BLACKWATER VALLEY SHOTOKAN KARATE

   THE WAY OF JAPAN

Founder of Shotokan Karate

Master Gichin Funakoshi

1868—1957

Karate styles originated  from an Island  between Japan & China called Okinawa . After being invaded a new rule was  that natives  could not carry weapons . Therefore  the Okinawa  natives developed & trained in secret until Master Gichin Funakoshi disclosed the art of Karate in 1901 in Okinawa & then introduced Karate to the mainland of Japan in 1922. 

The style of Shotokan Karate was given its name by Master Gichin Funakoshi`s students who named the style after him. Shoto  was the pen name of Master Funakoshi  & means “billowing pines trees” this was from his early days of writing poetry .

Kan means building or Hall ,

Master Gichin Funakoshi headed the famous JKA ( Japan Karate Association ) along with the assistance of Masatoshi Nakayama Sensei in May 1949.

Before passing away Master Gichin Funakoshi wrote several books on Karate along with his autobiography “Karate do my way of life”,

Living the Dojo Kun Master Gichin Funakoshi wrote the Twenty Precepts still commonly taught in dojos across the world.

Master Funakoshi was a gentle man & lived his life with great value to the dojo kuns

“Seeking perfection of character” 

Master Gichin Funakoshi passed away in April 1957 at the age of 88

Masatoshi Nakayama 1913— 1987

  Chief Instructor of the JKA

Masatoshi Nakayama was born in Japan & his family were involved with kendo & samurai.

Under the training of Master Gichin Funakoshi he went on to be chosen to become the Chief instructor of the JKA ( Japan Karate Association ) .

From this he set up the Instructors program at the JKA where some of the great Sensei's  are still teaching today , Sensei's  I feel honoured to have  trained with . ( Shihan Abe, Shihan Yahara, ) 

Master Nakayama , also wrote many books on his teaching in 1965 he wrote Dynamic Karate seen by most as “ The Shotokan Bible” . Furthermore went on to write a series of books called Best Karate .

You can also see Master Nakayama on JKA videos

On April 14th 1987 Master Masatoshi Nakayama passed away aged 74.

 Chief instructor of the JKA

Promoting the teachings of Master Gichin Funakoshi to 155 countries  around the world . 

The Shotokan Karate we still follow from his students .