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Master Gichin Funakoshi
(1868-1957)
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About Shotokan
Traditional Japanese Karate do
Traditional Japanese Karate Do
Welcome to Shotokan Karate Arcadia. Our Dojo (school) is open
to men, women and children of all ages with group training available
to those approximately 5 years of age or older.
Our aim is to promote the growth of legitimate
karate, to foster a sound mind, a proper spirit, a sound philosophy
and to improve the physical well-being of our members through
the art of Karate. Our school practices the Shotokan style.
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The Shotokan system is considered one of the most
modern and scientific methods used today. Its founder, Master Gichin
Funakoshi, utilized 1920’s era Tokyo University students majoring
in physical education and engineering to help him examine Karate from
an academic standpoint. As a result of that study, he combined several
styles and techniques into a scientific and rational form which today
comprises the Shotokan system.
What is Karate? It is an art form. It is a sport.
It is a method of self-defense. It is comprised of physical exercises
to improve coordination and body conditioning. Our students find that
it has enhanced their intellectual, emotional and social lives. It will
improve your balance, timing, rhythm, self-confidence and overall body
conditioning. The best benefits for children are improved attention
span, listening, attention to detail, and the very important skill of
goal setting. For these reasons, Martial Arts training is recommended
by doctors for children diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. We also have
special training in working with students with both physical and mental
challenges, such as Downs Syndrome, autism, or crutch and wheelchair-bound.
Karate is also a martial art. It was developed to
strengthen our weaknesses and limitations. In time, a person can learn
to sense danger or attack and use Karate as an effective means of self-defense.
It is this aspect of Karate that sets it apart from other sports and
makes it a martial art. Students are taught, especially children,
the proper use of our art, and the times and places where it is inappropriate.
There are no secrets or magic to Karate. It is an
individual experience. You simply get in return what you put in. It
is something that anyone can learn with organized and systematic training
of one’s mind. Karate is based on various techniques of blocking,
punching, striking and kicking done singularly or in combination. Our
techniques make use of almost every part of your body and enable you
to develop incredible power.
Although some forms of Karate involve physical contact,
our style emphasizes control, and only senior students are allowed and
LIGHT body contact only. Anything that could lead to injury is
kept to a minimum in the student training, and in the 10 years of our
dojo’s existence, we have NEVER had an injury. Classes are supervised
by competent instructors and students are required to abide by the rules
and principles of Shotokan Karate.
Among these principles are five that Master
Funakoshi requested be recited by all students following each class:
These are:
WE SHALL SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER
WE SHALL BE FAITHFUL IN OUR STUDY
WE SHALL ENDEAVOR TO CULTIVATE COURAGE AND TENACITY
WE SHALL RESPECT OTHERS
WE SHALL REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
FAQ
Some Frequently Asked Questions of Shotokan Karate,
Arcadia
1. Can anyone learn Karate?
Yes. Anyone who can engage in regular physical sport can learn Karate.
There are no age limitations.
2. Can children take Karate?
Yes. Any child five to six years or older whose attention span is average
can learn Karate.
3. What is the most important Factor of Karate?
Self-discipline. We stress discipline, respect, courtesy, proper spirit
and non-violence. Once these factors are instilled in our students,
it becomes an easy chore to develop stamina, coordination, Karate techniques
and self-discipline.
4.How long does it take to learn Karate?
One can learn a great deal in one day. There is no limit in the learning
and mastery of Karate technique. The more one practices, the more they
will improve, and each day they will be better then the one who never
starts. Initially, a Karate student is taught the most basic and then
later introduced to more advanced techniques.
5.Will my hands and feet become deformed?
No. We do not teach people to deform themselves. It is unnecessary.
6. How long does it take to make “Black
Belt”?
There are many ranks at the Black Belt level. First Degree Black Belt
in Karate is awarded to those who have mastered the basic techniques.
Although it depends on the method and frequency of training, it generally
takes from three to four years to attain the rank of First Degree Black
Belt.
7. Do I have to be gifted?
No. To attain a Black Belt, repetition and determination are the most
important tools.
8. What are the belt colors?
White, yellow, orange, blue, green, purple (2 levels), brown (3 levels)
and black. The colored belt ranks are called “KYU”. There
are ten degrees of black belt and those are called “DAN”.
The highest current Dan in Shotokan in the world is 9th Dan Master Hidetaka
Nishiyama, whom several of our students occasionally study with here
in L.A..
9. How often are examinations held?
Every month. Students must train consistently for at least three months
between tests, six months for brown belt grades.
10. What clothing will I need?
A Karate uniform called a “karate gi”. “Gi” is pronounced
(ghee). For the first few sessions, loose workout clothing is acceptable,
no shoes or jewelry.
11. When can I start?
You may start at any time and do not have to wait for the beginning
of a new “semester” or “quarter” or similar period
of instruction.
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