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Shotokan
Karate originated in Okinawa, a small island south of Japan. It was popularized
in Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in the 1950s. The name "Shotokan" comes
from the name "Shoto," which was Funakoshi's pen name. Shotokan Karate
is a traditional martial art. This means that improvements in character
and mental discipline are as important as physical skill, if not more so.
Shotokan Karate is meant to be accessible to all, including, women, children,
and those without great athletic ability. The Shotokan Karate Academy (SKA)
offers a caring, safe environment where children and adults can learn the art of
karate. Its practice leads to: | Muscular and Aerobic fitness |
| Body alignment, balance and movement |
| Increased perceptual awareness |
| Stress management |
| Concentration, confidence and discipline |
There are different types of Karate |
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| Traditional Karate | Traditional Karate is the act of self
defense that uses the body as the only tool of defense. This premise
is based on the possibility of an attack that is life threatening and the
potential victim, not having anything except his or her hand, feet, head,
fingers, knees, elbows, and so forth to defend themselves. The other frame
of mind is that you would have the best chance of escape. The only way to accomplish this defense is to use the body appropriately to generate its maximum power and maintain the best balance possible. This is done by the use of blocks, strikes, punches, kicks, in combinations with strategies of breaking your opponent's balance, distance closing, stable emotions, etc. Through the regimens of the study of Traditional Karate one develops the ability to deliver a finishing blow (Iken-isatsu) to be used in self defense. One also develops sensory acuity that enables you to avoid potentially dangerous situations in your daily life. The improvement of these skills through the practice of Traditional Karate is a lengthy but pleasurable journey. Thus, the level of skill is forever rising (Kaisen).Shotokan is a Traditional Karate system. |
| Other Karate | The primary goal of the new type of karate
is for enjoyment of the competitive aspects of the art. There is nothing
wrong with this concept, as long as you are aware that a quick score with
no regard to the parameters that make it a finishing blow, is only sport
and has little self defense value.
Another factor in non-traditional karate is in the competition based on weight classes. If one considers that the attacker will most likely be larger than the potential victim, then training self defense in this manner is not very practical. Please take time to consider what you seek out of the study of Martial Arts and choose the right school based on that. Welcome to the Shotokan Karate Academy's Traditional Karate Website. |
| Shotokan Karate Academy 949 Grant Street, Suite B Benicia, California 94510 (707) 745-1275 |
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