Shoto Dojo

   Shotokan Karate was developed in the early 1900's by Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957).  Shotokan was formed from the two styles, Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu, which Master Funakoshi studied as a young man.  In 1922 he was asked to demonstrate Shotokan to the emperors of Japan.  From there Shotokan was brought to the United States by US occupying military forces that were stationed in Japan.  In 1948 the Japanese Karate Association was formed by Master Funakoshi's students.  Master Funakoshi died at the age of 89.

   Shoto (pines waving) was Master Funakoshi's pen name he used for his poetry and writings.  The meaning of Shotokan is Pine Waves Gymnasium.  The above picture is the original Shoto Dojo. 

    Karate - means "empty hands".

   Master Gichin Funakoshi's wish was to spread the art of Shotokan Karate throughout the world.
You can read more about Gichin Funakoshi in the book Karate-Do My Way of Life,Gichin Funakoshi.