Shotokan Karate originated in Okinawa, a small island south of Japan. It was popularized in Japan by Gichin Funakoshi. The name Shotokan comes from "Shoto" – Funakoshi's pen name, and "kan". Shoto means sound of the wind going through the pine trees (similar to the sound of waves), and Kan means building or hall.

Shotokan Karate is a traditional martial art. This means that improvement in character and mental discipline are as important as the physical martial art skills – if not more so. Shotokan Karate is structured and programmed to be accessible and trainable by all, including those without great athletic ability.

Shotokan is one of the four major traditional Karate styles in Japan. Other styles are Wado-ryu (a derivative of Shotokan), Shito-ryu, and Goju-ryu.

After the death of Master Funakoshi, Shotokan branched out into many different organizations – including JKS (Japan Karate Shoto-renmei), JKA (Japan Karate Association), SKIF (Shotokan Karate International Federation), JSKA (Japan Shotokan Karate Association) and more.

Master Asai started JKS in the year 2000 and its Japanese name is Nihon Karate Shoto-Renmei (Japan Karate Shoto-Federation). JKS was awarded the NPO (non profit organization) title from the Japanese government - which made the JKS a unique organization.