Basics
• Introduction
• Shotokan Basics
• The three elements of Shotokan
• The Mountain
Introduction
Shotokan karate whose origins date back more than a thousand years, is a disciplined martial art that requires dedication and hard work. There is no ‘first attack' in Shotokan, it is a martial art for self defence purposes only. Shotokan karate at WSKC is taught in a detailed and systematic manner, a concept introduced by Masatoshi Nakayama.
Shotokan Basics
This section gives someone with no previous karate experience an understanding of the structure of this martial art.
| Karateka | Student of karate |
| Sensei | Teacher (3rd Dan and above) |
| Sempai | Instructor (1st and 2nd Dan) |
| Dojo | Place of training |
| Honbu Dojo | Headquarters place of training |
| Grade | Is the term used to describe one's progress in the art of Shotokan. Grades are signified by the colour of belt worn by a karateka. A beginner wears a white belt and, then they progress through a range of coloured belts, until reaching black belt level. People with no karate experience might be familiar with the term ‘Black Belt' and, may wrongly assume this to be the highest achievable grade. In fact there are many different grades of black belt |
| Kyu |
Are junior/ intermediate grades and, run from 9th to 1st Kyu with the latter being the most senior. In the IJKA they are distinguished by the following belt colours:- 10th Kyu = White (beginner) |
| Dan | Are senior grades and, run from 1st to 9th Dan with the latter being the most senior and, all Dan grades wear a Black belt. The English translation of ‘Dan' means step and ‘Sho' means first. Therefore, a karateka who has attained the grade ‘Shodan' (1st Dan) has reached the - first step. |
The three elements of Shotokan
- Kihon ~ Basics
- Kata ~ Forms
- Kumite ~ Fighting
For further information please visit our Shotokan Training page.
Top of Page
The Mountain
The path a karateka takes as he or she progresses in their study of Shotokan has been likened to a journey up a mountain. They will find obstacles along the way and, the path may become clouded at times but the only limitation to success and achievements will be from within oneself.
A karateka who stays on the path and studies diligently will discover that in the long term, principles required for successful progress in the art of Shotokan, translate equally to daily life outside of the dojo.
Top of Page
‘Mukin Shori' - the way to success has no shortcuts