Gichin Funakoshi

Born in Okinawa in 1868, Gichin Funakoshi is considered the father of modern Karatedo. A student of masters Itosu and Azato, he synthesized Okinawan karate techniques ( Shorin‑ryū and Shōrei‑ryū ) before introducing the art to Tokyo in 1922 during a historic demonstration at the Kōdōkan, invited by Jigoro Kano.

Funakoshi founded the Shōtōkan school – "the house of the whispering pines," his poetic pen name – and reformulated the practice by emphasizing ethics ( dō ) rather than the purely martial aspect. His twenty famous precepts remind us that "karate begins and ends with respect."

The author of fundamental works, including Karate‑dō Kyōhan , Funakoshi greatly contributed to the international expansion of karate after World War II. His teaching advocates self-control, the harmonious development of body and mind, and non-aggression.