About Karate

Karate is a martial art from Japan and literally means "empty hand" in Japanese. It's heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism as karate involves self-restraint and introspection (meditation). Shotokan karate was developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi in modern day Okinawa, and was introduced to the rest of Japan in 1922. It quickly gained popularity and the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was established in 1948 by Funakoshi's students.

During sessions we practice the standards of training and competition set by the JKA:
 

• Kihon (fundamentals): Correct breathing, form, stances, movement, spirit and attitude.
• Kumite (meeting of hands): Includes structured and free sparring. It is about overcoming fear and accepting the possibility of pain while showing respect for your opponent. To help realize one's strengths and weaknesses.
• Kata (form): Choreographed sequence of forms based on kihon: "meditation in motion"/ "moving Zen". To demonstrate control and good form and to simulate the movement of a fight.

Karate Terminolog