Gichin Funakoshi was a major pioneer in the development of modern karate. In fact, he was the “prime mover” in bringing traditional Okinawan karate to Japan. He himself was caught in the great wave of social change sweeping through Japan and its prefectures. His contributions include authoring several of the first publications describing the previously secret art of karate, strengthening the connection between character development and karate training. and the development of modern teaching methods.
Stirrings of Change
Funakoshi was born at the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868), a period of considerable change throughout Japan. Meiji means “Enlightened Rule” and with the transfer of power from the Shogun back to the Emperor, modernization and social change became the order of the day. Part of the context for modernization and change was the “Gunboat Diplomacy” exerted by the U.S. Navy in 1853 under Admiral Matthew Perry, where military inferiority and the perils of isolation became evident. This was a time of rapid exposure to new ideas, which led to a new view of Japan in the modern world. 1854 painting depicting the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry’s “Black Ships” into Japan.
Masatoshi Nakayama was an internationally famous Japanese master of Shotokan karate.
Nakayama entered Takushoku University in 1932 and began learning karate under Gichin Funakoshi and his son Yoshitaka (also known as Gigō).
In 1949 Nakayama helped establish the Japan Karate Association. Funakoshi was the formal head of the organization, with Nakayama appointed as Chief Instructor.
He develop a logical way of teaching Karate and documented the proper way of practicing Shotokan. He wrote many textbooks on karate, which served to popularize this martial art. Nakayama worked to spread Shotokan karate around the world for nearly 40 years, until he died in 1987.
He was the first master in Shotokan history to attain the rank of 9th dan while alive and was posthumously awarded the rank of 10th dan.
Master Teruyuki Okazaki was born June 22, 1931, in Fukuoka, Japan. After studying aikido, judo, and kendo, he began karate training in 1947. Master Okazaki joined the Japan Karate Association (JKA), where he studied under both Master Gichin Funakoshi and Master Masatoshi Nakayama.
In 1953, Master Okazaki graduated from Takushoku University in Tokyo with a BA in Political Economics. In 1955, he helped Master Nakayama develop the JKA Instructor’s course…
Later, as a pioneer instructor, he became the first coach of the course. He later taught at Boei University (considered Japan’s West Point), Takushoku University, and Tokyo Toritsu University. He also instructed the instructor trainees for the JKA Headquarters.
Master Okazaki was sent to the United States by JKA Chief Instructor Masatoshi Nakayama in 1961 to help share Shotokan karate with people throughout the world. He established a dojo in Philadelphia (now Headquarters for the International Shotokan Karate Federation) and formed the East Coast Shotokan Karate Association in 1963. In 1977, he founded the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF), which is now one of the largest karate organizations in the world. The ISKF, of which Master Okazaki remains Chief Instructor, has approximately fifty thousand members in over thirty countries.
Master Okazaki received the rank of 10th Dan in October of 2007. He has been a faculty member of Philadelphia’s Temple University since 1970 and is also an instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, West Chester University, and Thomas Jefferson University. In June of 2007, the ISKF became independent of the JKA/WF, allowing the ISKF to spread to more countries outside of the Pan-America region. Master Okazaki conducts seminars and clinics, provides training sessions, and administers ranking examinations all across the United States, as well as internationally. He is the author of two books, The Textbook of Modern Karate, and the Perfection of Character: Guiding Principles for the Martial Arts & Everyday Life. Master Okazaki was chosen as Black Belt magazine’s Man of the Year and belongs to their Hall of Fame
Founder and Chief Instructor of the All- New York Karate Association
“What does it take to become a champion?” a senior student once asked Sensei Maynard Miner. He replied, “A champion takes care of his family.”
Such an insightful response reflects the true character of Sensei Miner, 8th Dan, founder and Chief Instructor of the All–New York Karate Association | Flatbush Shotokan Karate Dojo–a persona rooted in humility, perseverance, and respect for all. A steadfast constitution that was shaped by more than half a century of training in traditional Japanese Shotokan karate and teaching the art of Empty Hand Fighting to countless students–some becoming the very champions they aspired to be.
However, one quickly learns under Sensei Miner’s tutelage that winning tournaments is not the ultimate goal; that “Perfection of Character” –a reference to the first of five tenets of the Dojo Kun, the guiding principles of Shotokan–is the grand prize. Indeed, Sensei Miner personified and practiced this throughout his life, showing others that discipline and hard work can lead to a more fulfilling life, not less.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Maynard Miner Sr. and TeRetha (McCoy) Miner in 1935, Maynard Miner attended public school 129 and later Boys and Girls High School. Soon afterward, he voluntarily joined the U.S. Army, where he was introduced to karate by a friend while on their way to the Far East. It is there that his lifelong journey into Shotokan began under the mentorship of Master Masatoshi Nakayama and Teruyuki Okazaki of the Japan Karate Association.
Maynard Miner Karate Academy is proudly affiliated with the All-New York Karate Association (ISKF).
We uphold traditional Shotokan values while building discipline, confidence, and character.
Training with integrity. Teaching with honor.
© Maynard Miner | All Rights Reserved.
Maynard Miner Karate Academy is proudly affiliated with the All-New York Karate Association (ISKF).
We uphold traditional Shotokan values while building discipline, confidence, and character.
Training with integrity. Teaching with honor.
© Maynard Miner | All Rights Reserved.
Business Owner
Training at Maynard Miner Karate Academy has strengthened my discipline and focus. The traditional Shotokan instruction is authentic and professional at every level.
Fitness Coach
The MAYNARD MINER KARATE ACADEMY / TORA KARATE – ISKF maintains high ISKF standards and structured training. Every class builds both physical strength and mental clarity.
Parent
My child has gained confidence, respect, and strong self-discipline. The instructors truly care about character development and proper technique.
Fitness Coach
The MAYNARD MINER KARATE ACADEMY / TORA KARATE – ISKF maintains high ISKF standards and structured training. Every class builds both physical strength and mental clarity.
Maynard Miner Karate Academy is proudly affiliated with the All-New York Karate Association (ISKF).
We uphold traditional Shotokan values while building discipline, confidence, and character.
Training with integrity. Teaching with honor.