Shotokan Karate

To search for the old is to understand the new
The old, the new, this is a matter of time.
In all things man must have a clear mind
The Way: Who will pass it on straight and well? (Gichin Funakoshi)

So, why would you want to read yet another review about Shotokan Karate? Why indeed… having read the previous opinions (and they are absolutely brilliant, may I add!) I have decided I would attempt to give you the facts from an instructor’s point of view. Having studied Shotokan and other martial arts for a number of years, I believe I can give an unbiased opinion of the strengths, and indeed the weaknesses, of this fine form of self-defence which I have spend a fair portion of my life studying. So… without further ado, shall we begin?

THE HISTORY
Kara-te do, meaning ‘the way of the empty hand,’ originates from the island chain of Okinawa just off the south coast of Japan, since hardly any records were kept back then, it isn’t possible to trace exact date lines.

The story does thus: In the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907) to curb any uprisings or coups the Daimyo (ruler) had outlawed all weapons that the farmers and peasants may have possessed, only his guards and soldiers (samurai) were allowed to carry swords (known as katana (long sword) and wakizashi (short sword)). The samurai were relied on keep the peace but unfortunately couldn’t be everywhere; it is this shortcoming that led to bandits, and other less savoury people, instilling fear in the populace.

It is in this period an art known as Okinawa-te (translated as ‘Okinawa Hand) was developed and, like the sculpture chips away at the clay to make his masterpiece, Okinawa-te was refined over time to become Kara-te. It is from here it spread it’s teaching from this small island to the Japan mainland then through the ages was learnt by various students who themselves become teachers.

One of these, a Master Gichin Funakoshi took the knowledge handed down to him by his Sensei (teacher) who believed that Shotokan (“Shoto’s Pen”, Shoto was Funakoshi’s pen name) karate should be characterised by long, deep stances with powerful strikes…

KIHON (Basics)
From a basic level Kihon begins with learning how to punch and kick properly without hurting yourself. It then progresses onto using different parts of your body as weapons: the elbow, forearm, blade edge of hand, palm, inside ridge of hand, knees, ball of the foot, blade edge of foot, heel… the list is endless! Finally when all these aspects have been mastered then punching and kicking combinations are taught to increase the strike’s effectiveness.

You chiefly learn that the secret of punching and kicking is in the rotation of the hips to add the power and the snap of screw like motion of the arm/leg prior to impact. These fundamentals that are so important it allows the karateka (student) to break wood and even stone with bare fists and feet (only with due practice of course).

Unfortunately, for beginners, there is a lot of repetition at first in order to build muscle memory and allow your body to act instinctively should you be attacked… this is a major source of misunderstood malcontent in the first few sessions.

KATA (Forms)
It has been said by many an instructor that all the secrets of Karate were hidden inside the Kata, everything from pressure point striking to grappling methods and throws. The legend goes that when a master taught his students he taught all but the most deadly and forbidden techniques and it was in the Kata of the grade that the techniques were hidden. Kata are pre-arranged sequences of techniques that get longer - and more complex - as you progress through the grades (around 18 in total, depending on the style), I have listed the first nine and their meanings for your interest

Taikyoku Shodan (10th to 9th Kyu) – “first cause”
Heian Shodan (9th to 8th Kyu) – “peaceful mind 1st level”
Heian Nidan (8th to 7th Kyu) – “peaceful mind 2nd level”
Heian Sandan (7th to 6th Kyu) – “peaceful mind 3rd level”
Heian Yondan (6th to 5th Kyu) – “peaceful mind 4th level”
Heian Godan (5th to 4th Kyu) – “peaceful mind 5th level”
Tekki Shodan (4th to 3rd Kyu) - “horse riding 1st level”
Bassai Dai (3rd to 2nd to 1st Kyu) – “to penetrate a fortress”
Jion (1st Kyu to 1st Dan) - “from the Shaolin temple of Jion”

To find out more about each one copy and paste the name into a search engine such as Yahoo or Ask.com. Although some have likened them to dancing I would seriously advise against thinking this as, when done with zanshin (power) and kime (focus), look very formidable and impressive.

KUMITE (Free Sparring)
In Karate we learn to defend ourselves, this confidence can only come from being able to stand up straight in front of an aggressor and know you have the skill and strength of mind to tackle your assailant. This is where free sparring comes in.

At lower grades it is very basic: pre-arranged punches from 1 student being defended by pre-arranged blocks from another 5 times over – this is known as five step sparring (Gohon Kumite). As the grades increase it then progresses to one-step sparring (Ju Ippon Kumite) where the aggressor attacks with a pre-arranged series of techniques and the defender can counter with whatever blocks and counters he/she wishes. Finally, we learn free sparring (Ju Kumite) where any combination of attacks and defences can be used in a one on one confrontation… considerable skill is required in this phase as not too injure your partner – too much!

*** Okay, that’s all the formalities out the way, should you wish to learn the martial art I believe it would be prudent if you knew what to expect ***

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FIRST LESSONS
When entering and exiting the Dojo (training hall) you should bow as a sign of respect to the traditions. You should really go along first to meet the instructor (sensei) and decide if his/her style of teaching is something you could learn from. Talk to him/her and ask as many questions such as how much per lesson? Annual licence fees? Training days? Etc…

You should also watch the class to see the general format and whether it is enjoyable to its members or just tedium and monotony… very important because if you enjoy it you will be more inclined to stick with it!

When you do start for the first few lessons wear loose fitting clothing such as tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt then when you are comfortable with the club purchase a Gi (Karate Training Suit) for around £30. The Gi will allow greater freedom of movement and less restriction; it is also very hardwearing and easy to wash.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to accurately state the format of a class, as every instructor is different. However, in my classes I begin with Kihon for the first three-quarters-of-an-hour to warm the body and challenge the mind; I then move onto the self defence aspects of the techniques just learnt; then onto Kata practice for the appropriate grades and finish with Kumite… a very full and enjoyable two hours the student and myself (I haven’t had any complaints yet!)

THE SHORTCOMING AND CONCLUSIONS
Karate, unfortunately, does suffer from being a traditional ‘art’, it’s street defence aspects are somewhat limited by today’s standards. Unfortunately, most street fights end up on the ground and grappling of some sort, Karate just doesn’t cater for this at the lower grades in most clubs I have seen.

I have been teaching for a while now and am still learning more and more each day and I believe you will too. A deep martial art that holds treasures for the young and old alike, something that when you start it will take a lifetime to master…

MORE INFORMATION?
For more information please look in your local yellow pages for your nearest clubs, you can also try the notice board of your local youth or leisure centre for clubs – if all else fails then try the net… forget the movies find out for yourself!

Also for more information and any questions you may have feel free to check out my homepage or leave a message in my guest book. Thank you very much for reading and look forward to your comments and I stress this is only my opinion please read the other reviews to see what others think.