History of the ISKF
Gichin Funakoshi is widely recognized as the "father of modern karate." Born in Okinawa, he began studying karate in his youth, learning from prominent masters such as Anko Itosu and Anko Azato. In 1922, Funakoshi introduced karate to mainland Japan, giving public demonstrations and eventually establishing a dojo in Tokyo. He emphasized the philosophical and character-building aspects of karate, promoting it as a holistic discipline. Funakoshi's efforts led to the widespread dissemination of karate throughout Japan and ultimately the world. He founded the Shotokan style of karate, which remains one of the most popular today.
Among his notable students was Teruyuki Okazaki, who played a crucial role in further spreading Shotokan karate internationally. Okazaki began his karate training under Funakoshi at Takushoku University in 1948. He later became a key figure in the Japan Karate Association (JKA), working alongside Masatoshi Nakayama, who is often credited with systematizing and modernizing Shotokan karate. Nakayama played a pivotal role in developing the JKA's curriculum and instructor training programs, significantly contributing to the standardization and global spread of Shotokan.In 1961, Okazaki was sent to the United States to promote karate, where he established the Philadelphia Karate Club.
Another significant figure who contributed to the spread of Shotokan Karate in the United States and worked closely with Okazaki was Yutaka Yaguchi. Yaguchi's technical prowess and dedication to teaching made him a highly respected instructor. He played a vital role in the early development of Shotokan karate in the United States and often collaborated with Okazaki on seminars and training events.
The formation of the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) stemmed from a desire to maintain the traditional teachings of Shotokan karate as taught by Gichin Funakoshi and further developed within the JKA. While the JKA had been instrumental in spreading karate globally, differing interpretations and organizational changes within the JKA led to a sense of fragmentation within the Shotokan world. In 1977, Teruyuki Okazaki, along with other senior instructors, including significant input and support from Yutaka Yaguchi, established the ISKF to preserve the original principles and techniques of Shotokan karate, emphasizing strong basics, proper form (kata), and kumite (sparring) based on solid fundamentals.
Yutaka Yaguchi, who alongside Okazaki Sensei, played a vital role in the ISKF's establishment and growth, contributing significantly to the federation's administrative and instructional efforts as vice-chairman and vice chief instructor. Under their guidance, the ISKF experienced significant growth by establishing dojos and branches in numerous countries and becoming known for its commitment to traditional Shotokan techniques and rigorous training standards.
A key factor in maintaining these high standards is the ISKF's rigorous instructor certification program. This program emphasizes not only technical proficiency in kata and kumite but also a deep understanding of karate's history, philosophy, and pedagogy. Candidates undergo extensive training and testing which ensures that ISKF instructors are highly qualified to teach the art of Shotokan karate in its traditional form. The ISKF aims to provide a unified organization for practitioners who sought to maintain the traditional lineage and standards established by Funakoshi.
After decades of leadership, Teruyuki Okazaki retired from his position as Chairman and Chief Instructor of the ISKF in 2015. In a smooth transition that emphasized the continuity of the organization's mission, he appointed his nephew, Hiroyoshi Okazaki, to take over these roles. Hiroyoshi Okazaki, who had trained extensively under his uncle and within the ISKF system, was unanimously approved by the International Board of Governors and Technical Committee. This passing of the torch ensured that the ISKF would continue to uphold the traditional values and technical standards established by its founder.
The Shotokan Masters
Gichin Funakoshi
11/10/1868 - 04/26/1957
Masatoshi Nakayama
04/13/1913 - 04/15/1987
Teruyuki Okazaki
06/22/1931 - 04/21/2020
Yutaka Yaguchi
11/14/1932 - 10/26/2023
Dojo Kun
The Dojo Kun is a set of guiding principles for practitioners of Japanese martial arts. It literally translates to "Training Hall Rules" and is typically displayed prominently in a dojo (training hall). These principles outline the expected behavior and mindset of students, both within the dojo and in their daily lives.
(Click the audio link above to hear the pronunciation)
Dojo Kun
HITOTSU! JINKAKU KANSEI NI TSUTOMURU KOTO!
Seek Perfection of Character
HITOTSU! MAKOTO NO MICHI O MAMORU KOTO!
Be Faithful
HITOTSU! DORYOKU NO SEICHIN O YASHINAU KOTO!
Endevor
HITOTSU! REIGI O OMONZURU KOTO!
Respect Others
HITOTSU! KEKKI NO YU O IMASHIMURU KOTO!
Refrain From Violent Behavior
The Dojo Kun serves as a moral compass for martial arts practitioners, guiding them on their journey of self-improvement and the pursuit of mastery. It is not merely a set of rules to be followed, but rather a philosophy to be embraced and lived by.