What is Shotokan Karate?
松濤館空手道
In the Beginning.
Shotokan is a style of Japanese karate, developed from various other martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi. The main concept of traditional karate training are fighting, character development and self-defence, though its mental and moral aspects target the overall improvement of the individual taking part in karate training. This is facilitated by the discipline and persistent effort required in training. Gichin Funakoshi was born in Okinawa and is widely known as popularising "karate do" through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including those at Keio, Waseda, Hitotsubashi, Takushoku, Chuo, Gakushuin, and Hosei. If karate had to be summarised in only one quote, then the most suitable one may be "You never attack first in karate."
The word 'karate' is made up from the Japanese words Kara, meaning empty and Te, meaning hand. Ultimately this means that its practitioners, called Karate-ka, are unarmed, but use their hands and feet for blocking, striking and kicking. Training is carried out within a disciplined environment and a strict code of conduct, called the Dojo Kun is followed by all karate-ka training.
Funakoshi had many students at the university clubs and outside dojos, who continued to teach karate after his death in 1957. However, internal disagreements (in particular the notion that competition is contrary to the essence of karate) led to the creation of different organisations—including an initial split between the Japan Karate Association (headed by Masatoshi Nakayama) and the Shotokai (headed by Motonobu Hironishi and Shigeru Egami), followed by many others—so that today there is no single "Shotokan school", although they all bear Funakoshi's influence. As the most widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a strong, traditional and influential form of karate do.
What does training involve?
Shotokan karate training is usually divided into three main sections: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms or patterns of moves), and Kumite (sparring). The techniques in Kihon and Kata are characterised by deep, strong stances that provide stability and enable powerful techniques, and make the legs stronger. Shotokan is thought by many as a dynamic martial art as it promotes anaerobic, strong techniques as well as increasing swift body movement and speed.
Stretching & Warm-up.
I typical training session will first begin with a warm-up and stretching routine. This usually last for around 15 - 20 minutes. It used to ensure the body is fully warmed up and suitably stretched ready for the rigours of a karate session. Stretching is used as a way of supplying oxygen to the muscles and creating heat within the body to prevent injuries. The stretching routine is also beneficial for psychologically preparing students to train.
Kihon.
A portion of the class will then be dedicated to Kihon (basics) moves and combinations. Karate Kihon or basics usually involve the most fundamental techniques, refined and adjusted then performed with speed and power. If Karate training was a tree then Kihon would be the roots. Even the most advanced students continue to work hard at improvement within their basic techniques. Constantly improving and evolving good karate techniques, which in turn improves your Kata and Kumite simultaneously.
Kata.
Kata, considered by many as been the soul of karate is a combination of moves and techniques designed to be an imaginary fight against several opponents. They vary in complexity, using various blocking, turning, striking and kicking movements. In our karate association there are 27 Shotokan kata, some shorter than others while advancing through the grades. As with the Kihon section the student should try to constantly improve and strive for perfection in their basic technique and spirit.
Kumite.
Kumite (fighting) techniques are first practised in the kihon and kata and developed from a basic standard to advanced levels with a partner. In basic levels of Kumite a student will first learn correct distancing, timing and the use of a powerful spirit. Slowly developing their blocking and counter attacking skills. A good foundation in Kihon and Kata helps a student fully develop their skills ready for advanced kumite further down the line. Eventually leading up to advanced Kumite practices and drills where free sparring with unannounced attacks
Shotokan is a style of Japanese karate, developed from various other martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi. The main concept of traditional karate training are fighting, character development and self-defence, though its mental and moral aspects target the overall improvement of the individual taking part in karate training. This is facilitated by the discipline and persistent effort required in training. Gichin Funakoshi was born in Okinawa and is widely known as popularising "karate do" through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including those at Keio, Waseda, Hitotsubashi, Takushoku, Chuo, Gakushuin, and Hosei. If karate had to be summarised in only one quote, then the most suitable one may be "You never attack first in karate."
The word 'karate' is made up from the Japanese words Kara, meaning empty and Te, meaning hand. Ultimately this means that its practitioners, called Karate-ka, are unarmed, but use their hands and feet for blocking, striking and kicking. Training is carried out within a disciplined environment and a strict code of conduct, called the Dojo Kun is followed by all karate-ka training.
Funakoshi had many students at the university clubs and outside dojos, who continued to teach karate after his death in 1957. However, internal disagreements (in particular the notion that competition is contrary to the essence of karate) led to the creation of different organisations—including an initial split between the Japan Karate Association (headed by Masatoshi Nakayama) and the Shotokai (headed by Motonobu Hironishi and Shigeru Egami), followed by many others—so that today there is no single "Shotokan school", although they all bear Funakoshi's influence. As the most widely practiced style, Shotokan is considered a strong, traditional and influential form of karate do.
What does training involve?
Shotokan karate training is usually divided into three main sections: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms or patterns of moves), and Kumite (sparring). The techniques in Kihon and Kata are characterised by deep, strong stances that provide stability and enable powerful techniques, and make the legs stronger. Shotokan is thought by many as a dynamic martial art as it promotes anaerobic, strong techniques as well as increasing swift body movement and speed.
Stretching & Warm-up.
I typical training session will first begin with a warm-up and stretching routine. This usually last for around 15 - 20 minutes. It used to ensure the body is fully warmed up and suitably stretched ready for the rigours of a karate session. Stretching is used as a way of supplying oxygen to the muscles and creating heat within the body to prevent injuries. The stretching routine is also beneficial for psychologically preparing students to train.
Kihon.
A portion of the class will then be dedicated to Kihon (basics) moves and combinations. Karate Kihon or basics usually involve the most fundamental techniques, refined and adjusted then performed with speed and power. If Karate training was a tree then Kihon would be the roots. Even the most advanced students continue to work hard at improvement within their basic techniques. Constantly improving and evolving good karate techniques, which in turn improves your Kata and Kumite simultaneously.
Kata.
Kata, considered by many as been the soul of karate is a combination of moves and techniques designed to be an imaginary fight against several opponents. They vary in complexity, using various blocking, turning, striking and kicking movements. In our karate association there are 27 Shotokan kata, some shorter than others while advancing through the grades. As with the Kihon section the student should try to constantly improve and strive for perfection in their basic technique and spirit.
Kumite.
Kumite (fighting) techniques are first practised in the kihon and kata and developed from a basic standard to advanced levels with a partner. In basic levels of Kumite a student will first learn correct distancing, timing and the use of a powerful spirit. Slowly developing their blocking and counter attacking skills. A good foundation in Kihon and Kata helps a student fully develop their skills ready for advanced kumite further down the line. Eventually leading up to advanced Kumite practices and drills where free sparring with unannounced attacks