Gichin Funakoshi

Gichin Funakoshi (Funakoshi Gichin November 10, 1868 – April 26, 1957) was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.  Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921.  He taught karate at various Japanese universities and became honorary head of the Japan Karate Association upon its establishment in 1949.

 

Funakoshi published several books on karate including his autobiography, Karate-Do: My Way of Life.  His legacy, however, rests in a document containing his philosophies of karate training now referred to as the niju kun, or "twenty principles".  These rules are the premise of training for all Shotokan practitioners and are published in a work titled The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate.  Within this book, Funakoshi lays out 20 rules by which students of karate are urged to abide in an effort to "become better human beings" Funakoshi's Karate-Do Kyohan "The Master Text" remains his most detailed publication, containing sections on history, basics and kata and kumite.  The famous Shotokan Tiger by Hoan adorns the cover.

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At Mayfield Renshukan Karate Club we also teach self-defence, self-control and discipline.  Shotokan Karate provides a very effective and solid self-defence base, helping to develop quicker reaction times, focus and situational awareness.

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