SHOTOKAI KARATE BUDO

School description  

From the Shotokai Encyclopedia at www.shotokai.com

Shotokai is an organization that was founded by the creator of Japanese modern Karate, Master Gichin Funakoshi, together with other of his students, such as Shigeru Egami and Genshin Hironishi; this took place in 1935. The objective then and still today is to preserve and expand the true spirit and art represented in Karate.

Shotokai literally means "Shoto's association", where Shoto was the pseudonym O-sensei commonly used.

The goal that drives this organization is to teach in the highest standards, following, without tarnishing the original teachings of Gichin Funakoshi and his successor, Shigeru Egami.

Shotokai firmly believes that, even though Karate is an excellent self-defense method and a physical activity of great qualities, it is fundamentally a way towards mental and spiritual development. Thus, beginners as well as those that have trained many years, will find in Shotokai a guide and an orientation that emphasizes the principles and beliefs that have just been expressed.

Shotokai is the only school where Karate is not considered a competition sport. Karate is taught as a martial way or art, BUDO. The efforts are directed towards the development of a strong mental and physical discipline coupled with a spiritual harmony, all through the practice of Karate techniques. The movements in our school follow natural laws, they are full of life and energy, but always applying the principles of harmony and relaxation, thus avoiding all use of brute force.

Shotokai's objective is not to fight against an enemy and defeat him. The important thing is to defeat and overcome our internal enemies, that is, our own errors, weaknesses and mental limits. This permits participants of both sexes and of any age. Participants will have the chance to feel attracted with the real possibility of developing mind and body, building a balanced character and prepare themselves for all their life's moments.

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