What does Shotokan mean in Japanese?

'Shotokan' means 'house of Shoto' in Japanese. 'Shoto' was the pen-name of the founder of modern karate, Gichin

Gichin

Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍, Funakoshi Gichin, November 10, 1868 – April 26, 1957) was the founder of Shotokan karate-do, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is known as a "father of modern karate".

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Gichin Funakoshi - Wikipedia

Funikoshi, who introduced the art to Japan in the 1930's. Empty-handed martial art was developed in China, where the Japanese called it 'chinte' (Chinese hand).

What is the definition of Shotokan?

noun. a popular system of karate based on the principles of Bushido and Zen. Word origin. C20: Japanese Shōtōkan, house of Shōtō (pseudonym of Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957), Japanese poet and martial-arts teacher)

How did Shotokan get its name?

The Japanese kan (館, kan) means "house" or "hall". In honour of their sensei, Funakoshi's students created a sign reading shōtō-kan, which they placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught. Gichin Funakoshi never gave his system a name, just calling it karate.

Is Shotokan Karate real?

Shotokan Karate is an excellent, time-proven method of personal development. It is a traditional Japanese Martial Art developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi for self-defense.

Why is Shotokan symbol a tiger?

Gichin Funakoshi Hanshi chose the tiger symbol to represent the Shotokan system of Karate because it signified strength, power, and tenacity. The symbol was drawn in lines without the body outline whereby the lines represent the complete system of Shotokan.

Japanese Karate Words

What does karate symbol mean?

United States Kyokushin Karate

The thick sections at the sides represent the wrists, symbolizing power. The center circle represents the opening between the hands through which the sky is viewed, symbolizing infinite depth. The whole Kanku is enclosed by a circle, symbolizing continuity and circular action.

What is the karate symbol?

The symbol is meant to resemble the outstretched hands with the index fingers and thumbs touching at the top and bottom. The wider peaks to the sides indicate the strength of the hands and the circle around the symbol shows continuity.

Is Shotokan aggressive?

Shotokan karate utilizes both the upper and the lower body to produce punches and kicks which are linear and forceful. Practitioners employ powerfully delivered, straight line strikes designed to quickly stop an attacker or opponent.

Which is better Shotokan Karate or taekwondo?

Even though this is a pretty close call, we would suggest Shotokan be the better martial art to learn for self-defense. The reason for this is that it is more well-rounded, whereas Taekwondo tends to be very kicking-based, which, though not necessarily ineffective, isn't the best option for the streets.

Is Shotokan the best Karate?

For Street Self-Defense, There Is No Better Martial Art Than Shotokan Karate - Black Belt Magazine.

What is the oldest karate style?

Okinawa Shorin-Ryu is the oldest karate fighting style. Its founder Grandmaster Sokon Matsumura was the only person in history of karate who was awarded the honorary title of “Bushi” by the King of Ryukyuan Dynasty. Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura called his fighting style ShuriTe.

What language is Shotokan?

The language is archaic Japanese and doesn't do too well under direct translation, so in the United States, these are generally translated as follows: Seek perfection of character.

Is Shotokan Okinawan or Japanese?

Master Funakoshi taught only one method, a total discipline, which represented a blending of Okinawan karate styles and Japanese budo. This method became known as Shotokan-Ryu. It was through Master Funakoshi's hard work that in 1948, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was established.

Which karate style is best?

Shotokan Karate is hands-down the most popular style of Karate in the world. It comes from Tokyo and was taught by Master Gichin Funakoshi, the Okinawan who is generally recognized as the founder of modern Karate. Traditionally taught Shotokan is effective for street fighting and self-defense.

What style of karate is Cobra Kai?

The Cobra Kai Karate style does have its roots in Okinawan Karate, branching out from a prominent style, called the Goju-Ryu (Goju meaning “hard soft”). Goju-Rye originated in Okinawa, and many people may not know that the Cobra Kai is not of a style, but of a school.

Who invented Shotokan Karate?

So in 1939 Master Funakoshi established the “Shotokan” dojo, which he built at his own expense. (“Shoto” was the literary first name he used when doing calligraphy and writing poetry.

What is the hardest karate style?

Kyokushin karate is the hardest style of karate. While most other styles consist of both hard and soft techniques, Kyokushin is all about power and damage. It embraces a hard method of training and hard sparring without the gear.

Is Shotokan Karate full contact?

Kyokushin Karate is a full-body contact with using maximum force. On the other hand, Shotokan Karate allows strikes only at certain parts of the body, and they are weak and very limited.

Does karate work in a real fight?

Karate is very linear, the stances are deep, and everything is very controlled. But, the techniques are powerful and very effective at stopping your opponent when used correctly. So, yes, Karate techniques do work in a real fight. Critics will say the rigidness of Karate goes against everything you need on the street.

How long does it take to become a black belt in Shotokan karate?

Q: How long does it take to become a black belt? A: The average student that attends sessions diligently, at least three times a week, can potentially become a black belt in about 3 1/2 to 5 years. This window of time is based on individual skill and natural ability.

Should I learn Shotokan or Kyokushin?

What about Shotokan? While students of both arts will learn powerful techniques for self-defense, Kyokushin is more effective on the street. Full-contact sparring and body conditioning better prepares the student for the rigors of a real street battle.

What is the purpose of Shotokan karate?

The goal of Shotokan karate is not to injure the opponent. Instead, it is about stopping him quickly and effectively. The three basic techniques of karate are also known as the three K's of karate, and are kihon, kata, and kumite.

What does the half white half black circle mean?

Yin-yang refers to a concept originating in ancient Chinese philosophy where opposite forces are seen as interconnected and counterbalancing. It is commonly represented by the yin-yang symbol, a circle made up of black and white swirls, each containing a spot of the other.