The Shotokai Hombu Dojo, the Shotokan
Inauguration in 1936, Yoshitaka's Leadership, and the Tokyo Headquarters
The Reconstructed Shotokan Dojo • Tokyo, Japan
After Karate-do Kyohan was published, it became clear that a dedicated central dojo was required to house Master Gichin Funakoshi's teachings: a formal Hombu Dojo. A committee was created - named Shotokai - to establish a building fund for what would become the largest karate dojo of its day. Construction commenced in mid-1935, and by early 1936 the magnificent wooden building was completed in Zoshigaya, Toshima Ward, Tokyo.
Master Gichin Funakoshi personally inaugurated the dojo on January 29, 1936, at the age of sixty-nine. Above the entrance hung the wooden plaque with the name Shotokan ("the Building of Shoto"). Following a ceremonial inauguration, daily training commenced under the dynamic technical leadership of his third son, Yoshitaka (Gigo) Funakoshi.
Thus, Shotokai's central headquarters was established.
Today, the Shotokan Dojo - the international headquarters of Nihon Karate-do Shotokai - is a faithful reconstruction of the historic original, which had been destroyed in the World War II air raids on Tokyo. It stands proudly alongside the reconstructed residence of Master Funakoshi.
