Shotokan Karate lineage

Chinese Martial Arts Influence (Shaolin & White Crane Kung Fu)

Long before karate became “karate,” Okinawan martial artists learned from Chinese traders, diplomats, and monks.

Shaolin martial arts and White Crane Kung Fu shaped early Okinawan techniques (stances, hand forms, breathing methods).

This influence blended into Tōde (the ancestor of karate).

 Sokon Matsumura (1809–1899) – Founder of Shuri-te

A key Okinawan master who studied Chinese martial arts.

Created Shuri-te, a fighting style known for its long stances, fast strikes, and strong linear movements.

He taught many students who would later spread karate further.

Anko Itosu (1831–1915) – The Modernizer of Karate

Student of Matsumura.

Famous for simplifying kata so karate could be taught in Okinawan schools.

Created the Pinan (Heian) kata series, still taught in Shotokan today.

His teaching system was the bridge between old Okinawan karate and what became modern Japanese karate.

Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) – Founder of Shotokan

Student of Itosu and other Okinawan masters.

Brought karate from Okinawa to mainland Japan in 1922.

Changed the name from “Tōde” (Chinese Hand) to “Karate” (Empty Hand) to emphasize Japanese identity.

Founded Shotokan Karate (the name comes from his pen name “Shoto” and “kan” meaning hall).

Emphasized discipline, humility, and character development over just fighting.

Masatoshi Nakayama (1913–1987) – The Globalizer

Top student of Funakoshi.

Helped establish the Japan Karate Association (JKA).

Standardized training methods, grading systems, and competition rules.

Wrote influential books that spread Shotokan worldwide.

Pioneered sport karate tournaments while keeping the martial essence alive.

Modern Shotokan Karate (Worldwide Legacy)

Today, Shotokan is one of the most practiced karate styles in the world.

Known for:

Deep stances (Zenkutsu-dachi, Kiba-dachi)

Powerful linear strikes

Structured kata training

Practiced in dojos across every continent from kids starting in white belts to lifelong masters.