Shotokai
松濤会
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At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Relaxed, flowing technique with total body commitment
Traditional kata emphasizing internal power over muscular tension
Cooperative partner exercises (not competitive sparring)
The philosophical foundations of Funakoshi's original karate-do
Your First Class
Watch & Learn
Legends of Shotokai
Gichin Funakoshi (船越義珍)
Gichin Funakoshi is widely regarded as the father of modern Karate. He brought the Okinawan art to mainland Japan in the early 20th century, transforming it from a regional self-defense system into a globally practiced martial art and sport.
Shigeru Egami
Mitsusuke Harada
Related Styles
Shotokan
Shotokan (松濤館) is the most widely practiced karate style worldwide, developed by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka. It emphasizes deep stances — zenkutsu-dachi (前屈立ち, front stance) — powerful linear techniques, and perfection of form through kihon (基本, basics), kata (型, forms), and kumite (組手, sparring).
Karate
Karate is a Japanese striking art that uses punches, kicks, knee strikes, and open-hand techniques. Originating in Okinawa, it emphasizes kata (型, forms), kihon (基本, basics), and kumite (組手, sparring).
Aikido
Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art focused on redirecting an attacker's energy through joint locks and throws. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, it emphasizes harmony and non-resistance.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi — Taijiquan (太極拳) — is a Chinese internal martial art practiced for health, meditation, and self-defense. Its slow, flowing movements build balance, reduce stress, and develop internal energy — qi (氣).
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