Shotokan Karate
Shotokan Karate is one of the most popular of the modern styles. It is the most powerful and dynamic of the Japanese systems.
Shotokan Karate is known for its powerful and effective techniques. Our viewpoint is quality over quantity. Though we tend to have a smaller number of techniques than other martial arts styles, our focus is the perfection of our techniques. The emphasis is on mastering a few applications through repetition of fundamentals as opposed to superficial knowledge of many.
The Shotokan core focuses in doing what works, not what looks pretty. The jumping and spinning of other flashier styles looks great in the movies but is not effective self defense. Repetition becomes reflex. We do large movements many times so that they become automatic. Only after achieving technical perfection are speed and power applied.
Karate Training is comprised of the three points: Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Kihon: (Basics) Karate is built upon a strong foundation of basic moves that include specific stances, punches, blocks and kicks. Proper body alignment and movement are emphasized, as are concentration and focus. During the practice of basics, students learn stability, balance, proper technique, and the principles of body contraction and relaxation. Basics are practiced during every training session by every level of karateka (karate student).
Kata: (Forms) Ancient formal solo practice much like shadow boxing. The formal movements of karate are its very essence. They are sequences of movements which simulate attacks and defenses against a number of imaginary enemies. Katas contain all the basic techniques and stances, which are necessary to attain rhythm and coordination. Each kata begins with a block to emphasize the use of karate strictly for self-defense.
Kumite: (Sparring) Not fighting, simply working with a partner. They can be roughly divided into two types: those which emphasize muscle strengthening and body building, and those that concentrate more on speed training and the development of lighting fast reflexes.
According to Master Funakoshi, kumite is "a form used to apply the offensive and defensive techniques practiced in the kata under more realistic condition in which, by prearrangement between the participants, one applies offensive and the other defensive techniques." In other words, where the practice of kata assumes an imaginary opponent, kumite is practiced with another Karateka in alternating roles of defender and aggressor.
Kumite allows the practical application of the moves found in the kata. Contact is not allowed to the face and there may only be light contact to the body. During kumite, students learn proper distancing, timing, body-shifting and focus. Kumite always begins and ends with sparring partners bowing to each other as an indication of respect for each other. Jiyu Kumite is free sparring, which is sparring engaged in without prearrangement. It is practiced by higher belts and is a form of training that is developed through the practice of step sparring (prearranged sparring).
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Shotokan Karate is known for its powerful and effective techniques. Our viewpoint is quality over quantity. Though we tend to have a smaller number of techniques than other martial arts styles, our focus is the perfection of our techniques. The emphasis is on mastering a few applications through repetition of fundamentals as opposed to superficial knowledge of many.
The Shotokan core focuses in doing what works, not what looks pretty. The jumping and spinning of other flashier styles looks great in the movies but is not effective self defense. Repetition becomes reflex. We do large movements many times so that they become automatic. Only after achieving technical perfection are speed and power applied.
Karate Training is comprised of the three points: Kihon, Kata and Kumite.
Kihon: (Basics) Karate is built upon a strong foundation of basic moves that include specific stances, punches, blocks and kicks. Proper body alignment and movement are emphasized, as are concentration and focus. During the practice of basics, students learn stability, balance, proper technique, and the principles of body contraction and relaxation. Basics are practiced during every training session by every level of karateka (karate student).
Kata: (Forms) Ancient formal solo practice much like shadow boxing. The formal movements of karate are its very essence. They are sequences of movements which simulate attacks and defenses against a number of imaginary enemies. Katas contain all the basic techniques and stances, which are necessary to attain rhythm and coordination. Each kata begins with a block to emphasize the use of karate strictly for self-defense.
Kumite: (Sparring) Not fighting, simply working with a partner. They can be roughly divided into two types: those which emphasize muscle strengthening and body building, and those that concentrate more on speed training and the development of lighting fast reflexes.
According to Master Funakoshi, kumite is "a form used to apply the offensive and defensive techniques practiced in the kata under more realistic condition in which, by prearrangement between the participants, one applies offensive and the other defensive techniques." In other words, where the practice of kata assumes an imaginary opponent, kumite is practiced with another Karateka in alternating roles of defender and aggressor.
Kumite allows the practical application of the moves found in the kata. Contact is not allowed to the face and there may only be light contact to the body. During kumite, students learn proper distancing, timing, body-shifting and focus. Kumite always begins and ends with sparring partners bowing to each other as an indication of respect for each other. Jiyu Kumite is free sparring, which is sparring engaged in without prearrangement. It is practiced by higher belts and is a form of training that is developed through the practice of step sparring (prearranged sparring).
For more info: http://www.dojoproshop.com
Dojo Kun
ReplyDeleteEveryone who trains in karate must know the dojo kun. At the end of each training session, whether it be at the dojo, after class, or after a tournament, the dojo kun is repeated by the students all together as a reminder of why we train. The dojo kun states the basic philosophy of karate, according to its founder, Master Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi believed that, for the true karate-ka, the dojo kun should not only be considered a set of rules of conduct in the dojo, but a guide to everyday life. Everything we learn in the dojo, we should apply to everyday life.
Jinkaku Kansei Ni Tsutomuru Koto
To Seek Perfection Of Character
This is the ultimate goal of karate. The other four principles of the dojo kun, as well as the entire nijyu kun, all tell us what it means to seek perfection of character—how we can go about pursuing this highest objectives. But this is the most important thing. We seek perfection of character from the inside out. It is something we should do every moment of every day of our lives.
This means we should never stop learning. Karate training, like life itself, is an ongoing process of growth and personal education, a process that lasts for a lifetime. It is good to set goals, but as soon as we accomplish them, it is important to set our sights on the next goal, to improve. To seek perfection of character is to always seek to improve oneself, to always endeavor to learn and grow.
Makoto No Michi O Mamoru Koto
To Be Sincere and Honest
This means to be sincere in everything you do. Here we are talking about making a total effort, all the time, in whatever you do. To be faithful of course means that you have to be true to other people, to your obligations—but it also means you have to be true to yourself. And to do so means you have to do your best in everything you do. When you are faithful to yourself, others will have faith in you. This creates mutual trust between people. Being faithful to yourself is essential to realizing the first goal of being the best person you can be.
Doryoku No Seishin O Yashinau Koto
To Show Strong Spirit
Try hard at everything you do. No matter what you are doing, whether it’s training, working, having a relationship—give it one hundred percent. To do anything else is to cheat yourself and others. If you don’t endeavor to do your best, you are not being faithful to yourself and others, and you are not trying to seek perfection of character.
Reigi O Omonzuru Koto
To Respect Others
A true martial artist always shows respect to other people. And it is something you ought to feel in your heart. Showing respect is a sign of humility, and humility is necessary for an open mind, which it turn is necessary to learn, to grow. You can always learn something from every person you meet. Likewise, every person you encounter is a possible opponent of some kind, and that opponent can pose a threat to you, physical or otherwise. In either case, if you respect everyone, you will more clearly see things for what they are, and you will be able to get the most of every experience.
Keki No Yu O Imashimuru Koto
To Refrain From Violent Behavior
This is a reminder to keep calm inside. Control yourself at all times, from within. Conflict within is a form of violence. It leads to violent actions, which is something you should try to avoid at all costs. A martial artist should always be in control, and that begins with an inner calmness, with peace of mind. If you are forced to defend yourself as a last resort, then it is all right to do so. But you will only be successful defending yourself when you maintain a calm, clear mind, in which case using karate technique to protect yourself will truly be your reaction of last resort.