Gichin Funakoshi and Karate-Do

Gichin Funakoshi is famous for founding the Shotokan style of karate (House/Clan of "Shoto"). He introduced karate to Japan from Okinawa. One of the styles of Okinawan karate prevalent at the time was Shorin-Ryu, or "Little Forest Way", an ode to the Shaolin Temple.

Funakoshi: "The correct understanding of Karate and its proper use is Karate-do. One who truly trains in this do [way] and actually understands Karate-do is never easily drawn into a fight".

Taikyoku Kata

"Karate Ni Sente Nashi - There is No First Attack in Karate" - permeates all the kata, which typically open with a defensive move. "Taikyoku" means "First Cause".

Taikyoku Shodan - Gedan barai and Oi Zuki (Lunge Punch). All stances are zenkutsu-dachi. Here is a video  from the 1970s illustrating this foundational kata.
Taikyoku Nidan - Gedan barai, Age uke, Oi Zuki. However, chudan punches are replaced by jodan.
Taikyoku Sandan - Uche Uke executed in Kokutsu-Dachi (back stance).

Gichin Funakoshi said that this kata was easily learned by beginners owing to its simplicity. However, he also added that upon mastering karate, the practitioner will return to it as the "ultimate training kata".