Shotokan Karate

"Karate is a martial art that focuses on striking with the arms, fists, hands, knees, elbows and feet. It also teaches defense techniques such as blocking and getting out of the way. The origin of Karate dates back many years to a small island off the Japanese coast, called Okinawa. The people of Okinawa were mostly farmers, and had to devise a way to protect themselves from the Samuri, the Japanese military of the time. Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan nicknamed Shoto, developed his own style of Karate in the 1930s and 40s called Shotokan, meaning Shoto's way. He took his style across Japan, demonstrating and teaching it at different Universities. He died in 1957 but many of his students continued to teach the style after his death. Where will I train, and what will I do in the classes? Shotokan clubs train in Dojos, which can be anything from a purpose-built studio, to a school gymnasium. The only thing that defines a Dojo is that karate training and teaching takes place there. You must always bow when entering and leaving the Dojo for any reason. Clubs are often led by a Sensei, who will usually be a black belt with years of training and teaching experience. There are often assistant Senseis, who will either be lower-grade black belts, or brown belts. Sessions are usually split into three, focusing on Kihon, Kata and Kumite. Kihon means basic, and is where you practise and perfect different striking techniques, both on their own and in combination. Examples of basic techniques that you will learn include:"