Shoto-kan

Like all styles of Karate Shotokan has also been beset by different schools of thought. Originally controlled strictly from the Japanese headquarters of the JKA (Japanese Karate Association), variations have appeared, particularly on the death of the older "masters". Kanazawa was the first to found his own school (Shotokan Karate International). He was the first All Japan Kata and Kumite champion, his group emphasised a cross between some of the ideas of Tai chi, particularly in the matter of flow and balance, and traditional karate. Kanazawa had studied Tai chi for many years after his master advised him to do it. Later Kase founded his own group, World Shotokan Karate Academy, mainly based in Europe. However, the original group of excellent Japanese instructors who spread around the world are now in their 60s, 70s and 80s, the ones who will replace them are the native instructors who followed their teachings.