Shotokan is a modern name given to the style of karate that developed from the Okinawan systems, and which was introduced to Japan in 1922 by Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate. He was born in 1868, and studied karate from his childhood. Between 1926 and 1930, Funakoshi developed karate further and consolidated its position in Japan. The universities were the main sites of karate study, and they were influenced by research on physiology and calisthenics. During this period Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka added kumite (fighting) methods, the Japanese kyu/dan ranking system, and some of the traditional concepts of budo (martial way) to the system. Under Yoshitaka, the development of shotokan karate really accelerated. This knowledge was incorporated into the kihon (basics) of shotokan karate. After 1936, the kata (sequences movements) were revised to conform to dynamic new style.

Yoshitaka Funakoshi died in early 1945, his death probably precipitated by the news this father's dojo had been destroyed in bombing raid. After the war, Funakoshi returned to teaching in Tokyo, and in 1952, the age of eighty four, he undertook a three-month tour of American air bases, thus ensuring the spread of shotokan karate to America. He died in 1957. His memorial bears the words 'Karate ni sente nashi' - 'There is no first attack in karate'.

The HOKUSHIN KARATE ACADEMY is affiliated to the ISKU (the International Shotokan Karate Union). The ISKU is a non-political karate organisation which focuses upon quality traditional karate and the happiness of its members. As such, the HOKUSHIN KARATE ACADEMY enjoy's free courses with top instructors, World class competitions and a structure which allows its members the autonomy they want within a framework which allows natural progression up the ranks.

Mike McCusker 6th Dan and chief instructor of the HOKUSHIN KARATE ACADEMY is also the chief instructor of the ISKU and offers a wealth of knowledge and experience in Shotokan karate.

Sensei McCusker is shown here with Isaka Shihan of the KWF.