Gishin Funakoshi and his journey elucidated by Karate Coach Dr. Pradeep Kumar Yadav

Abstract

Legendary Grandmaster Gichin Funakoshi is generally viewed as the "Father" of modern Karate because of his endeavors to acquaint territory of Japan with the Okinawan Karate, from where it spread to the rest of the world. He was born on November 10, 1868, in Yamakawa, Shuri (Okinawa Prefecture). Being born into a family that had run into some bad luck implied that he spent his youth with his maternal grandparents. He started as a weakling, wiped out and in unexpected frailty, whose guardians carried him to Master Itosu for his karate preparation. His doctor, Tokashiki recommended certain herbs that would rejuvenate him. Soon Funakoshi got healthier. Master Gichin took coaching from Yasutsune Itosu in the initial stage of learning Karate. Funakoshi prepared with Azato stealthily since the Okinawans had their weapons prohibited and had to practice secretly. Master Funakoshi used to live in a small room with his students at Suidobata, Tokyo. He used to clean the dormitory during the day when the students were in their classes and take Karate classes at night. He made companion at school with the oldest child of the then popular karate ace, Master Anko Azato and through this kinship, he was acquainted with Karate. His style of Karate started from him having prepared under two renowned Okinawan Karate experts, Master Anko Azato (1827-1906) and Master Anko Itosu (1831– 1915). This art charted an impressive course of his life. He had become well-known in Ryukyustyle hand-to-hand fighting soon. As throughout the years he sought after his preparation and ceaselessly built up his wonderful aptitudes, Master Funakoshi accepted a job as an associate teacher at the primary school at the age of 20, in 1888. He soon became Chairman of the Okinawa Martial Arts Society.