Shigeru Egami is a key figure in the history of Shotokan karate. Born on December 7, 1912 in Ōmuta, Japan, and died on January 8, 1981, Egami was a close student of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate. He is recognized for his important contributions to the philosophy and practice of karate.
Egami began studying karate at Waseda University in 1932, under the guidance of Funakoshi. After graduating, he continued to train with Funakoshi and quickly became one of his most devoted and respected students. In addition to his karate training, Egami was also an accomplished judo and kendo practitioner.
In 1948, Egami helped found the Japan Karate Association (JKA) with Gichin Funakoshi and other Funakoshi students. As a senior member of the JKA, Egami has played a key role in teaching karate and training the next generation of karate instructors.
After Funakoshi’s death in 1957, Egami began to think deeply about the nature and direction of karate. He came to the conclusion that karate should be more than just a fighting art, but rather a means of personal development and spiritual growth. This philosophy led Egami to modify certain Shotokan training techniques and methods, with the aim of making training more flexible and natural, and emphasizing the importance of harmony between body and mind.
In 1974, Egami founded the Shotokai organization, which has continued to promote his vision of karate. Although the organization is less well known than the JKA, it has had a considerable influence on the practice of karate, particularly in Europe. The Shotokai organization’s philosophy emphasizes non-competition, mutual respect and spiritual development.
Egami has written several books on karate, including “The Heart of Karate-Do”, in which he expounds his philosophy and techniques. These books were widely read and had a major influence on the perception of karate as a means of personal and spiritual development.
Egami died in 1981, but his influence lives on. His vision of karate, with its emphasis on harmony of body and mind, personal development and mutual respect, continues to inspire many karate practitioners around the world.
In conclusion, Shigeru Egami was a karate master of great importance. Not only did he contribute to the spread of Shotokan karate, he also helped the martial art evolve by emphasizing its spiritual aspect and seeking to improve and refine techniques and training. His dedication to the teaching and practice of karate has left an indelible mark on the history of this martial art.