What is shotokan karate

By the way Any info about this? I've never heard of it before. Howdy, As for the weapons I had read some where that basically Nakayama "hid" the weapons from the Allies saying that karate was just a sport like boxing, and had no weapons, I could be wrong and would not be surprised if I was. February 27, at pm.

Have only just come across this article -- three years down the line:- Interesting comment by ken regarding whether Nakayama one of Funakoshi's principal students and the first chief instructor of the JKA in following Funakoshi's death 'hid' the weapons of kubodo from the US occupying forces in post-war Japan.

As far as I am aware, the US occupying forces did not prohibit the practice of karate or judo, but rather sought to learn it. In this, the cause of Japanese and Asian martial arts was greatly championed by the late, great Donn F. Certainly many of the early Shotokan masters were accomplished in martial arts such as Judo and Kendo, as well as Okinawan kobujutsu. It is worth remembering that Nakayama was a Chinese scholar who spent some of his early years in Taipei and his war service for Japan in China as a military interpreter.

It is believed that during this time, he had been tasked by Funakoshi to investigate and study the Chinese origins of the Okinawan Shorin-ryu and Shorei-ryu schools which were 'blended' by Funakoshi to create Shotokan. By the way Jesse, fantastic picture of Funakoshi above! I think that Nishiyama is sitting just behind the great man over Funakoshi's right shoulder. October 14, at am. The question is rather if Kobujutsu are even absent at all.

That makes it clear that perspective and wisdom rule over blind rage and the belt-hunter area. These things might be there or not. Who would give untrained people weapons they do not understand anyway? There is no first hand in true Shotokan.

It also shows that just continuing training and the understanding of it is key to real mastership. You'd rather started with Heian Shodan I guess. October 14, at pm. If you are near new york we have very traditional shotokan program with full kobudo.

If these are the greatest strengths of Shotokan, then I may as well go and drown myself! I'm a Shotokan practitioner. Assuming I understand what you mean, try to read the article thinking "relative" not "absolute" instead. Michael Casinha. Jesse san, you can never appease everyone, but your honesty finds a clear path to the truth. As a Shotokan stylist for over 30 years, my own research found a very simple answer to the Shotkan popularity and dissemination throughout the world.

A pre and post war Japan was still a militaristic society and in so being the teacher's word was law. Teaching a simple method of fighting to the masses did away with all the complexities of other styles. Stand here like this, 2. Take your fist in this position, 3. Accelerate your body, arm and fist from point A to point B, and 4.

Do that 10K times a day and anyone can learn how to cause damage to another person. Adults, children and elderly could all do it. Now try and apply Okinawa Te Goju, Shorin close range tactics, hmmm, not quite as straight forward.

Now take these Shotokan teaching approaches and disseminate them to a world that just come out of war and is use to following orders and you have a perfect formula for mass dissemination. I believe every system, every style has lessons to teach and all roads lead to the same destination. Just this humble Karate Nerd's 2 cents worth December 25, at am. We can tear into Shotokan and find all its faults. But if we do only that, we miss the fundamental beauty of the Shotokan karate style.

A very strong emphasis on kihon technique. The great overall value of Shotokan is in the beauty of it's simplicity of form. It's less complicated to see it's basic principles hence more efficient to learn to apply. No wonder Shotokan has been so widely adopted in practice. A great style to provide a window into the truth-es behind traditional karate, even if you never practice it.

April 27, at am. Don't get me wrong. Wanna know something fun? I'm a shoto-girl, and people keep telling me shotokan is too "masculine" and i should switch to something more delicate-looking like shito ryu.

Now, even if I'm very curious and appealed by shito ryu, which i plan on exploring once i become a black belt Diego Romero. Larry Gilliland. Very well put Jesse-san. DDominador N. Caballero, Jr. Now the roots spread Worldwide, it's depend on how the sensei teach his style, the students will always follows the instruction, no matter how long or how short they are practicing Karatedo, the most important is deep understanding of the Art.

In every Karate style there is weaker and good part. The trend now in this Generation is to become Flexible, many Practitioners wants to learn other Karate Kata style so that they can compare the differences and to participate in Competition, like for example the WKF, according to their Rules they are allow the Main 4 Karate style to play in Kata, namely: Goju-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Shotokan and Wado-Ryu, but the Shorin-Ryu and other style is not included, so this is the reason why thousands of Karate practitioners wants to learn other Karate Kata style.

