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JKA History

JKA History
A Brief History of the Japan Karate Association Originally, the martial art Te (“Hand”) developed in Okinawa as a system of self-defence. Due to Okinawa’s frequent contact and exchange with China, it is certain that the Okinawan martial art was influenced by Chinese kempo at some point during its development. However, with only oral tradition…
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Shōtōkan Tiger Symbol

Shōtōkan Tiger Symbol
When a student of karate hears the term “Shōtōkan Tiger” one image comes to mind, the traditional symbol of the tiger inside the circle which has become representative of Shōtōkan Karate. That symbol is properly called the “Tora no Maki,” or the Tiger Scroll. The drawing was originally created by a Japanese man named Hoan Kusugi who…
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Five Characteristics of Kata

Five Characteristics of Kata
In Shōtōkan karate, Kata is a sequence of pre-arranged movements. When performed to it’s maximum ability, the student’s Kata will show precision and attention to form and technique. The principles of Kata can not only be applied in martial arts, but in many processes that we do in everyday life when learning something new. For…
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Karate-Dō

Karate-Dō
Karate-Dō can have many meanings as interpretations tend to be dependent on each student and region. Karate-Dō is a combination of three Japanese characters.  When the three characters are combined and used together as a martial art concept, Karate-Dō translates to The way of the empty hand.   [table td1="Japanese" td2="Kanji" td3="Meaning"] [td1]Kara[/td1] [td2] (空)[/td2] [td3]"empty" which applies…
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Shōtōkan Karate Class

Shōtōkan Karate Class
Shōtōkan foundation is typically similar across the globe, however, the way these knowledge are passed down solely depends on the instructor and his/her point of view. There are many ways of learning and acquiring new skills but what truly matters is the end result and your understanding of the subject. A typical class begins with…
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Twenty Precepts of Karate (Niju Kun)

Twenty Precepts of Karate (Niju Kun)
Translating the Niju kun Master Gichin Funakoshi laid out the Niju Kun (Twenty Precepts of Karate) for all Karateka's to follow. These principles form the foundations of Shōtōkan Karate-Dō. These twenty principles were based heavily on Bushido and Zen. The principles allude to notions of respect, humility, compassion, patience, awareness and both an inward and outward…
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Bowing (Rei)

Bowing (Rei)
One of the first things anyone will notice when training karate is the custom of bowing, called the “REI”. The custom of bowing in karate is traced back to its origins, which includes both the fact that it originates in Japan and due to it being a martial art which has foundations in budo. Many…
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