Charity No. 250530

Contact us on 01443 402541 

Shotokan Karate

About Shotokan Karate

Karate can also be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters: kara, meaning empty, and te, meaning hand; thus, karate means "empty hand." Adding the suffix "-do" (pronounced "doe"), meaning "way," i.e., karate-do, implies karate as a total way of life that goes well beyond the self-defense applications. In traditional karate-do, we always keep in mind that the true opponent is oneself.

Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi has said that "mind and technique become one in true karate." We strive to make our physical techniques pure expressions of our mind's intention, and to improve our mind's focus by understanding the essence of the physical techniques. By polishing our karate practice we are polishing our own spirit or our own mentality. For example, eliminating weak and indecisive movements in our karate helps to eliminate weakness and indecision in our minds--and vice versa.

Shotokan at the Y.M.C.A.

Instructors - Tatiana Tatarinova (nidan), Michael Christie (nidan)

Sessions - Monday 7.00pm-9.00pm (Youth Club Room), Wednesday 7.00pm-9.00pm (Shelley Hall) and Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm (Shelley Hall)

Costs - All classes are free and open to all fitness levels

Contact Details - 07895674553 (Tatiana's mobile); email: pontypriddshotokan@yahoo.co.uk

We are affiliated with Shotokan Karate of America - www.ska.org

On Saturday, August 7, 2010 instructor Tatiana Tatarinova won the woman's sparring competition during the 54th Annual Shotokan Karate Exhibit & Tournament - YouTube link.

Shotokan at the Y.M.C.A.