THE physical training, heavily imbued with Daruma's philosophical principles, was taught in the Shaolin Temple in the year 500 AD. Shaolin (Shorin in Japanese) Kung Fu, from northern China, was characterized by very colorful, rapid, and dynamic movements; the Shokei School of southern China was known for more powerful and sober techniques. These two kinds of styles found their way to Okinawa, and influenced Okinawa's own original fighting method, called Okinawa-te (Okinawan hand) or simply te or bushi no te (warrior's hand[s]). 

TO further the development of karate, two decrees were pronounced and enforced by the rulers of the era, one five centuries ago, the second two hundred years later. Divided, the Ryukyus (Okinawan Islands) were split into three warring kingdoms, that of Chuzan, Nanzan and Hokuzan. The monarch of Chuzan, Sho Hashi, was responsible for unifying the three kingdoms and to enable peace to prevail he issued a proclamation banning all Ryukyuans from possessing weapons—even rusty old swords! 

HOWEVER, in 1609 the reigning king found himself obliged to equip a Ryukyuan Army with weapons to repel an invasion from the Daimyo of Satsuma (now Kagoshima Prefecture). Although the Ryukyuans fought bravely, they were outmaneuvered by surprise attacks that finally overwhelmed them. After defeat, the ban on weapons was reintroduced by the invading Satsumas' chief, Shimazu. Because of this, and the Ryukyu heritage (most citizens of which were descended from the higher ‘samurai class’) they began practicing self-defense techniques wherein they only used their hands and feet. 

IN Okinawan, karate there were principally two main schools, Shurite and Nawate. However, as time went by, the ‘double-meaning’ of ‘kara’ (which in Japanese Kanji could either mean ‘empty’ or ‘China’) eventually became known as ‘empty hand’ despite the two school's differing methods. 

IN summary, karate in Okinawa developed from the synthesis of two fighting techniques. The first one, used by the inhabitants of Okinawa, was very simple but terribly effective and, above all, very close to reality since it was used throughout many centuries in real combat. The second one, much more elaborate and impregnated with philosophical teachings, was a product of the ancient culture of China. These two origins explain the double character of Karate—extremely violent and efficient but at the same time a strict and austere discipline and philosophy with a nonviolent emphasis. 

GICHIN FUNAKOSHI the "Father" (or more correctly "perfectionist") of Shoto-kan Karate, was born in Shuri, Okinawa (one of the ‘stepping stone’ islands between China and Japan) in 1868. He studied Shuri-te karate from the age of eleven under Master Azato, and later, under Master Itosu, Azato's close friend. Between the two Masters Funakoshi learned karate and ‘life skills’. Because of a widespread ban on learning any form of self-defense and the use weapons, secretly, at the dead of night, Funakoshi would have to travel 2-3 miles each way to his Instructors' house for clandestine training. After training nearly all night (while working all day as a primary school teacher), he would walk home in the early hours. Upon observing this regular practice, some of his more ‘nosy’ neighbors made assumptions that perhaps he had been visiting brothels or other ‘dens of iniquity’! 

ONCE Funakoshi had realized his karma that he was to "Japanify" this martial art, he set about simplifying the kata and giving them Japanese names. Amongst these were Ten No Kata, Chi No Kata, Hito No Kata, Empi, Gankaku, Hangetsu, Meikyo, Hakko, Kiun, Shoto, Shoin, Hotaku, Shokyo, etc. 

OVER the years Funakoshi was requested to demonstrate karate on many occasions but while in Tokyo, in 1921-22 onwards, he gave several which were landmark events. One of these was for the (then-to-be) Emperor, and another for the founder of Judo, Jigoro Kano whom Funakoshi admired and held in awe. 

AS time progressed, learning establishments from primary school upwards showed interest in the ‘karate’ and was constantly sending students to study. Soon the teaching of karate was included on the education syllabus. Through friendship with high-ranking officers, Army and Navy personnel were actively encouraged to participate and train in this martial art, to the point where karate training was eventually included in ‘basic training’. At the onset of World War II many of the combatants saw the opportunity to try out their new- found skills on the enemy. It was even said that if a soldier didn't have a weapon he should charge the enemy and use his bare hands and feet! 

IN the early days Funakoshi was poor. He worked part-time as cleaner, gardener and odd-job person simply in order to survive. He was lucky to have a growing band of followers who were very pleased to help directly or indirectly. For example, he persuaded a friendly chef to take karate classes in return for cheaper food bills! 

FOLLOWING the Earthquake of 1923 that devastated Tokyo, he and his followers helped to clear the rubble from destroyed buildings, including his dojo. Since there were no karate classes and no money coming in, Funakoshi worked for a time as a factory production work. The work was boring, but it meant a regular wage. During this time, a close friend, Hironichi Nakayama (a fencing instructor), offered the use of his dojo when it was not being used for his own classes. However, it soon became apparent as the number of karate and fencing students increased that the Karateka needed somewhere of their own. 

DURING 1935, money was raised by the vast number of Karateka who immediately formed a nationwide committee, in order that a permanent dojo could be erected. 1936 saw this building opened and it was located in Zoshigaya, Toshima ward. It had been named Shoto-kan by the Committee. Funakoshi had no idea that they would be using his own pen name of ‘Shoto’ (Pine Waves or Whispering Pines) as the name for the Dojo. 

FUNAKOSHI was around seventy years old when the ‘Shoto-kan’ opened. Sadly Masters Itosu and Azato had long since passed away and would not see the memorable opening of karate's main dojo in Tokyo. The first Shoto-kan dojo was decimated in 1945 by American (Allied) Bombs. 

IN his later years, Funakoshi found it increasingly necessary to delegate responsibilities and gave custody of the rebuilt ‘Shoto-kan’ to his third son. Other notable students were placed in strategic locations to instruct in his absence. It was necessary to entrust instruction to others because of the growing numbers wishing to be taught and not because of his age and physical condition. Indeed, until his death at the age of 90, Funakoshi Sensei was able to climb the six flights of stairs to his apartment in Tokyo with the ease of a young man. 

GICHIN FUNAKOSHI died April 26, 1957.