Gichin Funakoshi was born in Shuri, Okinawa in 1868. As a boy, he was trained by two famous masters of that time, Azato and Itosu. Each trained him in a different Okinawan martial art. From Yasutsune Azato he learned Shuri-te. From Yasutsune Itosu, he learned Naha-te. It would be the melding of these two styles that would one day become Shotokan karate.

Master Funakoshi is the man who introduced karate to Japan. In 1917, he was asked to demonstrate karate at a physical education exhibition sponsored by the Ministry of Education. He was asked back again in 1922 for another exhibition. Later, he was asked back a third time, but this time, it was a special performance for the emporer and the royal family. Atfer this, Master Funakoshi decided to remain in Japan and teach and promote his art.

Gichin Funakoshi passed away in 1957 at the age of 88, never having visited a doctor or taking any medicine. He accredited his good health from regular karate training. Aside from creating Shotokan karate and introducing it to Japan and the world, he also wrote the very book on the subject of karate, "Ryukyu Kempo: Karate-do". He also wrote "Karate-Do Kyohan" - The Master Text, the "handbook" of Shotokan and he wrote his autobiography, "Karate-Do: My Way of Life". These books reflect the knowledge and character of this humble but amazing man.