Welcome to Downtown Shotokan Karate
Welcome to Downtown Shotokan Karate club. We are a group of volunteer instructors who enjoy teaching and training in the art of traditional Shotokan Karate as passed on by the founder of modern Karate Gichin Funakoshi.
Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957).
We believe in keeping alive all the cultural aspects of Karate both in the way we train, and the way we conduct our daily lives inside and outside the dojo.
Karate is definitely not a crash course in self defense. Several of the people you will be training with have more than ten years experience in karate and yet they continue to learn and improve their techniques.
For the first couple of years, you will be learning 'Kihon' or basics. These are the basic moves which form the foundation of everything that follows in karate. Having good 'Kihon' is important for improving ones ability in karate. For more information on basics technics refer to the 'Kihon' page.
Your training will also include 'Kata' which involves a prescribed series of karate moves designed to defend against imaginary opponents. There are twenty six different katas to learn. The first six or so in your first couple of years. For more information on kata refer to the 'Kata' page.
The object of working with a partner is to learn and practice the application of the basic karate techniques. Since both partners stand to learn from each and every exercise, it is important to work with your partner rather than against him/her. Challenge both yourself and your partner but at the same time, be sure to exercise control. Working with a partner is called 'Kumite'. For more information on kumite refer to the 'Kumite' page.
Different body types lend themselves to different degrees of flexibility and it is important that you both recognize and challenge your own limitations. The first few minutes of every class is committed to warm up and stretching exercises. Take advantage of this opportunity to increase your flexibility and reduce your chances of suffering muscle and/or joint injuries. In addition at the end of every class take a momement to stretch and cool down your muscles, as this will increase your flexibility, and keep your muscles and joints limber and elastic.
We are fortunate to have a large number of black belts training at our dojos. Part of their responsibility as black belts is to set an example of good karate spirit and attitude. If you have any questions about dojo protocol, do not be shy to ask any of them for assistance before the class starts or after the class ends.