2026 Black Belt Testing Study Guide

Flashcards based on the 2026 Black Belt Testing Study Guide covering Shotokan history, terminology, and IBA specifics.

Gichin Funakoshi

The founder of Shotokan Karate who was born on November 10, 1868, and died on April 25, 1957.

Shotokan

A name meaning "Shoto" (Pine Waves, which was Gichin Funakoshi's pen name) and "Kan" (house or hall).

Okinawa, Japan

The place where Shotokan Karate originated.

Anko Itosu and Anko Asato

The main teachers of Gichin Funakoshi.

Kihon

One of the three main components of Shotokan training, meaning basics.

Kata

One of the three main components of Shotokan training; a pre-arranged sequence of movements simulating combat.

Kumite

One of the three main components of Shotokan training; sparring practice with a partner.

Karate

A term meaning "empty hand"; the characters were changed by Funakoshi to emphasize philosophy and self-development.

Dojo kun

The five guiding principles of karate training. Hanshi added "love yourself and love others" to these.

Ultimate goal of Shotokan Karate

Perfection of character, not just fighting skill.

Karate-Do: My way of Life

The book written by Gichin Funakoshi.

Osu

A term commonly used in karate to express respect, acknowledgement, perseverance, and determination.

Heian Katas

A series of five katas ranging from Heian Shodan to Heian Godan.

Shotokan symbol

A stylized tiger, representing strength & courage.

Do

In the term Karate-Do, it means "The Way" or spiritual path.

Deep stances

A feature of Shotokan used to develop strength, stability, and powerful techniques.

JKA

The Japan Karate Association, an organization that helped spread Shotokan worldwide.

Master Nakayama

The Shotokan master that Hanshi trained with.

Funakoshi's famous quote

"There is no first attack in karate."

Original 15 Katas

Includes Heian Shodan through Godan, Tekki Shodan through Sandan, Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Jion, Jitte, Empi, Hangetsu, and Gankaku.

Bunkai

Analyzing or breaking down techniques found within a kata.

Oyo

Free interpretation or finishing move of practical self-defense.

Shodan

The beginning of higher-level learning, signifying a practitioner has moved beyond the beginner stage.

Belt balance

The reason a belt should hang evenly, representing the balance of body and spirit.

Dojo

A room or hall in which judo and other martial arts are practiced.

IMA

International Martial Arts, which started in 1990 under Sensei Madani.

Hanshi Madani

Born Dec 29, 1953; started training in 1965 at 12 years old; established the first official IMA dojo on Pine St in 1994.

Matsumura Sōkon

One of the original karate masters of Okinawa.

Nakayama Sensei

Hanshi's teacher, born April 13, 1913, and died April 15, 1987.