The master of Ryu and Ken, Gouken, along with his brother Akuma, was taught the killing arts of Shotokan karate by its founder, Goutetsu. However, unlike his brother and master, Gouken abhorred the violence inherent to the system. As Akuma fully embraced the Dark Hadou, Gouken created a toned down version of Shotokan that emphasized self-defense, self-improvement, and personal cultivation. Gouken was killed by his brother Akuma in a battle to the death.