 Master Gichin Funakoshi {b.1868 d.1957} is credited with being the founder of modern day karate. Born in 1868, he began his martial arts studies at the age of 11 under the tutelage of Sensei Azato and Sensei Itosu, two of the era’s most respected Masters of Okinawan Karate. Master Funakoshi’s meticulous training eventually helped him to become proficient in the major styles of karate in Okinawa. To him, karate was more than mere physical training, but an education for the mind and spirit. Through his knowledge and creativity, he combined many of the techniques of the methods he had studied and developed a style of karate he called Shotokan, meaning ‘The House of Shoto,” a pseudonym he used when writing poetry. In 1922 Master Funakoshi traveled to Tokyo, Japan to demonstrate his art at the National Athletic Exhibition. This event marked the introduction of karate to Japan. After the demonstration the master received invitations to teach Shotokan Karate to many different groups and Individuals throughout the country. From then on, he made Japan his home. |
 Master Tomosaburo Okano{b.1922 d.2003} was a direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi. He was a member of Master Funakoshi’s Karate Association the Dai Nihon Karate-do Shotokai. In 1942, Master Okano was given permission to start a karate research club named Kenkokai Karate-bu in his home town of Hachioji. The club was started with the help of Master Okano’s friends, Suzuki Shinjo, Kaneko Isamu, and Takagi Yoshitomo. With the guidance and blessing of his teacher he renamed the dojo and called it Kenkojuku Budokan in 1948. |
 Sensei Masakazu Takahashi began his karate training under Master Tomosaburo Okano In 1961. In 1971, he traveled to America to begin his teaching career. The Takahashi Karate Dojos, located In Mount Kisco and Amity Harbor, New York, have been established for more than 35 years, offering traditional martial arts training to beginners and advanced students. Sensei Takahashi is the head of the U.S.A Kenkojuku Karate Association and holds the rank of 8th degree Black Belt. Sensei Takahashi has devoted his life to master his art and teach his students Traditional Shotokan Karate. . . more |
