History

Karate developed from two different fighting techniques.

One was used by the Okinawa people and was very simple but terribly effective and very close to reality since it was used throughout many centuries in real combat.

The other 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.

Master Gichin Funakoshi

Master Gichin Funakoshi was the first expert to introduce karate-do to mainland Japan, in 1916. He taught a synthesis of the Okinawan styles which became known as Shotokan (literally "House of Shoto," Funakoshi's pen name). Because of the great popularity of the style in Japan and, later, around the world, Funakoshi is widely considered to be the "father of modern karate-do."

Tsutomu Ohshima, Shihan

Tsutomu Ohshima was one of Master Funakoshi's last direct pupils (1948-1953), studying under him while attending Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. In 1955 Mr. Ohshima came to the United States and was the first person to teach karate to the US public. By 1959 the Southern California Karate Association (SCKA) was formed, which has grown over the years to become a nationwide organisation, Shotokan Karate of America, and Mr. Ohshima's influence on karate is felt around the world.