Shotokan, a traditional Japanese style of karate, was developed in Okinawa as a blending and revising of various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi. After performing a karate demonstration in Tokyo in 1922, Master Funakoshi became so popular that his style became established within Japan, was incorporated into public and private schools, and continued to grow in popularity, not only in Japan, but internationally.

Beginning in 1955, representatives from Japan’s premier Shotokan Karate organization began sending accomplished representatives to various countries around the world, including the United States. The art and practice of Shotokan Karate took hold here and has given rise to different organizations and schools. California Karate Association is one such school, focusing on traditional Shotokan Karate.

California Karate Association’s Chief Instructor, Hanshi Fujishima, is part of this historical lineage, continuing the traditions that he studied directly under Master Funakoshi’s first student, Masatosi Nakayama, Chief Instructor of Japan Karate Association.

Through Hanshi’s high standards of instruction, students develop patience, concentration, and respect. Individual goals, whether self-defense, health, or personal enrichment, can be met through continued training at all ages and skills levels.