History
Zanshin Shotokan was established by Sensei Rocky Whatule. Rocky is a national, international and world champion with over 24 years of experience and more importantly than a titleholder, he is a disciple of Christ with a passion for winning souls. Sensei Whatule merged physical training of this ancient art with the Word of God and its teachings. Sensei Whatule received his direct training, discipline and certification from Master Bill Viola II at the Allegheny Shotokan Karate Club in North Huntingdon, PA. Allegheny Shotokan is internationally renowned. The school’s rich tradition of Shotokan Karate originates back to Okinawa in the early 1900’s.
Master Funakoshi-Gichin, the founder of Shotokan, was the Master who hadthe greatest significant influence in the development of Karate as we know it. Master Funakoshi is recognized today as the Father of Modern Karate. He is also revered as an outstanding human being who always stressed karate as a total way of life; the true meaning of Karate -do. Master Funakoshi rose to such a level that he was initiated into all the major methods of karate. Funakoshi was the first to write a complete book about Karate entitled Karate-do Kyohan.