GENERAL INFO

Karate is a martial art and system of self ­defence. It originated hundreds of years ago in Okinawa, but was greatly influenced by an even older tradition from China. Literally, “karate­do” means “the way of the empty hand,” referring to the fact that its practitioners use no weapons to attack and defend, but only the hands, feet, and body. Karate is much more than merely physical. It is founded on a grand philosophical and spiritual tradition based on Bushido and Zen Buddhist principles. Through hard training and practice, karate develops not only the body, but also the mind and character.Text

The ultimate purpose of karate is not physical prowess or the winning of matches, but the development of balance, harmony and spiritual and physical strength through strict, disciplined training. Karate schools you in natural, effortless action, and imbues you with an openness, peace and wholeness of character that vastly enriches your day­ to ­day life.

With members in over 100 countries, the Japan Karate Association (JKA), is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization, and the only legal karate entity officially recognized by the Japanese government as an association of members for the promotion of karate. More importantly though, we are the keeper of karate’s highest tradition; preserving the soul and spirit of the art of karate in line with the tradition of Bushido (the way of the samurai).
Our mission is to promote the way of karate throughout the world, while ensuring that it remains true to the philosophical precepts upon which it was founded. This has been our mission since the establishment of the JKA in 1949.

The JKA is the ­recognized heir to the Shotokan karate tradition as developed by Supreme Master Gichin Funakoshi, and teaches a specially­ refined form of Shotokan style.

Shotokan karate is one of the most widely practiced forms of karate in the world today, and one of the most traditional. Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques. The designation “Shotokan” derives from “Shoto,” which was the pen name Master Funakoshi used when writing poetry.
The JKA has refined the Shotokan style even further, creating a related, but unique style of its own. The strength of this style proves itself time and again. The JKA has by far the largest number of All Japan and international karate tournament champions.

At the JKA, karate is not a sport or a game of points; it is a way of life based on Bushido. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit—the whole person—must be developed simultaneously. Through intense practice, the physical and mental aspects of karate can be brought together. The result is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of body and mind. This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido, and the cornerstone of the JKA’s karate philosophy.

Yes! The only real requirement is a disciplined commitment to work hard and train patiently. As long as that commitment is there, karate is for everyone!

Since karate will gradually improve your fitness as you progress, your starting point is less important than the effort you put into it along the way. JKA-SKC place traditional focus on the basics and on correct form making it easy for beginners to train together with experienced individuals, yet still progress at their own level of fitness and expertise.

Whilst the appropriate age will be dependent on the individuality of each child, the "best" or more recommended age to start karate is 6. At this age, kids are still very quick to learn but have already developed some basic skills that are necessary for successful training.

You are expected to be committed to your karate training, and to attend classes on a regular basis. To give your karate training your maximum effort and to work hard during practice. You are expected to demonstrate the respect, humility and courtesy upon which karate’s long­standing tradition is founded. And of course, you are expected to pay your membership dues and other fees.

Training exercises are divided into three main categories: kihon (basic techniques) in which you learn the basic blocks, punches, kicks, stances of karate; kata (forms) in which you practice and physically remember the various kihon learned; and kumite (sparring) where your kihon and kata techniques are matched against a real opponent. As your skill level increases, so will the difficulty and degree of the exercises. Of course, there will also be times when you are taught theory, dojo etiquette and the more philosophical aspects of karate.

Karate has tremendous benefits for the body, mind and spirit. Physically, karate is good for the heart, strengthens bones, builds muscle, develops hand-­eye coordination and makes the body less susceptible to sickness and injury. Mentally, karate helps develop patience, resillience, discipline, perseverance, understanding and open­mindedness, as well as concentration and focus. Spiritually, karate builds confidence, develops self­ control and increases calmness and peace.

The more you practice, the more you will improve — for your entire life. There is no limit to mastering karate, no “final destination” at which you can arrive. There are benchmarks along the way however. In JKA-SKC, you progress through a series of belt levels (9th to 1st Kyu). After that, you receive a black belt, and progress through another 9 degrees of black belt (1st to 10th Dan).
A student with no prior training joins as 9th Kyu and is eligible to take ranking examinations every 3 to ­4 months of training. Since there are 9 examinations you must pass to attain a black belt, the 1st Dan requires a minimum three years of diligent training. It takes several years to attain each subsequent Dan. At these higher levels, you will see that karate is not just something to be learned, but something to be lived. And that takes a life time.

Yes. Karate uniforms (dogi) are usually available through your instructor. Inquire at your dojo for more details.

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