Just keep training, don't say that your style is the best, it depends on the sensei and practitioners understanding. Keep moving, keep practicing, I believe that Perfection of Kata is like this way " Only you can improve yourself by constant and proper training, complete and right repetition is the Key for Mastery".

January 22, at am. Rui Paulo Sanguinheira Diogo. I guess that all Shotokan practicioners so this includes me should realize that their "style" is not a martial art anymore but a mere sport with a limited set of "simplified" techniques. Already Gichin Funakoshi and his son changed the taught karate that way. And it was done on purpose as Gichin Funakoshi already mentions it in "Likewise, in times past swordmanship was taught only through kata since a shiai, whether using real swords or wooden swords, was always fought at the risk of one's life.

Subsequently, today's face masks and wrist guards were developed, and although this brought about a certain amount of degradation of kendo, it allowed it to become that much closer to a sport rather than a martial art. With continuing research it is not unfeasible that as in judo or kendo our karate, too, might incorporate a grading system through the adaptation of protective gear and the banning of attacks to vital points.

In fact, I believe that it is important to move in that direction. Jesse is also right with the "Biiiig movement make stroooong samurai! And I would even add: If something "looks" strong or even "feels" strong while doing it then it dosn't mean that it is strong — even less if you "feel" the strength because if you feel it then you are absorbing the energy instead of transfering it.

Oh, and I think this applies most certainly on other styles that compete in the same or similar manner January 25, at am. But it's not easy to realize this People love hurting themselves Training Shotokan, I do biiig stances, yes, but the part were you shut up and keep punching like nuts is what I like the most. Maybe because of my distaste for long educational speeches, but the whole simplicity of the training is what makes me come back every time, in the end.

Not the self-defense even tough it's awesome to know you can poke someone's eye so fast they'll think the lights went out or the makawara, my eternal love. Now, gyaku-tzuki, go! Your elbows are too wide That's better. Alright, turn to me. And, if you think about it, with proper etiquette, you can already solve most conflicts in life.

Vasili Vasilievich. August 19, at am. Mike Noga. You should do something on the strengths of other styles every once in a while. For example, I'm thinking of studying Matsumura Shorin-Ryu. What are the strengths of that style? January 22, at pm. You should devide between how Shotokan is usually practised or what is Shotokan-labeled and what it actually does contain. Small and narrow movements, pragmatic self-defense, a benefit for joints and lower back, excellent bunkai -this is also Shotokan and I don't love to see the myth spread it wouldn't be.

NewBudo Frik Willemse. January 23, at am. Jesse-san, once again a great article! I have to fully agree with you on all 4 points. I did Shotokan karate for 21 years before I discovered the total awesomeness of Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate! I believe that karate must be effective and practical. One of my students work as a Correctional Services Officer.

He has been training with me for just over a year now. Just last week he was attacked by a convicted criminal.

His first reaction was: opening sequence of Naihanchin Shodan! Not "kezami-tsuki followed by gyaku-tsuki"! He succesfully defended himself against a dangerous criminal. So, I am not a style-basher either, I just live in the real world on a small patch called South Africa where karate must mean more than a full trophy case and scoring points. Keep it real guys! One day your life might depend on it. August 12, at pm. Naihanchin Shodan if am correct is the Shorin-Ryu kata which is the Shotokan equivalent of Tekki shodan,Now how can you assume that a Shotokan karateka would use kezami Zuki or gyaku zuki as a defence of an attack.

You obviously have very limited experience in Shotokan and the bunkai applications of shotokan that can be applied to various types of attacks? Now tell us how was he attacked that he chose to use the first move of Naihanchin Shodan!!!! I would add one more point to your list of "strengths of shito-ryu": 5 lots of kata, and all of them available on youtube videos from various angles performed by lots of different masters.

I studied Shokokan up to the 3kyu level about 30 years ago, then two years ago this month started self training in Shotokan again. With the freedom of defining bunkai myself I've found many techniques in kata are very relevent to self defense. I've used Ian Abernethy's books and his approach of interpreting many techniques from a grappling standpoint and apply spins in kata as throws for example. After two years I've come to the conclusion that my interest in karate isn't limited to Shotokan, but it is the basis for my study since my self education is kata based.

Karate is what you make of it - my desire is purely from a self defense mind set and I believe with proper interpretation of technique based on desired outcome Shotokan is a vry well rounded martial art. Martial Arts. January 25, at pm. Hi Jesse, interesting article, thanks for sharing your thoughts! Rae Leggett. Shotokan certainly removed a lot of depth from the syllabus And, after Shodan, theres really nothing keeping you from adding that depth back into your training.

