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Kiai

Kiai
The shouts the students do while punching and kicking is called a Kiai (気合) which is pronounced "Kee eye." The Kiai is for many reasons. It forces the student to exhale at the proper time, helping them to learn breath control. It helps the student to learn when to focus all the muscles of the body, important in developing power…
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How do the students get the ranks?

How do the students get the ranks?
Students are tested for the ranks, normally by a panel of instructors. Grading is designed to be a learning experience. Students learn where their weaknesses are. They learn that success doesn't come easy but requires hard work and commitment. There is typically a minimal fee for grading (dependant on the rank) but it helps to pay your organisation membership fees and…
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Why Shōtōkan Karate?

Why Shōtōkan Karate?
Shōtōkan Karate is excellent for self-defence, physical conditioning and mental development. It strengthens and stretches all the muscles of the body while providing aerobic & anaerobic exercise. Your brain waves also get a neurological workout. Practitioners can work and learn at their own pace - either in a formal class, or on their own - with very little…
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Master Sugiura Motokuni

Master Sugiura Motokuni was born on Oct 4, 1924 in Aichi Prefecture. His karate career began in his youth, when he became a student of Shotokan karate. At university he studied under Supreme Master Funakoshi Gichin, and especially with Funakoshi’s second son Yoshitaka. He attained his 1st Dan at age 20. After graduation in 1944,…
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Master Nakayama Masatoshi

Master Nakayama Masatoshi had martial arts in his blood. Born in April 1913 in Yamaguchi Prefecture, he was a descendant of the Sanada clan, in the Nagano region. His ancestors were highly-skilled instructors of kenjutsu (the art of swordsmanship). Upon entering Takushoku University in 1932, Master Nakayama immediately joined the university’s karate club, studying under Master Funakoshi…
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Dojo-kun

Dojo-kun
Translating the Dojo-kun The Dojo-kun is a very important part of understanding what karate is all about and it is also one of the things that sets karate apart from many other disciplines. Karate is not a sport, it is a way of life that follows the principles described in the Dojo-kun. Dojo-kun is a Japanese…
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Master Gichin Funakoshi

Master Gichin Funakoshi
Master Gichin Funakoshi is widely considered the primary "father" of modern karate due to his efforts to introduce the Okinawan art to mainland Japan, from where it spread to the rest of the world. Funakoshi Gichin was also the founder of what is now known as Shōtōkan Karate. If there is one man who could be credited…
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