Shotokan Karate

Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of shotokan karate, stated that the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in perfection of character. In this way, karate may be described as an aesthetic course of self-discipline, leading to enlightenment. Literally,karate-do is the way of the empty hand. This includes the philosophical notion of "emptying" oneself of improper motives; not merely fighting without weapons. The principles of training go beyond technique and may be applied to ordinary life. Karate training involves little instruction in philosophy. Students are expected to learn the underlying philosophical principles through hard work and much practice. By following the technical directions of the instructors, the example ofthe senior students and applying themselves completely to each technique,karate-ka will develop a deep understanding of both the technical and philosophical aspects of karate.

It is said that in karate there is no second chance. Karate-ka are taught to use each technique as if their lives depended upon its successful application. This concept is called ikken hikattsu in Japanese, literally to kill with one blow. However, the real meaning is that a karate-ka must be completely committed to each technique and must apply each technique with certainty, force, decisiveness and without regard to the ossibility of failure.Shotokan karate traces its roots to the islands of Okinawa, which now form part of Japan. An indigenous fighting system know as Okinawa-te (Okinawa hand) would eventually become karate (Chinese hand) and, finally, karate-do(the way of the empty hand). Historically, Okinawa was an independent kingdom, but it was strongly influenced by Chinese culture.Okinawa established a tributary relationship with China, which allowed Okinawan martial artists to study in China(and to train with Chinese martial artists visiting Okinawa).There were originally three styles of Okinawa-te,named for the towns where they were located: Shuri-te,Naha-te and Tomari-te. Shotokan karate is a modern Japanese style, descended from these traditional Okinawan styles. Unfortunately,the history of karate is somewhat incomplete and speculative.Until recently,karate was taught in secret and few records were maintained.During the period of secrecy,there would be no open discussion karate training, even within a family.

Gichin Funakoshi is widely regarded as the father of modern karate and is certainly the father of Japanese karate.He was an Okinawan schoolteacher and an enthusiastic karate-ka. He began karate training in his childhood, primarily with Yasutsune Azato (1827-1906) and Yasutsune Itosu (1830-1915). Funakoshi was selected to give the first demonstrations of karate outside Okinawa. They occurred in 1916(possibly 1917) and in 1922. His demonstrations were well received and there was much interest in the introduction of karate to Japan.Funakoshi remained in Japan after the second demonstration.

Initially, there were few students to support the only karate instructor in Japan. The 56 year old school teacher had to take odd jobs at the dormitory where he set up his temporary dojo. He worked as watchman,caretaker and gardener. To pay for his meals, he had to persuade the cook to take lessons. Our style is called Shotokan as a tribute to Master Funakoshi,who used the pen-name Shoto on poetry and calligraphy. Shoto means waving pine. Funakoshi selected this name because he enjoyed hearing the sound of the wind through the pine trees as he took evening walks in Okinawa. In 1936, Funakoshi built his first dojo in Tokyo.His students named it the Shotokan, meaning Shoto's club. Funakoshi did not actually name his style of karate, but the name of the dojo came to be associated with the style itself. Master Funakoshi died on 26 April 1957. During his lifetime, he trained many famous students,including Shigeru Egami, Masatosh,Nakayama, Keinosuke Enoeda,Tsutomu Oshima, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Teruyuki Okazaki.One of Master Funakoshis enduring legacies are the Dojo kun.Five precepts which all students of Karate should adhere.

The Art

Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is often regarded as a 'hard' and 'external' martial art because it is taught that way to beginners and coloured belts to develop strong basic techniques and stances. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style which incorporates grappling and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found in the black belt katas. Kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but are less structured, with a focus instead on speed and efficiency.

Shotokan Karate is a Healthy Choice

Many people think of Shotokan karate and they visualize dazzling high kicks and dropping into the splits ala Jean Claude Van Damm. Not everyone will be physically able to perform these feats that are seen at the movies that typically stereotype karate and we're not going to pretend that we'll be able to make anybody a star. Our purpose is to make sure that you work at a level that is comfortable, yet challenging to yourself. Our workouts consist of a good mixture of cardiovascular endurance, strength training and flexibility exercises that are designed to benefit the whole body. Our instructors continue to research the best training methods known to the fitness world, and we're serious about it. People feel good when they are healthy. It may seem like a redundant statement, but it's something that people need reminding of. With a healthy body, you have a healthy mind. Everything from waking up in the morning, and thinking clearly at school or in our jobs in this fast paced society that we live in becomes easier to deal with and more enjoyable when your body and mind are in tune.

