GICHIN FUNAKOSHI

founder of Shotokan Karate

Karate is a martial art for the development of character through training, so that the karate-ka (the karate student) can mount any obstacle, tangible or intangible. It is an empty-handed art of self-defense in which the body itself is used as a weapon through techniques of punching, kicking, striking, and blocking. Of primary importance in the study of karate are form, balance, "centered-ness", power, speed, kime (concentration of power), rhythm and timing.

Training transforms various parts of the body into weapons to be used freely and effectively. The quality to accomplish this is self-control. To become a victor, one must first overcome his own self.

About five hundred years ago, karate as a martial art was cultivated in Okinawa under the reign of the famous hero, King Shohashi. Three hundred years later, the development of karate as a means of unarmed self defense received tremendous impetus, since the use of weapons had been prohibited on the island by the Japanese government. Because of this national policy, the self-defense techniques developed into a unique Okinawan martial art style of karate - karate as we know it today. In 1922, Master Gichin Funakoshi, President of the Okinawan Association of Martial Arts, introduced karate-do to the mainland of Japan.

Master Funakoshi always emphasized the spiritual aspects of karate, such as courage, courtesy, integrity, humility, and self-control. Master Funakoshi was not only a genius in martial arts, but also a literary talent.

The term Shotokan originated at this time, Shoto being the Master's pen name, and kan, the place to practice - thus, shotokan. Shotokan karate soon became the most popular style in Japan, and later, in the world.

In 1949, the Japan Karate Association was established, with Master Funakoshi as the chief instructor. The Japan Karate Association organized a very thorough instructors course, which included a variety of subjects. This course develops trainees into highly qualified instructors.

In 1957, the Japanese Ministry of Education officially recognized the Japan Karate Association as a learning institution. Soon after, many of the first JKA instructors were sent abroad under the guidance of Master Masatoshi Nakayama. A handful of instructors came to the United States, the first of which was Sensei Teruyuki Okazaki who settled in Philadelphia. Karate quickly gained in popularity throughout the United States. Among the first four Americans to earn a certificate as an official JKA instructor was James Field, who is now Chief Instructor of the ISKF Southwest Region.

In 1977, the International Shotokan Karate Federation was founded as an affiliate of the Japan Karate Association. The ISKF is a non-profit organization and the largest Shotokan organization in the world whose Chairman and chief instructor is Sensei T. Okazaki. ISKF member clubs number 200+ and are divided into 13 geographic regions throughout the United States, with directors in nearly every country in North and South America. The organization regularly conducts clinics, standardized ranking examinations, and special training camps for its members.

My first training was with Sensei James Field in Santa Monica, California during my summer vacation in 1987. The following fall I went back to school at U.C. Berkeley and continued my Karate training there with Sensei Koss Yokota. Sensei Yokota taught numerous grueling, exciting and insightful classes. I stayed with him through my 1st Kyu brown belt before returning back to Santa Monica in 1990.

There, I continued my training with Sensei James Field. People travel from all over the world to train with Sensei Field, so to have him as my full-time instructor was incredible. He is one of the highest ranking ISKF instructors nation-wide, and he has a worldwide reputation for excellence. I was the co-captain of the Santa Monica competition team for many years, until I left for the Southwest Washington State in 1996.

In Vancouver, Washington I established my own dojo with the unwavering support of Sensei Cathy Cline. Sensei Cline is one of the highest ranking official instructors in the ISKF, is a member of the ISKF technical committee, is the NorthWest regional director, and has held many distinguished honors throughout her Karate career. Once again, as luck would have it, I found yet another outstanding instructor. I am proud to have Cathy Cline as my Sensei.

From 1987 to the present I have had the privilege to participate in numerous clinics and camps taught by Master Yaguchi. Both Sensei Field and Sensei Cline were full-time students of Master Yaghuchi. All my dan rank tests were presided over by Master Yaguchi. His presence and teachings in our region holds significant meaning to me both personally and professionally. In 1997, I was honored to assist Master Yaguchi with his demonstration at the ISKF National Tournament. For me, it was the highlight of the weekend.

Over the past two decades, I've competed in numerous regional tournaments and a half dozen or so national tournaments. I've gone to numerous Karate camps. I've been fortunate enough to participate in Karate events in Flagstaff, Las Vegas, Lompoc, Malibu, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelpha, San Francisco, Seattle, South Dakota, UCLA, Vancouver British Columbia, Vancouver WA. I've won a few trophies here and there and passed a few tests, but more importantly I've had some great trainings. I've met Karate people from many different countries and I've made friendships that have spanned nearly half my life.

In 2005, we moved our dojo from the East side of Vancouver, WA to its current location on the West side of Vancouver, WA, downtown, near Esther Short Park. We have several invaluable instructors: Gloria Geiser, Bob Hagan, Ricardo Diaz and Carl Futenma.

In 2012, I graduated the ISKF Instructors’ Training Program and was awarded licenses to judge, teach and issue kyu tests. It is a tribute to the discipline, thoroughness and high standards of the ISKF that each of these areas requires a separate test and license. 

Master Nakayama

founder of Japan Karate Association

Master Okazaki and Master Yaguchi

International Shotokan Karate Federation

Ken Kraisler

I’m the one doing the kick.

Cathy Cline is a fully accredited instructor and holds the rank of 8th degree blackbelt.  She trained with Sensei Okazaki and Sensei Yuguchi.  Her experience includes:

•JKA of Colorado

•Denver Free University

•Glenside Karate Club

•Swarthmore College

•Philadelphia Karate Club

Competition Experience

•World Cup Finalist, Tokyo

•Pan-American Champion

•4 time Women's National Champion

•2 time Women's Team Champion

•4 time Best Contestant

James Field is a seventh degree black belt registered with the Japan Karate Association (JKA) Tokyo, Japan, and the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF). Sensei Field was one of the first four Americans certified as a JKA instructor. He has been teaching karate locally, nationally and internationally since 1968.

Sensei Field is also an internationally famous competitor. He was captain of the US International Karate Team, many time National Collegiate Champion, two-time National Grand Champion, two-time Pan American Champion, US Representative to the Olympic Games in Mexico and medalist in the 1976 World Tournament. He was also assistant coach of the US team for the 1983, 1992, 1993 and 1994 All Japan Tournaments in Tokyo.

Mr. Field is a strict disciplinarian, and insists on Japanese etiquette, but his warmth for his students is ever present.