I bowed and then stepped into the dojo where a mirrored wall revealed an image of me dressed in a beltless white uniform, ready for my first karate lesson. “Kiotsuke,” ordered the Sensei from his position at the front of the room. I followed the other students’ example and lined up in front of the instructor, where we performed a series of bows. We then began to practice punching and kicking, and although I certainly executed the moves poorly, I enjoyed the physical challenge. At the end of the hour-long
there are certain styles that have a proven history. One of these styles is the form of karate known as Shotokan. Founded by Gichin Funakoshi, Shotokan combines two different Okinawan martial arts, Shuri-te and Naha-te. Funakoshi formed the Shotokan style of karate in 1936, which he utilized to not only teach his students a form of martial art, but a way of life. Funakoshi opened the first karate
There are many aspects of Japanese culture and society that make it one of the most well-liked countries in the world today, at least according to the Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands Index. The technological innovations stemming from the country and the reputation of companies such as Honda, Toyota, Nintendo, and Sony make for an international focus on Japan’s industrial prowess. Added to that is the ever-rising popularity of manga and anime, and altogether, they form a strong nationalist feeling