Gichin Funakoshi
About the Author
Gichin Funakoshi, revered as the father of modern karate, was born in 1868 in Okinawa and dedicated his life to the art of self-defense and personal discipline. As the founder of Shotokan karate, he introduced this martial tradition to mainland Japan in 1922, transforming it from a secretive Okinawan practice into a global phenomenon. Funakoshi's teachings emphasized not just physical prowess but also moral and spiritual development, encapsulated in his famous dictum, 'Karate begins and ends with courtesy.' Through his writings, he shared profound insights into the philosophy and techniques of karate-do, influencing generations of practitioners worldwide. His legacy endures in dojos everywhere, promoting harmony between body and mind until his passing in 1957.
