Thus, Master Funakoshi's karate became known as Shotokan karate, the karate practiced in Shoto's building. Within 10 years of Funakoshi's arrival in Japan, karate became a formal, systemized Japanese art. These people, along with many of Master Funakoshi's students, brought karate to the public attention, first through the universities and later through commercial dojo. What was originally developed in the Orient as a martial art has survived and changed through the centuries to become not only a highly effective means of unarmed self-defense but also an exciting, challenging sport enjoyed by enthusiasts throughout the world. Since it is highly dynamic and makes balanced use of a large number of body muscles, karate provides excellent all around exercise and develops coordination and agility.
Training also gives men and women the added benefit of improving or maintaining physical appearance.
Karate is also widely practiced by both children and older people as a means of keeping themselves in top physical shape. Besides the it's self-defense applications, karate also emphasizes character building. Respect for one's opponent and sportsmanship are the cardinal principles. Whatever aspect ultimately draws them to our art, new students need to realize that they only get back from karate what they put into it. A lack of effort and discipline on the students part will lead to a lack of gains.