Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate

Shotokan is the most widely practiced karate style in the world — and the foundation of our training at LA Karate.

History

Shotokan was founded by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957), the Okinawan master who introduced karate to mainland Japan with his famous 1922 demonstration in Tokyo. The name "Shotokan" means "House of Shoto" — Shoto ("Pine Waves") was Funakoshi's pen name. In 1949 his students founded the Japan Karate Association (JKA), and under chief instructor Masatoshi Nakayama, Shotokan spread across the globe.

Characteristics

• Long, deep stances — zenkutsu-dachi, kiba-dachi, kokutsu-dachi build leg strength and stability
• Powerful linear techniques — direct punches, strikes, and kicks with full hip rotation
• 26 kata — from the five Heian forms and three Tekki forms to Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Jion, Enpi, and Hyakuhachiho (Shotokan's Suparinpei)
• The three pillars: kihon (basics), kata (forms), kumite (sparring)

Philosophy

Funakoshi's famous rule guides all Shotokan training: "Karate ni sente nashi" — there is no first attack in karate. Technique serves character: courtesy, humility, and self-control.

Train Shotokan with us.
Call or text: (818) 696-6594
Email: La.karatedo@gmail.com
LA Karate Do — 1420 W Kenneth Rd., Glendale, CA