View source for Shotokan

{{Short description|Karate style}}
{{distinguish|Shūdōkan|Shodokan Aikido}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox martial art school
| logo               = Shotokan japanese.svg
| logocaption        =
| logosize           =
| image              =
| imagecaption       =
| imagesize          =
| name               = Shōtōkan<br>{{nobold|松涛館流}}
| aka                =
| date founded       = 1928
| country            = [[Japan]] ([[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]])
| founder            = [[Gichin Funakoshi]] (1868–1957)<br>[[Gigō Funakoshi|Yoshitaka Funakoshi]] (1906–1945)
| arts               = [[Karate]]
| ancestor schools   = [[Shōrei-ryū]], [[Shōrin-ryū]]
| descendant schools = [[Wadō-ryū]], [[Shōtōkai]], [[Chitō-ryū]], [[Shindō jinen-ryū]], [[Yoseikan Karate]], [[Kyokushin]], [[Tang soo do]], [[Taekwondo]],{{efn|name="TKD"|Shotokan served as the basis for several styles practiced by a number of the [[Kwan (martial arts)|original nine Kwans]]. The kwans eventually united and it led to a unified martial art style that is now known as Taekwondo. The kwans which style had Shotokan heritage included [[Song Moo Kwan]], [[Chung Do Kwan]], [[Moo Duk Kwan]], [[Jidokwan]], [[Yun Mu Kwan]], [[Han Moo Kwan]] and [[Jung Do Kwan]].}} [[Soo Bahk Do]]
| notable pract      = ''(see [[#Notable_practitioners|notable practitioners]])''
| website            =
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Shotokan'''|松涛館|Shōtōkan}} is a style of [[karate]], developed from various [[martial arts]] by [[Gichin Funakoshi]] (1868–1957) and his son [[Gigō Funakoshi|Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi]] (1906–1945). Gichin Funakoshi was born in [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]<ref>{{Cite book| author = Mark Bishop | title = Okinawan Karate: Teachers, styles, and secret techniques | year = 1999 | publisher = Tuttle | isbn = 0-8048-3205-6}}</ref> and is widely credited with popularizing "karate do" through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including those at [[Keio University|Keio]], [[Waseda University|Waseda]], [[Hitotsubashi University|Hitotsubashi (Shodai)]], [[Takushoku University|Takushoku]], [[Chuo University|Chuo]], [[Gakushuin University|Gakushuin]], and [[Hosei University|Hosei]].<ref name="Funakoshi2" />

Funakoshi had many students at the university clubs and outside [[dojo]]s, who continued to teach karate after his death in 1957. However, internal disagreements (in particular the notion that competition is contrary to the essence of karate) led to the creation of different organisations—including an initial split between the [[Japan Karate Association]] (headed by [[Masatoshi Nakayama]]) and the [[Shōtōkai|Shotokai]] (headed by Motonobu Hironishi and [[Shigeru Egami]]), followed by many others—so that today there is no single "Shotokan school", although they all bear Funakoshi's influence.

As the most widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a traditional and influential form of karate do.

==Etymology==
[[Image:ShotokanCalligraphy.jpg|thumb|90px|right|Calligraphy of ''Shotokan'']]

''Shotokan'' was the name of the first official dojo built by Gichin Funakoshi, in 1936<ref>[http://www.jka.or.jp/english/about/funakoshi.html Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957)]</ref> at [[Mejiro, Tokyo|Mejiro]], and destroyed in 1945 as a result of the [[Air raids on Japan|Tokyo air raids]].<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.newsfinder.org/site/more/gichin_funakoshi_the_father_of_karate/| title = Gichin Funakoshi, the father of karate | access-date = 21 December 2008}}</ref>  {{Nihongo|'''Shoto'''|松涛|Shōtō}}, meaning "pine-waves" (the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them), was Funakoshi's pen-name,<ref name="Funakoshi1">[[Gichin Funakoshi|Funakoshi, Gichin]] (1981). "Karate-do: My Way of Life". Kodansha International Ltd, Tokyo. {{ISBN|0-87011-463-8}}. pg. 85</ref> which he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. The Japanese {{Nihongo|'''kan'''|館|kan}} means "house" or "hall". In honour of their sensei, Funakoshi's students created a sign reading ''shōtō-kan'', which they placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught.<ref name="Funakoshi1" /> Gichin Funakoshi never gave his system a name, just calling it ''karate''.

