What is Karate?

Karate means ‘Empty hand’ and is a traditional Japanese system of self-defence that employs blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, body evasion and occasional throws.

What is Shotokan?

Shotokan is the name of the style or system of karate practiced by JKA, it literally means ‘House of Shoto’ which was our founder, Funakoshi Gichin Shihan’s calligraphy pen name and became the name of the first official dojo in Tokyo in 1939.

The Dojo Kun

The “Dojo Kun” was developed by senior JKA instructors. It is a set of five guiding ethical principles which students recite out loud at the end of every training class. This aims to remind students of the right attitude, frame of mind and virtues to strive for both, within the dojo and outside.

Training with us

JKA Karate classes or training sessions, can be broken into 3 key areas of practice: Kihon, Kata and Kumite.

Kihon

Kihon

Kihon (基本, きほん) is a Japanese term meaning "basics" or "fundamentals." The term is used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as the foundation of most Japanese martial arts.

Kata

Kata

Kata (型 or 形, カタ) is a Japanese term meaning "form". It refers to a detailed choreographed pattern of martial arts movements made to be practised alone. It can also be reviewed within groups and in unison when training.

Kumite

Kumite

Kumite (組手, literally "grappling hands") refers to sparring. Kumite is the part of karate in which a person trains against an opponent.