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Shoto-ryu is the shortened version of the style we practice, namely Shotokan-Ryu. As there are many Shotokan organisations worldwide, inclusive of the Japan Karate Associationm(Ueki), Shotokan Karate America (Oshima), International ShotokanKarate Federation (Okazaki), and Shotokan Karate International (Kanazawa) to name but a few, we choose to shorten the term to simply Shoto-Ryu or Shoto - style (school). Shoto was the nom de plum of Master Gichin Funakoshi, the 'founder' of the styles using the derivative 'Shoto.'

Master Funakoshi, bornin Okinawa, is credited with being the father of modern Karate and founder of Shotokan. He demonstrated his karate at The Kodokan (Judo Head Dojo) in Tokyo. During this demonstration Makoto Gima (our founder), a former student of Shihan A. Itosu and Shihan-dai K.Yabu, acted as FInakoshi's assistant.

Master Gima received his Shodan (1st degree black belt) certificate in 1924 from Master Funakoshi and in 1956, his 10th degree black belt from Master Toyama. Master Gima was also a 5th degree black belt in Judo, but his main focus remained in Karate. He held many leading positions in the Japanese world of Karate as well as president of Zen Nihon Karate-Do Shisei-Kai Rengo

Gima's style is best classified as Shoto-Ryu, as it both pre-dates and incorportes the Funakoshi system (Due to the influence of Masters Itosu and Yabu).

Gima's legacy is carried on by three of his senior students: Higuchi (currently 9th degree black belt), Kobayashi (currently 8th degree black belt), Narumi (currently 8th degree black belt). All are still active in Karate and are located in Japan. They are currently members of the Japan Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Karatedo Association Technical Committee with Shihan Higuchi being the Chief Instructor of the entire Gima-Ha Shoto-Ryu Association.

Shoto-Ryu is essentially Shotokan Karate (hence the use of the term Shotokan-Ryu) with a unique flavour.  Whilst on first inspection we perform the same Karate our Kata often have Koryu (Old Style) Interpretation, in particular Gima-ha Nogojushiho a direct link from Master Gima to Master KanKen Toyama.  We also have Koryu Chinte unique to our orgnisation.   Although our Kata are similar to other Shoto-based organisations we have continued some very unique Kata and preserve the heritage in the special variations of other Kata.
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