News & Highlights: Martial Arts

"A unity of Body, Mind & Spirit"

Modern day SHOTOKAN is a relative newcomer to the Martial Arts forum. We can trace its roots back to the small group of islands found south of Japan proper and above Taiwan, known as the Ryukyu Islands. This was the birth place of modern day Karate. Founded by Gichin Funakoshi Sensei in 1917, the art brings together two systems of open-handed fighting "Shorin Te" and "Shorei Te." Karate was originally known as "Tode" or "China Hand", it was later changed by Funakoshi Sensei when he immigrated to mainland Japan in 1922. We now use "Karate Do" which means "Way of the empty hand." Since Karate is a generic term we use "Shotokan" to specify which style it is. "Shotokan" means "Hall of Shoto." "Shoto" being the pen name Funakoshi Sensei used in many of his literary works. In fusing together his new style, Funakoshi Sensei continually edited, revised and updated the various punches, kicks, blocks, and stances. The essence of Shotokan lies in these 16 Katas: Heian Shodan Tekki Shodan Heian Nidan Hangetsu Heian Sandan Bassai Dai Heian Yodan Enpi Heian Godan Jion Kanku Sho Kanku Dai Nijushiho Gojushiho Dai Wansu Dai Unsu Shotokan Karate emphasizes two ideas in its training, balance, muscle control and a belief that proper study eliminates ego and promotes hard, honest work, humility and excellence. "The Spirit of Karate Do is not deciding who is the winner and who is the loser. Karate Do is a martial art for the development of character through training, so that the Karateka can surmount any obstacle, tangible or intangible." ….from the Student Manual of Sensei Casinha