Awareness and Self Defence

The key to self defense does not rely on punching and kicking. As a matter of fact, we discourage physical action in any confrontation unless it is an absolute last resort. Learning to be aware of your surroundings and avoiding dangerous situations is the focus of awareness. Simple things that people probably already know are used as constant reminders so that awareness becomes a natural way of thinking. We don't want people to be paranoid or scared to walk around their own block or to go to school, but many bad situations can be avoided.

Concentration and Focus

Concentration is something that for many people, has to be taught. Many doctors are now recommending people with A.D.D. (Attention Deficit Disorder) and A.D.H.D. (Attention Deficit and Hearing Disorder) learn Shotokan karate because of the concentration skills that are developed through the training drills and the practice of kata - a series of movements, much like a dance choreography with the use of Shotokan karate techniques.

Balance

Balance is a physical, and mental attribute that is developed as a result of Shotokan karate training. Balance in the physical sense is acquired by performing drills that make you aware of what your body is doing while in motion. Balance as a mental characteristic is developed as you use karate as a mental stimulant. For most people karate will not be as natural as walking so you will have to rationalize your movements as you learn them. With the presence of a good physical and mental balance you will enhance and develop your skills.

Shotokan karate as a mental stimulant

For most people Shotokan karate will not be as natural as walking so you will have to rationalize your movements as you learn them. With the presence of a good physical and mental balance you will enhance and develop your skills.

Control

Control is a result of focus, concentration, and confidence. Through the efforts of repetitive Shotokan Karate training people learn their limitations. The more aggressive person may want to push those limitations, which is not a bad thing, but they learn to deal with what they have in front of them. Emotions such as anger and fear may never leave a person completely but by practice, like anything else, you can learn to control them.

Respect, Discipline and Humility

Most educated people associate Shotokan karate with discipline. This is because of the format in which the classes are taught. In Shotokan karate there is a ranking system which lets people know where they stand. Shotokan Karate doesn't have to be militaristic to the point it was originally intended (after all it is a martial art developed to defend ones' life) but these values are instilled. Generally a person who enters a Shotokan karate class will see that people will bow to each other, call the instructor Sensei (teacher) and conform to the rules and guidelines set forth by the club. This makes a person feel rather awkward themselves if they don't conform to their surroundings. If there is a problem child or an adult with an overbearing demeanor they will be dealt with on a personal level. Most difficult people can be taught humility simply by being in an enviorment where it is prominent

Goal Orientation

People need direction. Most people enter a Shotokan karate club with visions of wearing a black belt. The realization of reaching that goal can be overwhelming without proper direction. As instructors we help individuals set reasonable goals so that a person can make these ambitions attainable. Instead of thinking about a black belt that may be five or more years down the road, we focus on our ranking system which breaks it down to a few months at a time. At each level the student knows in advance what is expected of them to reach the next level. People that learn the importance of mile marking goals can more readily accept some of lifes challenges and learn to make realistic goals for themselves when there isn't someone there to do it for them.

Self Confidence

You have to feel good about yourself and you have to trust in your abilities to be confident. Shotokan Karate teaches you how to handle pressure by applying a little bit at a time. Every individual has a certain limit and once you find it you feel comfortable. Once your comfortable you can start to expand or push those limits and feel good about trying something you never imagined you could before. Shotokan Karate is an endless learning experience that provides constant challenge keeping you alert and to let your confidence grow.

Role Models

Like a school teacher, we as Shotokan karate instructors have a responsibility to our students to instill positive values. Children benefit by the mental stimulation of learning the choreographed moves of the kata and the discipline of conforming to the rules of the club. An adult doesn't have to feel self conscious about getting the physical benefits of the exercise provided. Shotokan Karate instills the confidence to walk away from confrontation, not to contest it head on. To teach these values at an early age will benefit a child for the rest of their life. On an adult perspective, it can shed a bit of light through the stresses of our daily routines.

Constant Supervision & Guidance

Shotokan Karate clubs, unlike many health clubs provide constant instruction by experienced leaders. Most people don't have the discipline to work out by themselves and it's human nature to work on what we already do well rather than to work at what is more difficult. By having the instructors lead a class through a planned routine you get a good balanced workout. Shotokan Karate also promotes group support by having students work with each other under the guidance of an instructor. This teaches a more experienced student to work their leadership skills by passing along information that they have gathered over the years. A less experienced student will also ask questions that will challenge the senior student. This is a challenge that requires the senior student to put trust in their abilities and in return adds a real sense of accomplishment.

Shotokan Karate is Fun!

Not only do you benefit from learning the techniques and routines that Shotokan karate provides, you do it with other people that share a common interest. Any extra curricular activity you involve yourself with should be a release from the stress or anxiety that is built up in our daily routines. People involved in Shotokan karate can established friendships for life.