Funakoshi Gichin Introduction to Karate: Translation & Analysis

Funakoshi Gichin’s (1868–1957) book “Introduction to Karate” (Karate Nyūmon) is presented in this analysis in a complete and direct translation from Japanese. This English version contains the six “Speeches” of “Part One”, the six “Chapters” of “Part Two”, including all of the original photos and sketches, as well as the concluding “Anecdotes” of the work published in 1943. In his “Introduction to Karate” Funakoshi explains the practical and theoretical fundamental principles of his karate, as practised in the historic Shōtōkan (1938–1945). Beginners of that period were supposed to be able to learn the so-called Ten no Kata, which consists of a solo and a partner form, from this manual. In fact, this is the most complete handed-down representation of that kata. About five-hundred footnotes accompany the translation, which is as literal as possible, and thus provide better insight into linguistic, contextual and historical questions. Modern-day readers will be therefore able to become acquainted with Funakoshi’s karate understanding independently of subsequent reinterpretations and simplifications. Thereafter various analyses regarding this important source of Shōtōkan-ryū follow. They enter, among other things, into the position of Funakoshi’s “Introduction to Karate” within Japan’s fighting arts literature as well as the karate imparted therein. Comparisons with a German art of boxing from the second half of the 19th century or considerations on the influence of this work on the karate of Kase Taiji (1929–2004) provide further insights and ideas. Since this is an analysis of a historic source, the quality of its old photos is not equal to modern coffee-table books. The technical content should be of interest especially to followers of Shōtōkan-Ryū Okano-ha, Shōtōkan-Ryū Kase-ha and the karate from the historic Shōtōkan.