Frequently asked questions
Why do people take up Karate?
Interestingly, the number of people who join to learn self defence by no means represent the majority. Many people join to get fit, some join because it's something different, and so on. Whatever the reason, those that persevere with the practice of karate invariably find it has much more to offer, both physically and mentally, than conventional sports. Often, the original reason for joining becomes forgotten as students become fascinated in the study of karate for it's own sake.
What is Karate-Do?
Karate-Do (properly pronounced as “kara teh doh”) literally means "way of the empty hand" and has it's origins in Okinawa, a small island off the coast of Japan. It is based on ancient Chinese fighting forms and was developed by the Okinawans in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was used for defence against aggressors after the local government banned the use or possession of weapons. As various karate teachers developed their own interpretations of karate, different forms and styles of karate emerged.
The popularisation of modern day karate is usually attributed to the efforts of one man, Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan who settled in Japan in the early part of this century, and modified the art to make it easier to teach and practice.
Karate - Fact and fiction
True traditional karate is a martial (i.e. combat) art. It is not a sport (although some have unfortunately given karate that image). The essence of karate is not in breaking wood or performing flying kicks or loud screams. Neither is it a religion. In its most basic form it is concerned with developing a realistic method of self defence that ensures an attacker is effectively disabled. This is not a skill that is acquired overnight, or even after weeks or months. There is no magic formula. It involves years of hard hard work, dedication and perseverance and is very much a test of character as anything else. Gradually, over time, you will improve your skills, reflexes and techniques as you develop within the art.
It is important to stress that that karate should never be used wantonly or aggressively. Indeed, no matter what the circumstances, karate is very much a last resort, when all other non-violent means of escape are unavailable.
"Shotokai" is the generic name of the style of karate that we practice. The name derives from two words:
"Shoto" - this is the pen name used by Gichin Funakoshi when he wrote poems and signed documents. Gichin Funakoshi is popularly known as the founder of modern karate, and
"Kai" - meaning Council or Association.
Shotokai is not to be confused with the more well known "Shotokan" style of Karate. Although they share a common ancestry, the two styles have developed in different ways.
"Kan" means "hall" and so Shotokan literally means “Shoto’s hall”. In the early days of karate, Master Funakoshi did not actually give any particular name to his style. As far as he was concerned he practised "karate-do". However, his students would say that they practised at "Shoto's Hall", i.e. at the Shotokan and so Master Funakoshi's karate became known colloquially as "Shotokan" karate.
The difference between Shotokai and Shotokan in those days was that Shotokai was simply the name of Master Funakoshi's technical group or council. So, Shotokai and Shotokan were once one and the same (i.e. they were all students of Master Funakoshi) but after Master Funakoshi’s death in 1957 various factions emerged and evolved separately. One group continued to use the Shotokai name and others, the largest of which was the Japan Karate Association, adopted the Shotokan name to describe their style of karate.
K.D.S stands for "Karate-Do Shotokai". It is the name of the association that was founded by Master Harada. The style of karate that the KDS practice is the Shotokai style but as interpreted and developed by Master Harada.
Why Shotokai Karate?
Shotokai is different to other styles of karate in that it emphasises the ability of the body to be relaxed and mobile in "stressful" situations such as those encountered in combat. There is less emphasis placed on strength or power and more on speed and the correct body condition. Shotokai is about learning to control your body through martial training so that, if attacked, you can avoid the attack and be in a position to counter rapidly and turn the tables on the aggressor.
[Below - Lee Porteus evades Tim Arnold's attack during the Feb 2001 weekend course. The evasion move is known as "irimi". It is a Japanese word that means "entering" or "to enter"]
Click on image to enlarge
What type of people do Karate?
We’re a mixed bunch from all walks of life. There is no set “type” or age or sex. Karate is open to everyone at any stage of their life. The one thing we all have in common is the desire to be better karate practitioners.
You will not find thugs or bullies at karate. They are simply not tolerated. In any case, Karate simply does not attract that sort of person. The atmosphere is disciplined (it has to be for safety reasons), yet relaxed and friendly. We all encourage and help each other as much as possible.
There are no tournaments or competitions in Shotokai. There are no “points” to be scored. Our aim is to learn the martial art of karate, not a sport. You can learn at your own pace. There is no pressure. The only competition you will face is from yourself. Karate is a personal challenge.
