Karate is a relatively young martial art (1921) based on many ancient styles. It was introduced in Japan by O-Sensei(teacher of teachers) Gichin Funakoshi. Karate in North America has been nurtured by famous masters like O-Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, and by O-Sensei Masami Tsuruoka.

O-Sensei Masami Tsuruoka, who is now seventy nine years old, still conducts seminars and gradings at our dojo!

Gichin Funakoshi...

Hidetaka Nishiyama...

Masami Tsuruoka...

What is Traditional Karate? See this site for a good explanation...

http://www.traditionalshotokankarate.co.uk/traditional_karate.html

From Wikipedia...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotokan