Isn't this the oldest form of Karate?

[Blood Eagle]

I had a conversation with my dad a few minutes ago, and he said that this one of the oldest styles is that true?

 

 

[jdoub]

BE,

 

No, it is not the case. Shotokan does happen to be one of the three "original" styles known as Japanese Karate, but remember that Funakoshi-sensei came from Okinawa. Shotokan was founded after 1930, and Funakoshi-sensei was teaching in Okinawa during the 1905 period when the kata were changed.

 

Go if you take a look at my web site (shameless plug), go to the "Asian MA History" section and select the "Okinawa" option you will see what I am talking about. If you read any Funakoshi-sensei's books, you will see more examples of what I am talking about.

 

When all else fails, just do a web search.

 

Cheers!!

 

John

 

 

[trunksreznor]

I study Isshin-Ryu, which is a fairly new style (combination of Goju-Ryu, Shorin-Ryu, and Okinawan Kobudo.) I'd be interested in learning some more history of MA... but then again, perhaps I shouldn't overwhelm myself. I'm still not all that proficient yet, despite what people tell me. I can't stop thinking about what I need to do to improve, to better myself, craft myself into the martial artist I want to be.

 

I'm told green/blue belt is the "figure-it-all-out rank." Well, I'm sick of figuring, but it's part of it, right?

 

 

[Tobias_Reece]

Thanks for the interest. (u as well John:))

 

Shotokan Karate was developed by Funakoshi in the 1920s. Funakoshi was instructed by several senseis, including Masters Azato and Itosu. Funikoshi was also instructed in the art of Judo, which shows the grabs and throws used in Shotokan Karate.

 

In conclusion, Shotokan is a old Japanese style of karate, but it is quite recent, compared to the okinawan martial arts.

 

I dont need to say anything else as John has already answered your question.

 

Oss

 

Tobias

[Blood Eagle]

Well ok then

 

Thanks 4 the info!

 

 

[WadoGuy]

Just so I can get this straight, is Shotokan considered Okinawan or Japanese?

[karateronin]

Well here we go with a brief history lesson...

 

Shotokan Karate is the stle named afetr Master Gichin Funikoshi.

 

Shoto was the pen name of Funikoshi and Kan is the japanese term for hall so Shotokan is actually the name shotos hall.

 

Shoto translates into waving pines as in trees

 

so the further translation is waving pines hall just add the Do and we get waving pines hall way.

 

The Shotokan was built by Funikoshi`s students after the original school was devistated during the war and his students named it after himas a mark of their respect.

 

ShotoKai is the style now derived from Shotokan and was developed by Funikoshi`s son.

 

Other great students of Funikoshi include Yamaguchi, Nakayama, Kanazawa, Enoida just to name a few.

 

More later if you wish

 

 

[Karateka]

Shotokan was the first Karate to be introduced to Japan and it's grandmaster was Gichin Funakoshi. Their are three other styles under the WKF umbrella which were also around at the same time, Goju Ryu, Shi-to Ryu (there is no hyphen, I just have to put it for cencorship) and Wado Ryu. Each were equal Martial Arts wise but had some distinct differences. Shi-to Ryu is very fluid and emphisises is on Kata, but Kumite is awesome. Goju is literally hard-soft so there is emphasis placed on tension-relaxation after each move. Shotokan is powerful with very strong basics, Kumite is very traditional and very rarely without coaching does it survive on the mats. That last bit is personal opinion. I myself practice Shi-to Ryu and can't get enough of it.

 

 

[Valn]

Shotokan is like a mix of shorei ryu karate and shorin ryu karate so there is no way it would have been one of the oldest style.

 

I know some of the more recent type of karate are Wado ryu which was created by one of Funakoshi student and its shotokan with some grapling.

 

Kyokushin was created by Oyama and it is a mix of Shotokan and Goju ryu.

 

 

[MawashiGeri60]

it isnt the oldest style if ur talking about shotokan ???