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 space or equipment. Most people find that Shōtōkan Karate training builds concentration, self-discipline and self-confidence.
It is important that karate can be practiced by the young and old, men and women alike. That is, since there is no need for a special training place, equipment, or an opponent, a flexibility in training is provided such that the physically and spiritually weak individual can develop his body and mind so gradually and naturally that he himself may not even realise his own great progress - Master Gichin Funakoshi.
This training is for anyone interested in a way of maintaining lifelong physical and mental fitness while learning self-defence skills. Some examples include:
- Professionals looking for stress relief, and fitness on a flexible schedule.
- Former athletes looking for a lifelong way of keeping fit, endurance, strength, flexibility and a way to keep competing with minimal risk of injury.
- Children looking for a mental and physical challenge - whatever their athletic abilities are.
- College age women who want to learn self-defence skills.
- College students who are bored with other styles, or who are tired of the wear and tear on their bodies.
- Anyone who has watched a martial arts movie and said "I wanna do that!"
- Children who need physical fitness, but who don't do well in team sports.
- Families interested in an activity they can all participate it.
- Parents concerned about the violence their children see in the media, and are looking for a way to deal with it.
- Individuals who have already discovered the value of martial arts but are looking for an organisation that better meets their needs.