==Characteristics==

Modern Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: ''[[kihon]]'' (basics), ''[[Kata (martial arts)|kata]]'' (forms or patterns of moves), and ''[[kumite]]'' (sparring). Techniques in ''kihon'' and ''kata'' are characterised by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling, throwing and some standing joint locking techniques, which can be found even in basic kata.<ref>{{cite book |last=Funakoshi |first=Gichin |date=1973 |title=Karate-Do Kyohan |url=https://archive.org/details/karatedokyohanma00funa |url-access=limited |publisher=Kodansha |page=[https://archive.org/details/karatedokyohanma00funa/page/227 227] |isbn=0-87011-190-6 }}</ref> ''Kumite'' (fighting) techniques are practiced in the kihon and kata and developed from basic to advanced levels with an opponent.

===Philosophy===
[[Image:nijukun.gif|thumb|400px|right|Calligraphy of the ''[[Niju kun]]'']]
[[Gichin Funakoshi]] laid out the '''Twenty Precepts of Karate'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jka.or.jp/english/karate/precepts.html| title='The Twenty Precepts of Karate| first=Official site| last=JKA | access-date=16 July 2006}}</ref> (or [[Niju kun]]<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.nijukun.com/| author = Teruyuki Okazaki | year = 2006 | title=Perfection of Character | publisher = GMW | isbn=0-9785763-2-2}}</ref>), which form the foundations of the art, before some of his students established the [[Japan Karate Association]] (JKA). Within these twenty principles, based heavily on [[bushido]] and [[Zen]], lies the philosophy of Shotokan. The principles allude to notions of humility, respect, compassion, patience, and both an inward and outward calmness. It was Funakoshi's belief that through karate practice and observation of these 20 principles, the karateka would improve their person.<ref name=Funakoshi1 />

The ''[[dōjō kun]]'' lists five philosophical rules for training in the dojo: seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor to excel, respect others, and refrain from violent behaviour. These rules are called the Five Maxims of Karate.<ref>''South African JKA Affiliated Life Book'' (2010).</ref> The dōjō kun is usually posted on a wall in the dojo, and some shotokan clubs recite the dōjō kun at the beginning and/or end of each class to provide motivation and a context for further training.

Funakoshi also wrote: "The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant."<ref name="Funakoshi1" />

===Common terms===
{{Main|List of karate terms}}
Many terms used in karate stem from Japanese culture. While many are names (e.g. [[Heian series|Heian]], [[Gankaku]]), others are exclusive to martial arts (e.g. [[kata]], [[kumite]]). Many terms are seldom used in daily life, such as [[zenkutsu dachi]], while others appear routinely, such as [[bowing|rei]]. The Japanese form is often retained in schools outside Japan to preserve the Okinawan culture and Funakoshi's philosophies.

However, many schools of JKA (Japan Karate Association) affiliated with Shotokan Karate used the full terminology on a daily basis, providing translations also. For example, the KUI (Karate Union of Ireland), utilises the full and proper Japanese name for each move and kata in training, grading and competition.

===Ranks===
Rank is used in karate to indicate experience, expertise, and to a lesser degree, seniority. As with many martial arts, Shotokan uses a system of coloured belts to indicate rank. Most Shotokan schools use the ''[[kyū]]'' / ''[[Dan rank|dan]]'' system but have added other belt colours. The order of colours varies widely from school to school, but kyu belts are denoted with colours that in some schools become darker as a student approaches [[shodan (rank)|shodan]]. Dan level belts are invariably black, with some schools using stripes to denote various ranks of black belt. Gichin Funakoshi himself never awarded a rank higher than Godan (5th dan black belt).<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=HtIDAAAAMBAJ&dq=funakoshi+never+awarded+more+than+godan&pg=PA22 Black Belt Magazine, March 1982, page 22]</ref>

===Kihon===
{{Main|Kihon}}
Kihon basics is the practice of basic techniques in Shotokan Karate. It includes stances, blocks, punches, kicks, various displacements and their combinations, as well as the practice of Kihon Kata like: Taikyoku Shodan, which was developed by Yoshitaka Funakoshi, the son of Gichin Funakoshi, as a basic introduction to karate kata. (Yoshitaka also developed Taikyoku Nidan and Sandan.) This first kata consists of successive restatements following the theme of [[gedan barai]]—[[oi tsuki]], and performing three [[oi tsuki]] by following the known "H" pattern or [[Embusen]].