I think of Shotokan as "generic" karate - you can take it anywhere. Go to seminars and pick up some kobujutsu. You like bunkai? Look at the older forms from Shito-ryu and Shorin-ryu. Self defense? Theres really nothing new in a Krav Maga seminar; it's just a different method of training. We're all just branches of the same tree; and when you look up close, all the branches start to look alike. January 27, at am. This is going to cause a real stir but what the hell.

I believe that Shotokan is a japanese interruptation of karate from Okinawa brought in after the cast system was stopped and gave the common person a belief that he could defend himself. Is it really karate? No it is a martial art like aikido, taekwondo or muay tai. There are a lot of difference between tradition okinawan karate and shotokan, the biggest divergence occurred when Funakoshi allowed his students to dictate the style.

He didn't want the big stance or movements but allowed it to creep in because the students believed that they were doing it better that way.

No one in free style fighting gets any of the big stances or goes through the big arm motions so why train yourself to do that in a kata. Does it really matter if shotokan is called Karate or something else, that is everyone choice but I think that it is significantly different and believe that it would be comparable to calling an American English because he speaks english.

Everyone needs to learn their style, try new things and develop themselves into their individual style. If you are good at what you do, then people will come and learn your style. Enjoy the learning and make it your own!! February 7, at pm.

I'm a Shotokan practicioner, and I can tell you that there's a big difference between Shotokan and - Shotokan. There are rumors that there are good JKA dojos, but not where I live. So it's Krav Maga twice per week, plus a few evenings kata in the basement, plus visiting the german Ohshima-Shotokan dojos every few months. February 13, at pm. If you're lucky, after training in another karate style like shito or goju for years you'll eventually learn a kata with a front snap kick in it.

Shotokan however offers a multitude of athletic kicks, jumps, complex combinations and impressive body shifting that just isn't found as readily in more conservative styles. This is of course because karate is a sport for many people now, and as with all sports, the more fun and exciting it is, for both practitioners as well as spectators, the more it will flourish, and shotokan is the karate style that has embraced this attitude the most.

February 15, at am. February 20, at am. Obviously, some people prefer their martial arts to be an art-form rather than a sport which is fine, but purely on sporting merits I think martial arts are generally moving in the right direction though I will admit, there ARE still some bad things, and dare I say it, that the answers to some of those things could in fact be found in some of the more old-fashioned elements of martial arts.

Frank Fink. February 14, at am. I was recently turned on to your site by a student. She knew I would enjoy your insight and humor.

She also guessed correctly that I would agree with your viewpoints. Like most humans, I enjoy being vendicated by reading commentary that bolsters opinions I already hold. I must admit, however, that I am occasionally challenged by some of your articles to reconsider some of my convictions and prior held beliefs.

This is where the true value of what you do lies. It stretches my already fairly open mind and causes me to grow. Thank you. Now, I think I'll go change my email address to somerhing a bit more humble. March 9, at am. I began my journey into the martial arts with Shotokan and agree with every point you have made here. I was lucky to have Andrew Holmes as my Sensei. He was definitely a shut up and train old school Shotokan kind of guy.

From back when there was no Kumite in the Dojo. You used to just do lots of Kata and hoped it served you right, which I am sure was fine when ever one else was training the same way. Since I started branching out of Shotokan and into other styles of karate and martial arts I have found Shotokan has served me quite well. I have also found the long range high impact striking style very effective in the few self defense scenarios I have been unfortunate enough to experience.

Shotokan has always served me well but that does not mean it is not with out faults, anyways lets not style bash today.

March 25, at am. Phil Clairet. April 13, at am. Jesse, have you thought of writing a book or something? Your knowledge seems to be so much deeper than the articles you post on your website Just a thought! April 13, at pm. I have tons of more books in my head, but Father Time is a sneaky bastard June 21, at pm.

June 22, at am. That's really cool - see it as a new learning opportunity! Remember, sometimes you need to climb another mountain to see your own mountain better.

I have no doubt that you will be perfectly fine -your roots will always be there. And if not, well, then Oliver will just have to 'ground n pound' them back into you! October 3, at am. Hello there, and thanks for your post. The relocating happens often and has also happened to me. If you are open to the prospect and for lack of opportunity may I suggest Goju school, or at least the Goju network in the Bay Area? There are legitimate practitioners from the non Goju systems, who travel from the peninsula and points even further south for the benefit of reputable Goju training.

