The sytle of Karate-do that you are, or will be, practicing is the art of Shotokan. This traditional Japanese art,
founded by Gichin Funakoshi Sensei in 1938, has origins which date back thousands of years. Its evolution has seen its
way though India, China, Okinawa, Japan and now America. Through the years, Shotokan has been discovered, refined and
perfected to the scientific and dynamic art that is seen and admired today. Shotokan is considered a hard style, among
the Martial Arts community, because of its low stances and emphasis on basic techniques. Many fail to realize that Shotokan
has incorporated aspects of the soft styles found in China and the light / quick movements of the Okinawan arts. By
adopting the qualities of these various styles, Shotokan offers a great deal of depth in technique, philosophy, history and
culture.
Our class is quite organized and structured and requires that the student train with sincere effort. We stress
proper etiquette and a strong moral character. There is equal opportunity for all to learn this art of Shotokan with
an honest endeavor put forth. If you still find that the Art is not for you, after giving it an honest effort, the experience
will still have been a positive one. I have found through perosnal experience that it is essential for the student to
make their own choice, as to continuing or quitting and not have their decision influenced by a friend, parent, etc.
This will ensure that the student has made a personal and sincere decision.
I have a great deal of enthusiasm for the class and the students within. I am glad that you have found this art
and hope that you find it a life-long endeavor. I feel that the reputation and benefits of the Martial Arts are better
learned through experience rather than by words, so I invite you to observe and train, so that you may decide for yourself.
Remember, the only secret in Martial Arts is training, training and more training. This is the only secret .......Shihan
Kenneth Funakoshi, FSKA
After thought.....
Many style's today tend to focus on purely scientific techniques, trimming down the art, and turning it into a sport.
We believe that it is so much more than just "self-defense" techniques. We must learn to walk, before we can run.....
Sensei Brandon Carrillo, Ni-dan (CKS;FSKA)
"The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants".....Sensei
Gichin Funakoshi
DOJO KUN
To seek perfection of character
To be faithful
To endeavour
To respect others
To refrain from violent behavior
20 Precepts of Gichin Funakoshi
1. Karate begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy
2. There is not first attack in karate
3. Karate is an aid to justice
4. First control yourself before attempting to control others
5. Spirit first, technique second
6. Always be ready to release your mind
7. Accidents arise from negligence
8. Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo
9. It will take your entire life to learn karate, there is no limit
10.Put your everyday living into karate and you will find "MYO" (subtle secrets)
11.Karate is like boiling water. If you do not heat it constantly, it will cool
12.Do not think that you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose
13.Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones
14.The battle is according to how you move guarded and unguarded (move according to your opponent)
15.Think of your hands and feet as swords
16.When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behavior that invites
trouble from them
17.Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body positions are for the advanced
18.Practicing a kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another
19.Do not forget to correctly apply: strength and weakness of power, stretching and contraction of the body and slowness
and speed of techniques
20.Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day