===Kata===
{{Main|Karate kata}}
[[Image:Funakoshi Gichin2.jpg|right|thumb|[[Gichin Funakoshi]] executing ''[[Kanku dai]]'' (観空大) kata, 1924]]

[[File:Heian Shodan Embusen.gif|thumb|[[Embusen]] of Heian Shodan (from [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986585602 ''Best Embusen: Shotokan''])]]

''Kata'' is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organised into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes and blocks. Body movement in various ''kata'' includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, ''kata'' is a performance or a demonstration, with every technique potentially a killing blow (''ikken hisatsu'')—while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm). As the ''karateka'' grows older, more emphasis is placed on the health benefits of practicing ''kata'', promoting fitness while keeping the body soft, supple, and agile.

Several Shotokan groups have introduced "kata" (form) from other styles into their training. The original Shotokan kata syllabus is introduced in Funakoshi's book ''Karate-do Kyohan'', which is the master text of Shotokan karate. Japan Shotokai's kata syllabus is the same as established in "Karate-do Kyohan" with the addition of Gigo Funakoshi's staff kata Matsukaze No Kon.<ref>[http://www.shotokai.jp/english/keiko/kata.html The Official Homepage of Dai Nihon Karate-do Shotokai]</ref> When the [[Japan Karate Association|JKA]] was formed, [[Masatoshi Nakayama|Nakayama]] laid down 27 ''kata'' (26 mainly practised throughout most organisations) as the ''kata'' syllabus for this organisation. The standard JKA kata are: ''[[Taikyoku shodan]]'' (sometimes termed Kata Kihon or Kihon Kata, the name has been discontinued in some Shotokan dojos) (太極初段), ''[[Heian series|Heian shodan]]'' (平安初段), ''[[Heian series|Heian nidan]]'' (平安二段), ''[[Heian series|Heian sandan]]'' (平安三段), ''[[Heian series|Heian yondan]]'' (平安四段), ''[[Heian series|Heian godan]]'' (平安五段), ''[[Bassai dai]]'' (披塞大), ''[[Jion]]'' (慈恩), ''[[Enpi (kata)|Enpi]]'' (燕飛), ''[[Kanku dai]]'' (観空大), ''[[Hangetsu]]'' (半月), ''[[Jitte]]'' (十手), ''[[Gankaku]]'' (岩鶴), ''[[Tekki series|Tekki shodan]]'' (鉄騎初段), ''[[Tekki series|Tekki nidan]]'' (鉄騎二段), ''[[Tekki series|Tekki sandan]]'' (鉄騎三段), ''[[Nijūshiho]]'' (二十四步), ''[[Chinte]]'' (珍手), ''[[Sōchin]]'' (壯鎭), ''[[Rōhai|Meikyō/Rōhai]]'' (明鏡), ''[[Unsu]]'' (雲手), ''[[Bassai|Bassai shō]]'' (披塞小), ''[[Kūsankū (kata)|Kankū shō]]'' (観空小), ''[[Wankan]]'' (王冠), ''[[Gojūshiho|Gojūshiho shō]]'' (五十四歩小), ''[[Gojūshiho|Gojūshiho dai]]'' (五十四歩大), and ''[[Ji'in]]'' (慈陰).<ref name="Funakoshi2">[[Gichin Funakoshi|Funakoshi, Gichin]] (1973). "Karate-do Kyohan", Kodansha International Ltd, Tokyo. {{ISBN|0-87011-190-6}}.</ref><ref name="Sugiyama">Sugiyama, Shojiro (1984). "25 Shoto-Kan Kata". [[Shojiro Sugiyama]], Chicago. {{ISBN|0-9669048-0-X}}.</ref><ref name="24fc(hi rob!)">{{Cite book|last=Redmond|first=Rob|title=Kata: The Folk Dances of Shotokan|year=2008|edition=4th|page=45|chapter=The Shotokan Canon}}</ref>

