Shotokan is a system of karate, which reflects the style of master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957), who first brought karate from Okinawa to mainland Japan. Shoto was Funakoshi's pen name for his poetry, while Shotokan was the name of the hall where "Shoto" trained his students. Funakoshi had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan Karate of the time: Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu. He combined and modified the styles, and made his own, though he never named it, always referring to it simply as "karate".

Training is usually divided into three sections: kihon or "basics", kumite or "sparring", and kata. Shotokan techniques are characterised by deep, long stances, which  provide stability and powerful movements. Strength and power is greatly emphasized in Shotokan Karate. The kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to be being more "free" and flexible at a higher level.

Funakoshi put much emphasis on health, breathing, releasing energy and outstanding mind and body control.