Gichin Funakoshi

Born in Okinawa in 1868, Gichin Funakoshi is regarded as the father of modern Karatedo. A student of Masters Itosu and Azato, he synthesized the Okinawan karate styles Shōrin‑ryū and Shōrei‑ryū before introducing the art in Tokyo in 1922 during a historic demonstration at the Kōdōkan at the invitation of Jigoro Kano.

Funakoshi founded the Shōtōkan school—“the hall of waving pines,” his poetic pen name—and reshaped the practice by stressing ethics (dō) rather than pure fighting prowess. His famous twenty precepts remind practitioners that “karate begins and ends with courtesy.”

Author of seminal works such as Karate‑dō Kyōhan, Funakoshi played a major role in the international spread of karate after World War II. His teaching advocates self‑mastery, the harmonious development of body and mind, and non‑aggression.