Master Gichin Funakoshi

Shotokan Master Keigo Abe at the memorial of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, pointing to the second of his twenty precepts (Niju Kun).

The precept reads: “Hitosu, Karate Ni Sente Nashi”.

This translates to: “There is no first strike in karate.”

(The word Hitotsu means “one” or “first” and precedes each rule, to place it at the same level of importance as the others.)

My sensei (Hanshi M.A. Sharifi) received his third dan from Sensei Abe.

Tekki Shodan, by Master Funakoshi - 1924

Notice how the kata has changed over the last 85+ years.

Master Gichin Funakoshi

Master Gichin Funakoshi - Tekki Shodan

Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan-ryu) and Tsuyoshi Chitose (founder of Chito-ryu). Tsuyoshi Chitose is the grandson of one of the earliest masters of Okinawan Karate, Sokon Matsumara.

Master Gichin Funakoshi