Origin of Karate
Bodhidharma
Legend has it, the evolution of karate began over a thousand years ago, possibly as early as the fifth century BC when Bodhidharma (known as "Daruma" in Japan) arrived in Shaolin-si (small forest temple) in China from India and taught Zen Buddhism. He also introduced a systematized set of exercises designed to strengthen the mind and body, exercises which allegedly marked the beginning of the Shaolin style of temple boxing. Bodhidharma's teachings later became the basis for the majority of Chinese martial arts. The true origin of karate appears to be somewhat obscure and little is known about the early development of karate until it appeared in Okinawa. Bodhidharma is often cited as the prime source for all martial arts styles or at the very least, for any style which traces its roots back to the fabled Shaolin Temple.
In its earliest stages, karate was an indigenous form of closed fist fighting which was developed in Okinawa and called Te, or 'hand'. Weapons bans, imposed on the Okinawans at various points in their history, encouraged the refinement of empty-hand techniques and, for this reason, was trained in secret until modern times. Further refinement came with the influence of other martial arts brought by nobles and trade merchants to the island.
Shotokan Karate
Funakoshi
The name 'Shotokan' comes from the name 'Shoto' which was Funakoshi's pen name. In addition to being a karate master, Funakoshi was an avid poet and philosopher who would reportedly go for long walks in the forest where he would meditate and write his poetry
In 1936, Funakoshi built the first Shotokan dojo in Tokyo. He changed the name of karate to mean "empty hand" instead of "China hand"; the two words sound the same in Japanese, but are written differently. Karate had borrowed many aspects from Chinese boxing which the original creators say as being positive, as they had done with other martial arts. In addition, Funakoshi argued in his autobiography that a philosophical evaluation of the use of "empty" seemed to fit as it implied a way which was not tethered to any other physical object.
In 1955, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was created with Funakoshi as the chief instructor.
Since Shotokan Karate is a traditional martial art, the development of character and mental disciplines are as important as the development of the physical skills. Shotokan Karate is meant to be accessible for all ages and abilities.