History

Funokoshi Gichin

Nishiyama Hidetaka

Shotokan is a traditional Japanese style of Martial Art which emphasizes the use of maximum speed and power in techniques in order to deliver a "finishing blow." See the FAQ for more info. Shoto means "pine waves", while kan means "streams" or styles. Shoto was the pen name of Gichin Funakoshi's, who is called "Father of Modern Karate." Loosely translated, shotokan means the style of Funakoshi, as opposed to other styles. The practice in shotokan is based on the premise "ikken hisatsu", or a single blow must decide all.

We train in JKA Style Shotokan Karate following the guidelines of Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, the head of our organization. Master Nishiyama is a direct student of Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate and founder of our style.

Karate, Mental Aspect

We think that there are limits to the strength of our body and mind without really tring hard to find these limits. With proper training, these mental and physical barriers can be removed to reveal surprising power which we never expected. KARATE is a Japanese martial art (BU_DO), which was devised to overcome our weaknesses and limitations by bringing out our hidden or unnoticed potential.

What is the difference between self-defense and a Japanese martial art?

When acting in self-defense, you are acting in your own interest. You, yourself, are the subject to be protected. This, of cousre, is instinctive and easy to do.

When practicing a Japanese martial art, somebody else or something greater than yourself is the subject to be protected. This means you must have an alturistic love of others as preached by Christianity, instead of just an egotistical love of yourself.

—S. Sugiyama, Karate: Synchronization of Body and Mind, on loan to our library from Hiro Ruo.

Shotokan Belt Colors

All karate organizations have some form of grade structure, though some are more elaborate than others. There are, however, common principles in all the grading structures in that there are usually 10 grades prior to black-belt, called "Kyu" grades. The belt colors vary considerably between organizations, but the following table outlines the two most common belt color structures.

Grade	Color (JKA Style)
10th or 9th Kyu	White
8th Kyu	Yellow
7th Kyu	Orange
6th Kyu	Green
5th or 4th Kyu	Purple
3rd, 2nd or 1st Kyu	Brown
1st Dan (Shodan)	Black

History

The 26 Shotokan Kata

Heian Shodan

Heian Nidan

Heian Sandan

Heian Yondan

Heian Godan

Tekki Shodan

Tekki Nidan

Tekki Sandan

Bassai Dai

Bassai Sho

Kanku Dai

Kanku Sho

Jion (Text)

Jitte

Jiin

Nijushiho (Text)

Gojushiho Sho

Gojushiho Dai

Chinte

Empi

Gankaku

Hangetsu

Meikyo

Wankan

Sochin

Unzu (Video)

Glossary

Other Shotokan Karate Websites