The Funakoshi Award
    Gichin Funakoshi was one of the most influential figures of his generation. He contributions to the martial arts were monumental. Founder of the art of Shotokan, Funakoshi introduced his art to Japan and the rest of the world. He is considered by many as the Father of Modern Karate.
    Because of his enormous contributions, it seemed only fitting that the Martial Arts History Museum name the Contribution Award as the Funakoshi Award.
    The Funakoshi Award is bestowed once a year at the Museum Ceremony in Los Angeles. It is awarded to an individual who is recognized for their enormous and continuous contributions to the martial arts community.  Though the recipient may be an accomplished martial artist, the Funakoshi Award is given to an individual because his contributions are more tremendous.
     The Museum has the honor of selecting this individual each year. The Funakoshi recipient is considered a Member of the Hall of Fame and carries all voting rights in the Hall of Fame selection process.
     The official Martial Arts Hall of Fame began in 1999 and the Funakoshi Award was created in 2002.
    The Martial Arts History Museum is very proud to present the Hall of Fame Funakoshi Award winners:

2002 - Nancy Kwan
Nancy opened the doors for Asian actors in America in the early 1900s. A
Tai Chi practitioner, Nancy became the first Asian headliner in the World
of Suzie Wong and the Flower Drum Song. Because of her contributions
in film, all Asian performers owe her  much gratitude.

2003 - Art Camacho
Art Camacho has been an action choreographer and action film director
for several decades.  He was one of the first to bring martial arts techniques
into non-martial arts productions.  He has opened the doors for martial
arts in both action and fantasy. He is also one of the key individuals for starting the Museum.

2004 - John Corcoran
John is the most accomplished and successful editor in the martial arts
industry. He has not only been the editor-in-chief of every major martial
arts magazine, he is considered one of the greatest martial arts historians
in the world.  He has authored numerous books and has been the primary
force in keeping the tradition and history of the arts alive.

2005 - Joe Hyams
Joe is considered the mentor of all martial arts writers. He has groomed
nearly every successful editor in the industry. He was the author of the
best selling book of all time "Zen in the martial arts." He has transformed
awareness for others to understand the arts.

2006 - Fariborz Azhakh
Fariborz Azhakh is considered the "Father of Martial Arts on the Internet."
He alone devised one of the greatest martial arts websites of all time,
Martialinfo.com. He created the first online management system and
introduced website management online. He developed the largest
accessible database of martial arts schools in the world.

2007 - Councilman Richard Alarcon
Former Senator Alarcon, now Councilman Alarcon became one of the
biggest advocates for establishing the Martial Arts History Museum. A
judo player himself, he helped convince many politicians to help the
museum and made it possible to open our doors.

2008 - Rafael Kosche
Over the past several years, Rafael became one of the most involved
individuals to assist the opening of the museum. Giving up countless years
of his life, time and experience, he helped take the museum into a new
direction and played a key role in opening its doors.

     Each year, the previous Funakoshi Award winners are asked to present the award in the Museum Ceremony. It is a great honor to receive this award.