===Kumite===
{{Main|Kumite}}

''[[Kumite]]'', or sparring (lit. Meeting of hands), is the practical application of kihon and kata to real opponents. The formalities of kumite in Shotokan karate were first instituted by [[Masatoshi Nakayama]] wherein basic, intermediate, and advanced sparring techniques and rules were formalised.<ref name="masatoshi1">Masatoshi Nakayama (1978). ''Best Karate, Vol. 3: Kumite 1'', Kodansha International. {{ISBN|0-87011-332-1}}.</ref>

Shotokan practitioners first learn how to apply the techniques taught in ''kata'' to hypothetical opponents by way of ''kata'' ''[[bunkai]]''. ''Kata bunkai'' then matures into controlled ''kumite''.<ref name="tanaka1">Masahiko Tanaka, (2001). ''Karate-dō: Perfecting Kumite'', Sake Publishers. ASIN B000Q81406.</ref>

''Kumite'' is the third part of the Shotokan triumvirate of ''kihon, kata and kumite''. ''Kumite'' is taught in ever increasing complexity from beginner through low grade blackbelt (1st – 2nd) to intermediate (3rd – 4th) and advanced (5th onwards) level practitioners.

Beginners first learn ''kumite'' through basic drills, of one, three or five attacks to the head (''jodan'') or body (''chudan'') with the defender stepping backwards whilst blocking and only countering on the last defence. These drills use basic (''kihon'') techniques and develop a sense of timing and distance in defence against a known attack.

At around purple belt level ''karateka'' learn one-step sparring (''ippon kumite''). Though there is only one step involved, rather than three or five, this exercise is more advanced because it involves a greater variety of attacks and blocks usually the defenders own choice.<ref>Randall G. Hassell and Teruyuki Okazaki, (1983). ''Conversations with the Master: Masatoshi Nakayama'', Palmerston & Reed Publishing Company. {{ISBN|0-911921-00-1}}</ref> It also requires the defender to execute a counter-attack faster than in the earlier types of sparring. Counter-attacks may be almost anything, including strikes, grapples, and take-down manoeuvres.

Some schools prescribe the defences, most notably the Kase-ha Shotokan-ryū, which uses an eight step, three directional blocking and attacking pattern, which develops from yellow belt level through to advanced level.

The next level of ''kumite'' is freestyle one-step sparring (''jiyu ippon kumite''). This type of ''kumite'', and its successor—free sparring, have been documented extensively by Nakayama<ref name="masatoshi1" /><ref name="masatoshi2">Masatoshi Nakayama (1978). ''Best Karate, Vol 4: Kumite 2'', Kodansha International. {{ISBN|0-87011-359-3}}.</ref><ref name="masatoshi3">Masatoshi Nakayama. (1966). ''Dynamic Karate'', Kodansha International. ASIN B000TBPU3C.</ref> and are expanded upon by the JKA instructor trainee program, for those clubs under the JKA. Freestyle one-step sparring is similar to one-step sparring but requires the ''karateka'' to be in motion. Practicing one-step sparring improves free sparring (''jiyu kumite'') skills, and also provides an opportunity for practicing major counter-attacks (as opposed to minor counter-attacks).<ref name="tanaka1" /> [[Tsutomu Ohshima]] states that freestyle one-step sparring is the most realistic practice in Shotokan Karate, and that it is more realistic than free sparring.<ref name="Ohshima">Ohshima, Tsutomu (1998). "Notes on Training". Idyll Arbor, Enumclaw, WA. {{ISBN|0-937663-32-8}}.</ref>

Free sparring (or free style) (''jiyu kumite'') is the last element of sparring learned. In this exercise, two training partners are free to use any karate technique or combination of attacks, and the defender at any given moment is free to avoid, block, counter, or attack with any karate technique. Training partners are encouraged to make controlled and focused contact with their opponent, but to withdraw their attack as soon as surface contact has been made.<ref name="masatoshi2" /> This allows attacking a full range of target areas (including punches and kicks to the face, head, throat, and body) with no padding or protective gloves, but maintains a degree of safety for the participants. Throwing one's partner and performing [[takedown (grappling)|takedowns]] are permitted in free sparring, but it is unusual for competition matches to involve extended grappling or ground-wrestling, as Shotokan ''karateka'' are encouraged to end an encounter with a single attack (''ippon''), avoiding extended periods of conflict, or unnecessary contact in situations where there may be more than one attacker.

