what is shotokan Karate

 Karate is an art form which was developed in Okinawa in the 17th century.  Japan forcibly occupied the island of Okinawa in 1609 and confiscated all weapons.  Kara means empty and te means hand, and Do means the way of. So when you put this all together you have Karate-Do which means the way of the empty hand. Empty hand refers to the fact that the early practitioners of karate did not carry or use weapons because they were taken away which meant that through very intense training their bodies became weapons. Karate was brought over to Japan by a man named Gichin Funakoshi. He is considered the father of modern karate. People who practice karate learn how to use proper stances, blocks, punches, strikes and kicks. People who study karate do so for many different reasons such as exercise,  self- control and self- defense.

Shotokan is from Japan, Tae Kwon Do is from Korea. Shotokan uses an equal amount of hand and feet combinations. Tae Kwon Do uses more high kicking techniques. Shotokan uses lower position, rooted basic stances, Tae Kwon Do uses higher position stances. Both Shotokan and Tae Kwon Do have traditional forms to practice but look very different. I would never say that one style is better than the other that would depend on who’s teaching and who’s practicing. Both Shotokan and Tae Kwon Do have something to offer if you have a dedicated instructor and student. For me and thousands of others we find that something through the practice of Shotokan Karate-Do.  

Both Shotokan and Tae Kwon Do have something to offer if you have a dedicated instructor and student. For us and thousands of others we find that something through the practice of Shotokan Karate-Do. Call today to learn more about our offerings and what you can gain in life, fitness and family through the art of Karate - Do

 Through our program, students of Aspire Karate will develop and enhance their concentration, focus, attention to detail, and respect for themselves and others.

Students will also develop a better sense of awareness and confidence to handle stressful and threatening situations through our anti-bullying program.

Our students will develop better balance, self-control, body awareness, strength and agility through specific exercises, drills and creative games.

Improves decision making. Young kids have impulsive nature and so they make decisions that are solely based on their emotions.

The founder of Shotokan Karate, Gichin Funakoshi, has 20 guiding principles that helps with emotional growth.  Number 6 is: Do not get stuck into linear ways of thinking.  Open your mind to all possibilities.  Do not be trapped by your emotions - Free your actions from emotional responses.