What is Shotokan?

[HtTKar]

I found this magazine article written by Steve Cattle for Shotokan Karate Magazine. Since I found some information in here that I had never heard of, I thought that I'd share this link with you guys and see what you think.

http://www.the-esa.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/news/whatisshotokan.pdf

[sirmattu]

It doesnt state gichin funakoshi as the founder, when the name "shotokan" means hall of shoto, which was gichin's nick name. but besides that great article!!

[Cobra_nVidia]

Shotokan is the name of a Dojo in the Mejiro (sp?) area in Tokyo. It is a re-creation of the original Dojo built in 1936. It was built by Funakoshi's closest students. It was a dojo that taught Karate for fitness, and for spiritual reasons as opposed to fighting, which is why the stances are so low and stepping motions are so favoured. As well, kicks were made higher and a lot more were added (roundhouse, etc). Most of these physical changes are due to Yoshitaka Funakoshi (Gichin's 3rd son), but was probably assisted by Genshin Hironishi, his close friend.

[sirmattu]

bathroom time!