SHOTOKAN FROM THE SOURCE
If there’s such a thing as karate DNA, the Funakoshi family must have it in spades. Kyle Funakoshi, the subject of this article, has been featured in Black Belt numerous times and appeared on the cover of our January 2010 issue. His brother Kevin Funakoshi is a master based in Texas. Their father Kenneth Funakoshi, who debuted in the magazine’s February 1965 issue when he was a first degree and then worked his way onto the cover in June 1992, is the originator of the Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association. And then there’s Gichin Funakoshi, a distant cousin and the founder of the art. Since this interview was conducted, Kyle, 45, has become the proud father of twins who likely will enjoy that same genetic predilection for kicking and punching.
ON CARRYING THE SHOTOKAN TORCH
“My dad is 80. Last year was his last one traveling overseas for exams and seminars. When he was doing that, he would go for four to six months out of the year. He’s fully retired from teaching now. I’m the chief instructor of the association.”
ON THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT COMES WITH BEING A FUNAKOSHI
“A lot of people hear the name and think, They ask me about the relationship with Gichin Funakoshi. I explain it, then say, ‘But don’t worry about that. Just come and watch the class.’
