About 1400 years ago, Bodhidharam a buddist monk left Wetern India for China to present lectures on Buddhism. The journey was long and extremely dangerous. During the journey he set forth a method for physical and mental discipline contained in the 'Ekkin Sutra of the Buddist Teachings.This method became 'Okinawa te'(also 'Tote'). Here it went under many developments.
Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern karate was born in 1867. He learnt the martial art TOTE under the great warriors Azato Yasutane sensei and Itos yastsune sensei. Later other great Sensei like Pichin Kiyanu Sensei, Niigaki Sensei and others. By the time he finished school and became a teacher himself, Master Funakoshi was appointed Chairman of Shobikai, the Martail Arts Association of Okinawa. As he had a great deal of experience and skill, master Funakaoshi was invited to perform before the Crown prince of Japan in 1921 when he called at Okinawa en route to Europe. This performance led to his being invited to perform in Japn.Amongst those who persaded him to stay was Master Jigaro kano, the founder of Judo who gave him the necessary help to teach the art for the first time in Japan.
Master Funakoshi gave the name 'Kara' the term 'kara' meaning 'empty' and 'te' mening hand. In 1936, Master Funakoshi established the first institution of karate in Japan at Zoshigaya, Tokyo.His disciples called the Dojo Shotokan.Shoto meaning the pen name master Funakoshi used to sign on his calligraphy and Kan meaning house or hall. This was the first reconnised style of karate in the world. He was then 70 years of age,but he felt his task had just began.
Several years later Master miyagi Chojan introduced Goju Ryu(1930).A third master Mabuni Kenwa founded Shito-Ryu(1926)