What is Shotokan?
Shotokan is a style that is highly scrutinized,
extensively researched, and highly effective. It has an emphasis on technique in real world
situations, and is great for self defense. It is a striking art that emphasizes both the use of
the upper and lower body. The philosophy behind training in Shotokan is to be able to devastate
one's adversary with a single blow.
Anyone of any age can train in Shotokan. Training is tailored to the individual to suite his or
her needs and physique. One's own karate changes over time as one's body changes. It is an art
that can be practiced for a life time if one chooses to do so.
Shotokan training is divided into three basic parts:
- Kihon - This is basic technique. This is where a student learns to punch, kick, block etc.
Kihon can be looked at as the alphabet of Shotokan.
- Kata - These are prearranged patterns of movement. They are often referred to as forms.
Shotokan has 26 kata of varying difficulty. The Kata can be though of as Shotokan's text books to
fighting.
- Kumite - Mean the "meeting of hands". It is often referred to as sparring, but it is not
as simple as that. It is training with a partner in various drills. There are different forms of
kumite: gohan, sanbon, kihon-ippon, jyu-ippon, shobu-ippon and jyu. These different forms of kumite
prepare the practioner of Shotokan for the day he/she might have to use their knowledge in a real
world situation. Kumite can be thought of as the language of Shotokan.
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