✦ Founder
Gichin Funakoshi
also known as Shōtō
📍 Okinawa/Japan⧖ Nov 10, 1868 – Apr 26, 1957
Shotokan KarateShōrei-ryūShōrin-ryū (ItosuAsato)
Born Shuri, Okinawa. Changed kanji to 'empty hand.' Emphasized character development.
Notable Achievements
Father of Modern Karate; Introduced karate to mainland Japan (1922); Author of 'Karate-Do: My Way of Life'; Founded Shotokan style
