisaions to borrow the coloured belt system from Judo, along with the Judoka's uniform, the Gi. This was most likely so that western beginners could feel more of a sense of progression over time.

One example is given below, but these vary among organisations.

  • Ungraded - white
  • 9th kyu - orange
  • 8th kyu - red
  • 7th kyu - yellow
  • 6th kyu - green
  • 5th kyu - purple
  • 4th kyu - purple with white stripe
  • 3rd kyu - brown with white stripe
  • 2nd kyu - brown with double stripes
  • 1st dan and above - black

Trivia

  • A contestant on the new season of Survivor (Season 12), Bruce Kanegai, is a Godan (5th degree black belt) in Shotokan Karate of America. Godan is the highest rank in Shotokan Karate of America so and is very hard to achieve, comparable to the highest rank of some other federations.
  • Some characters from the Street Fighter series are said to be practitioners of Shotokan, most notably Ryu.

See also

In Wikipedia


References

[1] Funakoshi, Gichin, "Karate-do: My Way of Life", Kodansha International Ltd., 17-14, Otowa I-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8652, 1975 and 1981, ISBN 0-87011-463-8.

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