''Kaishu ippon kumite'' is an additional sparring exercise that is usually introduced for higher grades. This starts in a similar manner to freestyle one-step sparring; the attacker names the attack he/she will execute, attacks with that technique, and the defender blocks and counters the attack. Unlike freestyle one-step sparring, however, the attacker may then be required to block the defender's counter-attack and strike back. This exercise is often considered more difficult than either freestyle one-step sparring or free sparring, as the defender typically cannot escape to a safe distance in time to avoid the counter to the counter-attack.<ref name="tanaka1" />

''Kumite'' within the dojo often differs from competition ''kumite''. In ''dojo kumite'' any and all techniques, within reason, are valid; punches, knife hand strikes, headbutt, locks, takedowns, kicks, etc. In competition certain regulations apply, certain techniques are valid, and certain target areas, such as the joints or throat, are forbidden. The purpose of competition is to score points through the application of ''kumite'' principles while creating an exciting and competitive atmosphere, whereas the purpose of training ''kumite'' in the ''dojo'' is to be prepared to kill or cripple an opponent in a realistic situation.<ref>[http://jkiworld.com/shotokan.html Japan Karatedo International]</ref>

==History==

[[Gichin Funakoshi]] had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan karate of the time: [[Shōrei-ryū]] and [[Shōrin-ryū]]. After years of study in both styles, Funakoshi created a simpler system that combined the ideals of the two.<ref name="Funakoshi1" /> He never named this system, however, always referring to it simply as "karate." Funakoshi's karate reflects the changes made in the art by [[Ankō Itosu]], including the ''[[Heian series|Heian/Pinan]] [[Kata (martial arts)|kata]]'' series. Funakoshi changed the names of some of the ''kata'' in an effort to make the Okinawan kata names easier to pronounce in the Japanese [[Honshū]] dialect.

In 1924, Funakoshi adopted the ''[[Kyū]] / [[Dan rank|Dan]]'' rank system and the uniform (''[[keikogi]]'') developed by [[Kano Jigoro]], the founder of [[judo]].<ref name="Adams">{{Cite journal| last= Adams|first=Andy| title = The Father of Modern Karate| year = 1971 | issue =10| journal =[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]]| pages= 41–47}}</ref> This system uses colored belts (''obi'') to indicate rank. Originally, karate had only three belt colors: white, brown, and black (with ranks within each). The original belt system, still used by many Shotokan schools, is:

* 8th rising to 4th ''kyū'': white
* 3rd rising to 1st ''kyū'': brown
* 1st and higher ''dan'': black

Funakoshi awarded the first 1st ''dan'' (初段; ''[[shodan (rank)|shodan]]'') Shotokan karate ranks to Tokuda, [[Hironori Ōtsuka]] (Otsuka), Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Makoto Gima, and Shinyō Kasuya on 10 April 1924.

