photos by Stephen Eginoire

In Japanese, the word, shotodescribes the movement of pine needles as the wind blows. Kanrefers to house or hall. As one of the oldest forms of karate, Shotokan utilizes mental and physical discipline to focus the mind on a singular objective, while blocking out all other distractions. Developed from various martial arts by Gichin Fuakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi in the early 1900s, Shotokanis widely credited with popularizing karate with clubs, schools and universities. Shotokanof Durango has been a member of the International Shotokan Karate Federation since 1976, offering instruction under fourth-degree Black Belt Bill Thurman. The club trains two nights at week at the Durango Sports Club.