Gichin Funakoshi

Shotokan karate traces its roots to the islands of Okinawa, which now form part of Japan. An indigenous fighting system know as Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand) would eventually become karate (Chinese hand) and, finally, karate-do (the way of the empty hand).

Historically, Okinawa was an independent kingdom, but it was strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Okinawa established a tributary relationship with China, which allowed Okinawan martial artists to study in China (and to train with Chinese martial artists visiting Okinawa).

There were originally three styles of Okinawa-te, named for the towns where they were located: Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Shotokan karate is a modern Japanese style, descended from these traditional Okinawan styles.

Unfortunately, the history of karate is somewhat incomplete and speculative. Until recently, karate was taught in secret and few records were maintained. During the period of secrecy, there would be no open discussion karate training, even within a family.

Gichin Funakoshi is widely regarded as the father of modern karate and is certainly                                the father of Japanese karate. He was an Okinawan schoolteacher and an                                          enthusiastic karate-ka. He began karate training in his childhood, primarily with                                   Yasutsune Azato (1827-1906) and Yasutsune Itosu (1830-1915).

Funakoshi was selected to give the first demonstrations of karate outside Okinawa.                           They occurred in 1916 (possibly 1917) and in 1922. His demonstrations were well                                    received and there was much interest in the introduction of karate to Japan.
Funakoshi remained in Japan after the second demonstration.

Initially, there were few students to support the only karate instructor in Japan. The 56 year old schoolteacher had to take odd jobs at the dormitory where he set up his temporary dojo. He worked as watchman, caretaker and gardener. To pay for his meals, he had to persuade the cook to take lessons.

Our style is called Shotokan as a tribute to Master Funakoshi, who used the pen-name Shoto on poetry and calligraphy. Shoto means waving pine. Funakoshi selected this name because he enjoyed hearing the sound of the wind through the pine trees as he took evening walks in Okinawa.

In 1936, Funakoshi built his first dojo in Tokyo. His students named it the Shotokan, meaning Shoto's club. Funakoshi did not actually name his style of karate, but the name of the dojo came to be associated with the style itself.

Master Funakoshi died on 26 April 1957. During his lifetime, he trained many famous students, including Shigeru Egami, Masatoshi Nakayama, Keinosuke Enoeda, Tsutomu Oshima, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Teruyuki Okazaki.

Our governing body, The Karate Union of Great Britain was formed in 1966, which was headed by Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda 9th Dan continuously until his death in 2003. Sensei Andy Sherry 8th Dan was then appoint ed as the chief instructor by the KUGB technical committee and has continued to achieve the high standards that have always been set by the Karate Union of Great Britain.

Sendai History

Since our club was formed in 1967, under the leadership of Sensei Jeff Barwick the club has achieved a great deal. Including the top Karateka such as Julie Nicholson and Christine Pullan (both former World Kata Champions). The club has also won various K.U.G.B National titles such as:

Sendai is been proud to have been the host to a number of European and World Championships at the Main Dojo at Crowtree Leisure Centre, most notably the 1990 J.K.A World Championships, which England were victorious in the final of the Men's Team Kumite event against the Japanese.