THE ASKF

Shotokan Karate Dojo

The History and Legacy of Shotokan Karate and the ASKF

Master Gichin Funakoshi, Hanshi Richard Gould, and the ASKF

Karate, as we know it today, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Its roots trace back to India, where martial arts were first developed, and it eventually made its way to ancient China. Over time, these techniques found their way to the Okinawan Islands, where they evolved into a form known as "To-de." It was here that the art would undergo significant transformation and eventually become the martial art we know today as karate, meaning "empty hand."

The term "karate" was coined by the Japanese in the early 20th century. At the suggestion of the Japanese Emperor, Gichin Funakoshi, an elite student of Okinawan martial arts and a teacher by trade, traveled to mainland Japan in 1922 to introduce karate. This moment marked a pivotal turning point in the evolution of karate, as Funakoshi would never return to Okinawa, and instead, he would go on to revolutionize the martial art in Japan. Immersed in the rich samurai culture of Japan and influenced by the Bushido code, Funakoshi created a modernized version of Okinawan martial arts known as Shotokan.

Working alongside medical and biological scientists in Japan, Funakoshi adapted traditional techniques to focus on biomechanics and efficiency, which allowed Shotokan to become one of the most devastating martial arts in the world. With time, Funakoshi's disciples helped spread Shotokan globally, particularly through the Japanese Karate Association (JKA).

However, long before Shotokan made its way to the West, one man was already deep in training in Japan under the tutelage of Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, a disciple of Funakoshi. This man was Richard C. Gould, who would go on to become one of the most influential figures in Shotokan Karate outside of Japan.

The Pioneer of Shotokan Karate in the West

Richard C. Gould

Richard C. Gould’s journey into Shotokan Karate began after serving in the Korean War as a U.S. Marine, where he carried an M1 Garand into battle. After the war, Gould found himself in Japan, training under Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, a highly respected master of Shotokan Karate. Over the years, Gould’s dedication and discipline allowed him to become one of the most senior Western practitioners of Shotokan Karate. He was instrumental in bringing Shotokan to the United States, and by 1982, he founded the American Shotokan Karate Federation (ASKF).

As a leader in the karate community, Gould worked with numerous organizations including the JKA, WUKO, and ISKF before co-founding the ASKF, which quickly became one of the most respected Shotokan Karate organizations in the world. Through the ASKF, Gould hosted events with karate legends like Masahiko Tanaka, Yutaka Yaguchi, and Teruyuki Okazaki at South Dakota State University, further cementing the ASKF’s reputation as a powerhouse in the martial arts world.

The ASKF grew to be known for its rugged yet highly respected karate programs, producing practitioners who were not only skilled fighters but also honorable individuals. Gould’s dedication to the art of Shotokan Karate became his greatest legacy. While he served as a combat soldier in Korea, his passion for Shotokan Karate would eventually become his lifelong pursuit.



Gould’s legacy continues today through his son, David Gould, who serves as the chief administrator of the ASKF and head instructor of Shotokan Karate Dojo. David, a 6th-degree black belt, continues his father’s mission by teaching the next generation of karate practitioners at the dojo located at 12102 East Mississippi Avenue in Aurora, Colorado.

The American Shotokan Karate Federation (ASKF)

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its inception in 1982, the ASKF has grown to become one of the leading Shotokan organizations in the world, known for its strong emphasis on traditional techniques, discipline, and respect. The ASKF remains committed to maintaining the values and principles established by Master Gichin Funakoshi and carried forward by Sensei Richard Gould. The federation’s ranking system, designed to promote both technical and personal development, continues to be recognized worldwide.

ASKF instructors and members are known for their intense training, which encompasses everything from basic techniques (kihon) to advanced sparring and kata. The ASKF is proud to maintain a strong focus on traditional karate while also integrating modern training techniques, ensuring that its students receive a comprehensive, well-rounded martial arts education.



The ASKF community is bonded not just by the practice of Shotokan Karate but by a shared understanding of karate philosophy, which emphasizes mental and physical development. ASKF students are instilled with discipline, respect, and integrity, which extend beyond the dojo into their everyday lives.

The Path Forward

Continuing the ASKF Tradition

Today, the ASKF continues its unique tradition, with its most senior students preserving the rich legacy of the art. David Gould, as the chief administrator of the ASKF and head instructor at Shotokan Karate Dojo, continues to guide the ASKF’s development and influence globally.

As the ASKF moves into the future, we invite new students to join the Shotokan Karate community and experience the benefits of martial arts, which go beyond self-defense to foster physical fitness, mental focus, and self-discipline.



The ASKF offers opportunities for students to advance through its ranking system, beginning with beginner karate and progressing to black belt levels. Our karate programs are suitable for all skill levels, from karate for kids to advanced training for adults, and we offer karate fitness classes, self-defense, and karate sparring to suit your individual needs and goals.

Visit the ASKF Website for More Information

To learn more about the American Shotokan Karate Federation, its history, ranking system, and upcoming events, visitASKF.org. You can also find information about our karate instructors, training programs, and how you can become a part of the Shotokan Karate-do community.

Key Resources and References:

Gould, Richard C. (Hanshi)

"American Shotokan Karate Federation Instructors Course: Kenshusei." Brookings, South Dakota, December 13, 2004.

Clayton, Bruce D., PhD. Shotokan’s Secret

The Hidden Truth Behind Karate’s Fighting Origins. U.S.A.: Black Belt Communication LLC, 2004.

Hassel, Randy G. Shotokan Karate

Its History & Evolution. Los Angeles, California: Empire Books, 2007.

Gould, Richard C. (Hanshi)

Ku Dan (9th Dan) ~ 1989 ~ 2016.

Explore more about the history of Shotokan Karate, ASKF legacy, and karate philosophy with these valuable resources. For more information on how to begin your Shotokan Karate training, join us at the Shotokan Karate Dojo in Aurora, Colorado.