The Supreme Master of Shotokan Karate-do

Master Gichin Funakoshi was born as the son of samurai in 1870(the 3rd year of Meiji), Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture. When he was young, he was very frail so he started training Karate (at that time was still the typical Ryukyuan art of self-defense). Years later, he realized that his health had improved tremendously and he was no longer frail. In 1913(the 2nd year of Taisho), Master Funakoshi became the Chairman of Okinawa Shobukai (The Association of Okinawa Art of Self-defense). In 1922(the 11th year of Taisho), the Japanese Ministry of Education held a physical education exhibition in Tokyo and Master Funakoshi was asked to introduce Okinawa Karate to the mainland of Japan. His demonstration made a powerful impression on the Japanese public. One of the reasons was his unique personality accumulated from long time of training showed his real intention to make Karate as the true Japanese Art of Self-defense.

	He also promoted the true essence of Karate in the way of braveness, courtesy, and well-controlled techniques. Master Gichin Funakoshi permanently moved to Koishikawa in Tokyo to teach Karate. Since 1924(the 13th year of Taisho) until his death in 1957, he taught Karate in many universities included Keio, Tokyo, Takushoku, Hitotsubashi, Waseda, Hosei, Senshu, and Nippon Medical College. 1922 : performed the First Karate Demonstration at Tokyo 1929 : changed the name from ‘Karate-jutsu’ to ‘Karate-do’  1936 : wrote the textbook of Karate-do and received honor with the Emperor’s inspection 1943 : wrote the introduction to Karate-do 1948 : established Japan Karate Association and positioned as the highest master April 26th, 1957 : Master Gichin Funakoshi passed away at the age of 88

Master who developed Karate-do as a sport along scientific lines

        Master Masatoshi Nakayama is one of Master Gichin Funakoshi’s greatest students who carried on the tradition of his teacher. He was the one who initiated the standards of Shotokan Karate-do in training and competition. He wrote many textbooks to support the training of Karate-do  which are still widely used until today. Master Nakayama also played a major role in the expansion of Shotokan Karate-do throughout the world by sending instructors overseas. He encouraged the development of Karate-do as a sport along the scientific lines. Master Masatoshi Nakayama was the chief instructor of Japan Karate Association from 1955 until his death in 1987.  He is also the teacher of Sensei Fujikiyo Omura, chief instructor of Shotokan Karate Association of Thailand.

	1913 : born in Yamaguchi Prefecture 1932 : studied at Takushoku University 1937 : studied at the eastern institute of Beijing University 1948 : the establishment of Japan Karate Association 1958 : Senior Master of the Japan Karate Association April 15th,1987 : passed away at the age of 74