What is Skotokan Karate?

Shotokan karate was developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi.

Origin of the word "Shotokan"

Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Funakoshi. Shoto, meaning "pine-waves" (the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them) was Funakoshi's pen-name. The Japanese kan means "house" or "hall". Funakoshi's students created a sign reading shōtō-kan which was placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught.

Interestingly, Funakoshi himself never gave his style a name, just calling it "karate".

Shotokan Karate Characteristics

Shotokan karate training is usually divided into three parts:

• kihon - basics
• kata - forms or patterns of moves
• kumite - sparring

Skotokan karate's "signature move" is the reverse punch (Gyaku Zuki).