Karate - The Rarest Pictures & Files

The Original Shotokan Dojo — Where Master Gichin Funakoshi’s Karate-Do Began

In 1936, the students of Gichin Funakoshi built a dojo in the Mejiro district of Tokyo and named it Shotokan, meaning “Shoto’s large house” — in honor of Funakoshi’s pen name Shoto, a reference to a kind of pine tree that does not bend to the wind.

This simple wooden building became the birthplace of modern Shotokan Karate — a place where tradition merged with transformation. The dojo echoed with spirit, discipline, and the pursuit of perfection.

Sadly, the original Shotokan dojo was destroyed during World War II.

But its spirit endures in every dojo that continues its practice today — a reminder that Karate-Do is more than a style… it is a way of life.

Restored photo of the original Shotokan Dojo, Tokyo, Japan (1936).

Hiroshi Shirai (31 July 1937 – 9 October 2024).
Another karate legend goes down in history. Master Shirai passed away peacefully at his home in Milan on October 9, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Photo: Master Hiroshi Shirai and Master Taiji Kase

From left to right Ueki, Mori, Nakayama, Ito and Shoji.

1985. Picture by Isami Shiroma

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