The man most directly responsible for introducing karate to the modern world was
Master Gichin Funakoshi. He helped to popularize karate and bring it out of Japan and
into the world. "Shoto" was both his pen name and the name of his home, "Whispering Pines."
His students started calling his style "Shotokan," for Shoto's
school.
Shotokan karate is known for low, strong stances and devastating one hit techniques. It is important
to be able to execute a move perfectly and powerfully on the first try in case karate must really be used
in self defense. Low stances build strength and endurance.
However, Shotokan is also important for its philosophical
teachings. Gichin Funakoshi felt it was important to build a strong
character through rigorous training of the body and mind. Practicing
helps the trainee better understand his/her body and how to use it as
well as how to persevere through adversity. Among his principles
was, "First know yourself, and then know others," and
"Never forget your own strengths and weakness, the limitations
of your body, and the relative quality of your techniques." It
is through personal understanding that you develop inner strength.
