SHOTOKAN KARATEDO INTERNATIONAL - PHILIPPINES
What is Shotokan?
Shotokan: literally, the house of pine waves, is a school of karate, developed from various martial arts by master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) and his son Yoshitaka. Funakoshi was the man who 'officially' brought karate from Okinawa to mainland Japan.. "Shoto" was the pen name Funakoshi used in his poetry, which means "pine waves" (while "kan" means house. Hence "shotokan" was the name of the hall where he trained his students. Shotokan is one of the world's major karate styles (the six biggest styles being Shotokan, Wado Ryu, Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu, Kyokushin, and Kenpo).
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Shotokan Karatedo International Federation, Tokyo, Japan
Funakoshi, Gichin
Every practioner of shotokan must know these principles by heart:
DOJO KUN
Strive for the perfection of character;
Defend the path of thruth;
Foster the spirit of effort;
Honor the principles of etiquette;
Guard against impetous courage.
Why Karate?
Karate is not solely a fighting technique. It is training in self-discipline, self-confidence, concentration, serenity in threatening situations when fear or anger might be the natural response, stamina, controlled energy, swifter reflexes, proper breathing, a positive attitude to life . Karate is training in body and spirit. The total concentration and discipline required to study karate carries over to daily life.
Karate is also good for a weak or poorly developed person because it fosters spirit and physical strength, initiates patience and enterprise and generates self-confidence.
With self confidence comes self control and self knowledge. One learns to overcome oneself and thus to value and understand other people.
Karate is a safe art and with proper equipment equally safe as a sport. The practices and competitions are non-contact (controlled). It is safer than basketball.
karate is a means of improving and maintaining good health. There is no psychic structure, no inner tension which is not reflected in the body. Karate with its physical aspect, its intrinsic quality as moving meditation, its emphasis on correct breathing brings relief from fatigue and mental stress and adds years to one's life.
Karate is a great aid to the academic development of students. It promotes concentration
and confidence.
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Kanazawa, Kancho, SKIF Chief Instructor
