Master Gichin Funakoshi, founder of modern karate-do was born in 1868 in Okinawa. In 1922 he introduced karate to Japan where he remained until his death in 1957. Master Funakoshi chose the character “Kara” (empty) and Te (hand) for its meaning in Zen philosophy. The name Shotokan comes from “Kan” meaning “house or hall” in reference to the Dojo or hall where training is held and “Shoto” being the pen name adopted by Master Funakoshi in his writings. Thus “Shotokan” meaning “House of Shoto”.