Shotokan Karate is a system of self-defense using the hands, feet, head, knees and elbows as striking weapons.  Karate was developed on the island of Okinawa in the 17th century.  Because there were long periods in which weapons were banned, the Okinawan's developed a self-defense and fighting techniques system they called karate or "the way of the open hand".  Wearing nightclothes (the basis for today's karate gi or uniform) they practiced secretly at night to avoid punishment by the occupying Japanese or even worse death.  Karate was brought to the Japanese mainland in the early 20th Century.

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Master Gichin Funakoshi is widely considered the primary "father" of modern karate-do due to his efforts to introduce the Okinawan art to mainland Japan, from where it spread to the rest of the world. Funakoshi was also the founder of what is now known as Shotokan Karate. His style of karate originated from him having trained under two famous Okinawan karate masters, Yasatsune Azato and Anko Itosu.

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Shotokan Karate practice is divided into the “3 K’s”:

• Kihon (basic drills of stances, blocks, punches, strikes and kicks)

• Kata (pre-arranged forms simulating combat situations)

• Kumite (sparring)

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In each category, the beginner is given  instruction at the most basic level until the  techniques become spontaneous. As the student progresses technically, he or she progresses physically as well, and advanced practices demand greater stamina.  At this stage, the student becomes involved with more intricate and difficult forms of kata and kumite. 

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In each category, the beginner is given  instruction at the most basic level until the  techniques become spontaneous. As the student progresses technically, he or she progresses physically as well, and advanced practices demand greater stamina.  At this stage, the student becomes involved with more intricate and difficult forms of kata and kumite. 

  

As the student approaches black belt level, technique, stamina, speed, and coordination  become natural as a result of practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers that his or her study of Shotokan Karate has only just begun. The object of true Shotokan Karate practice is the perfection of oneself through the perfection of the art.