== Notable practitioners ==
{{for|practitioners of Shotokan Karate|Category: Shotokan practitioners}}
{{Dynamic list}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Anne-Marie]]
* [[Bear Grylls]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bear Grylls: 'I'm 40, and fitter than I've ever been'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/11600282/Bear-Grylls-Im-40-and-fitter-than-Ive-ever-been.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514143252/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/11600282/Bear-Grylls-Im-40-and-fitter-than-Ive-ever-been.html |archive-date=2015-05-14 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2020-11-05|website=The Telegraph|date=13 May 2015 |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* [[Benny Urquidez]]
* [[Fran Healy (musician)]]<ref>{{citation |title=Fran Healy "I was asked the other day if I actually was a Black Belt" |url=https://x.com/franhealy/status/1309110789815533571|publisher=X.com |date=13 Dec 2024}}</ref> 
* [[Frank Brennan (karateka)|Frank Brennan]]
* [[Gabriel Varga]]
* [[Geoff Thompson (writer)]]
*[[Henry Cejudo]]
* [[Hideaki Yamazaki]]
* [[Hidetaka Nishiyama]]
* [[Hiroshi Shirai]]
* [[Howard Stern]]
* [[Hwang Kee]]
* [[James delos Santos]]
* [[Jason David Frank]]
* [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]]
* [[John Saxon]]<ref>{{cite journal |last=Jacques |first=Steve |date=August 1, 1973 |title=John Saxon's Greatest Challenge |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TNcDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA14 |journal=[[Black Belt (magazine)|Black Belt]] |pages=14–18}}</ref>
* [[Kyoji Horiguchi]]
* [[Lorraine Bracco]]
* [[Luca Valdesi]]
* [[Lyoto Machida]]{{efn|name=Machida|"Holds a 3rd ''dan'' black belt in Shotokan karate, while his brother Shinzo holds a 4th ''dan'' and their father Yoshizo Machida holds a 7th ''dan'' and was head of the [[Japan Karate Association]]'s Brazilian branch.}}
* [[Mas Oyama]]
* [[Masahiko Tanaka (karateka) | Masahiko Tanaka]]
* [[Masatoshi Nakayama]]
* [[Michael Jai White]]{{efn|name="MichaelJaiWhite"|Has a 3rd ''dan'' in Shotokan, although he has long practiced other karate styles such as [[Kyokushin]] and [[Goju Ryu]]}}<ref>"Male Celebs Who Practice Martial Arts", ''[[Jet (magazine)|JET]]'', 24 September 2001, at pp. 38–39.</ref>
* [[Tatsuya Naka]]
* [[Rafael Aghayev]]
* [[Robert Queen]]
* [[Sean Kanan]]
* [[Shigeru Egami]]
* [[Stan Lane]]
* [[T. J. Stiles]]
* [[Taiji Kase]]
* [[Wesley Snipes]]<ref>{{cite news|title= Wesley Snipes: Action man courts a new beginning |work = The Independent |date=4 June 2010|url= https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/wesley-snipes-action-man-courts-a-new-beginning-1991437.html |access-date=10 June 2010 | location=London}}</ref>
* [[Won Kuk Lee]]
* [[Xolo Maridueña]]
{{div col end}}

==See also==
{{portal|Japan}}
* [[Intercollegiate sports team champions#Karate|U.S. intercollegiate shotokan karate champions]]
* [[List of major Shotokan Karate organizations]]
* [[List of shotokan techniques]]
{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
* [[Shojiro Sugiyama]]. (2005).''11 Innovations in Karate'', {{ISBN|978-0-9669048-3-3}}. Chicago, IL.
* Bruce Clayton. ''Shotokan's Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins'', {{ISBN|978-0897501880}}
* [[Harry Cook (martial artist)|Harry Cook]]. ''Shotokan Karate: A Precise History''.
* Gichin Funakoshi. ''Karate-do Kyohan: The Master Text'', {{ISBN|978-1568364827}}
* Gichin Funakoshi. ''Karate-do Nyumon: The Master Introductory Text''. {{ISBN|978-4770018915}}
* John Sells. ''Unante: The Secrets of Karate'' (Panchita S. Hawley, 2nd ed. 2000), {{ISBN|0-910704-96-1}} .
* Marius Podeanu. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986585602 ''Best Embusen: Shotokan''].
* [[Masatoshi Nakayama]]. ''Dynamic Karate'', {{ISBN|978-1568364131}}
* Randall G. Hassell. ''Shotokan Karate: Its History and Evolution'' (Damashi, 1984). {{ISBN|0-911921-05-2}}.
* Randall G. Hassell and Edmond Otis. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Karate".  (Penguin Group (USA), 2000), {{ISBN|978-0028638324}}
* Rob Redmond. ''Kata: The Folk Dances of Shotokan''.
* Teruyuki Okazaki. ''Perfection of Character: Guiding Principles for the Martial arts & Everyday Life'', {{ISBN|978-0978576325}}
* Willy J. Ortiz. "Funakoshi, Father of Modern Karate" {{ISBN|952-92-0852-9}}

==External links==
* [http://karate-kampfkunst.de/kata/schiebepuzzle/empi_puzzle/drag_drop_sort_kata_empi/sorting.html Learning Shotokan Kata – Empi]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r75U-Eoq5Q ''All of this is... Shotokan Karate''] at [[YouTube]]
* [http://www.shotokankarate.ca/katakiaipoints.htm The Katas Of Shotokan Karate-Do]
* [http://www.stockportkarate.co.uk/grades-belts.php Grades, belts and training syllabus of Shotokan Karate]

{{Karate schools}}

[[Category:Shotokan| ]]
[[Category:Japanese martial arts]]