Gichin Funakoshi is often called the Father of Modern Karate. He was born on November 10 1868 and died April 26 1957 at the age of 88. He was not the founder of karate but was instrumental in promoting karate in Japan.
(hah-chee-gee dah-chee): Open leg stance feet position \ / similar to the kanji for Hachi.
The Japan Karate Association is the oldest and most influential martial arts organization. It is officially approved by the Japanese as an association of members for the promotion of karate. The organization was originally formed by Gichin Funakoshi's senior students Isao Obata Masatoshi Nakayama and Hidetake Nishiyama on May 27 1949.
