What is Karate
"True Karate is this: that in daily life one's mind and body be
trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical
times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice."
- Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan Karate-Do
Karate is a martial art (method of combat), which employs a variety
of techniques, including punches, kicks, blocks, strikes, throws,
chokes, joint locks and bone breaking.
Karate practice is divided into three aspects: Kihon (basics),
Kata (forms), and Kumite (fighting).
The word Karate-do is a combination of three Japanese characters:
So the literal translation of the word Karate means "empty hand."
Adding the suffix "-Do" (pronounced "doe"), meaning "way,"
differentiates the mere mastery of physical techniques ("Karate")
and puts the emphasis on the acquisition of spiritual insight and
development. “Karate-Do,” implies Karate as a total way of life that
goes well beyond the self-defense applications. In traditional
Karate-Do, we always keep in mind that the true opponent is
oneself and the ultimate goals are to seek perfection of one’s
character and to touch the lives of others in a positive way.
"The Samurai is the first to suffer anxiety for human society,
and he is the last to seek personal pleasure."
- Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi has said, "The mind and the
technique become one in true Karate-Do." We strive to make our
physical techniques pure expressions of our mind's intention, and
to improve our mind's focus by understanding the essence of the
physical techniques. By polishing our Karate practice, we are
polishing our own character and spirit. For example, eliminating
weak and indecisive movements in our Karate helps us to eliminate
weakness and indecision in our minds--and vice versa.
It is in this sense that Karate becomes a way of life, as we try to
become very strong but happy and peaceful people. As Tsutomu
Ohshima, chief instructor of Shotokan Karate of America, has put
it, "We must be strong enough to express our true minds to any
opponent, anytime, in any circumstance. We must be calm enough
to express ourselves humbly."
Shotokan Karate-Do
Shotokan Karate-Do is recognizable by its linear, direct punching,
blocking, and kicking techniques from low stances. Shotokan
emphasizes correct posture, correct joint alignment, and formality
of basic technique above all else. The Shotokan expert is expected
to perform using strictly defined basic techniques even under harsh
conditions. Creativity and “freelancing” are not looked upon as
favorable in Shotokan. Basic techniques are defined to the minutest
detail, and performing them with absolute perfection is given the
highest priority. The intrinsic mastery of one’s body dynamics to
generate fantastic amounts of power is really what sets Shotokan
Karate apart from other styles. The modern science of Biomechanics
and Sports Medicinehas been fused with ancient Japanese and
Okinawan training methods to produce one of the most powerful
Martial Arts in Human history…. SHOTOKAN!
The Shotokan view is that purity of raw technique is most important.
The idea behind this is that one elegant technique mastered so
completely that it is as natural as flipping a light switch will finish off
the opponent quickly and efficiently. In situations where there are
multiple opponents, such an ability is believed essential because
there may not be time to throw more than one technique per
opponent, and grappling and getting tangled up with your adversary
when two others are also trying to harm you is probably unwise.
Therefore, each Karate technique is maximized at the expense of
learning more complicated defenses. In combat, less is usually more.
Simple techniques win (physical, mental and emotional)
engagements. The Shotokan belief is that nothing is more important
than strong basic technique.
When attacking, the Shotokan expert will drive directly forward with
straight punches and kicks while sweeping at the ankles to unbalance
the retreating opponent. Shotokan experts are familiar with other
types of techniques, but they generally avoid them unless they feel
secure in their superior firepower.
When attacked, Shotokan fighters stand their ground. They may
shift one step to the side in order to flank the attacker, but the most
common defense used is a pre-emptive strike against an incoming
opponent. While Shotokan is simple and does not employ a wide
variety of motions, the few techniques are designed to be mastered
to such a high degree of precision and ease of use that they "truly"
become extremely effective weapons.