I would also offer the likely network of Goju schools provide a check and balance for continuity and symmetry between the Goju schools. Why not utilize the tools available during your stay? You will certainly add a depth to your own training in any case. Visit, and be a gracious Guest. Measure your opportunity to ask carefully, but do ask and most importantly, listen!

IF you seek a deeper understanding or environment that suits your taste, then all the searching is time well spent. There is no penalty evoked during your search to be sure No one wants you to abandon your roots, but relish the opportunity to always learn more about your art with a beginner's eye.

February 6, at pm. Dear sir I really apprecied to you becouse i got a good information about shotokan and other martial arts. I have one Q- that is i holding black belt 3rd dan from Okinawa martial arts so i want change my style Okinawa to Shotokan what is your saggetion and requarement plz give me your oppenion.

September 30, at pm. Hi I agree what you said about shotokan karate. By the way which style of karate are you Okinawan I bet. December 8, at pm. By the way, you forgot that we practice the kihon enough to render anyone sick of it for years and in study of attack and defense we are really simple If you think that's a weakness then you should read a book called "Brutal Simplicity of Thought".

January 6, at pm. February 10, at pm. March 31, at pm. Jesse, do you think that Shotokan and Goju Ryu can be done at the same time? Because I really like both April 1, at pm. Thanks Nicole. I can assure you that almost everyone is my senior. I have been a victim of a McDojo about ten years ago. Then as the years progressed, did many other arts. But came back to Karate because I know authentic Karate is very real and very good.

I'm a shotokan practitioner but I hv never practice goju-ryu before, but as I know, all styles have different ways of doing things, so yeah I am looking forward to it.

I am unmarried so I need to fill my nights with some hard fitness and training. And I love MA. Always have. JKA Shotokan has raw power and brute force, but still elegant and graceful. I like that. Goju is more internal. So it's kinda like Shaolin one day, and Tai Chi the next.

Peter G. June 18, at pm. Dear Daniyal, Osu! True Story. To this day, I find myself never ever, being in a class, place, and or situation where I am asked a specific question and unable to answer with the truth.

NOTE: Be careful, as KARATE is more of a pushing , moving forward action, whereas JUDO throwing arts are more pulling ; thus your body WILL be exposed to injuries if you don't take it easy, and allow your body the time to warm up to doing two completely different forms moving predominantly in different directions at speed. Still, please go for it! In summary, karate in Okinawa developed from the synthesis of two fighting techniques.

The first one, used by the inhabitants of Okinawa, was very simple but terribly effective and, above all, very close to reality since it was used throughout many centuries in real combat. The second one, much more elaborate and impregnated with philosophical teachings, was a product of the ancient culture of China.

These two origins explain the double character of Karate—extremely violent and efficient but at the same time a strict and austere discipline and philosophy with a nonviolent emphasis.

One of the few people to have been initiated into all the major Okinawan karate methods, Master Funakoshi taught a synthesis of the Okinawan styles, as a total discipline. While it has slower movements, it requires strong stamina from a player. It also demands a great deal of agility, power, and speed. It is a complete full-body contact style, requiring practitioners to be in optimum mental and physical health. One on one, no guns, no cheap shots, any time it is perfect against the average street fighter.

It has all the potential to be because the fighter is advised to use sparring training much more than other systems, so you should be prepared for self-defense.

However, there are specific areas that are not covered by sparring, such as scenario training and defense of weapons. Most styles of Karate are effective in street fights, but in the end it all depends on the individual.

Kyokushin Karate is effective because of the body hardening you have to do and proper training. As for the effectiveness of Shotokan Karate in the street fight, it depends on individual training. If the students are trained in sport fighting, they may not be good for street self-defense combat. But for individuals who learned their striking skills for personal success, it could be effective. Effectiveness in self-defense is not the same as the effectiveness in the ring. Train for your goal, and do not expect one to lead to the other.

If you are willing to do all, be good in the ring, and ready for self-defense, then you should practice both Shotokan and Kyokushin Karate.

Contents show. What is Kyokushin Karate. What is Shotokan Karate. The main difference between Kyokushin Karate and Shotokan Karate. How hard is to learn Kyokushin Karate. How hard is to learn Shotokan Karate. Is Kyokushin Karate effective in a street fight? Is Shotokan Karate effective in a street fight?

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