Okinawankarateandkobudoinstitute.com
Title
Shido-kan Karate Dojo
Description
Here at the Shido-Kan Karate Dojo, Karate-Do is taught as an art of self-defense from which students will gain self-confidence, self-discipline, physical expertise and fun. Since we stress Karate-Do as art rather than sport, kata are given the greatest emphasis. Kata or "forms" are a specific pattern of movements which are perfected in order to learn self-defense technique. Kata are the basic building blocks from which the student learns concentration, power, speed, balance, and control. Kata are not unique to the Martial Arts since every sport or skill has a "kata" which is basic to learning. In practicing kata, the student perfects their technique and attains an understanding of the movement.
Prearranged sparring drills train the students timing, reflexes, and blocking techniques. Emphasis is also placed on control, technique and learning from each other. Kicking bags and makiwara (striking posts) are also used to strengthen and condition the body. Equal emphasis is placed on hand and foot techniques with a stress on balance and control. We at the Shido-Kan Karate Dojo strive to teach not just the development and delivery of power but also the control of that power. Anyone can develop their body to give strength and power, but to learn to control that power and to use it accurately, economically, and with good judgment is the true art of Karate-Do.
The style of Karate-Do taught at the Shido-Kan Karate Dojo comes from Okinawa. It is known as Shorin-Ryu(Chosin Chibana Lineage). It is from Okinawan Karate-Do that many modern styles are derived from. The Karate-Do that we practice today was brought to its present form during the 17th century when Okinawa was overrun and occupied by the Japanese. In those desperate years they developed and refined the techniques of karate until their hands and feet were as deadly as the swords that were taken from them. Where and how Karate was taught was a mystery to most Okinawans, for to be introduced to the discipline was to be marked as one of the most poised and trusted human beings and was an honor as high as any that could be bestowed. In the more settled times that followed, Karate-Do, although remaining secret and known only through word of mouth on the island of Okinawa, became a course of exercise valued for its health and character building properties, and ultimately being known today as Shorin-Ryu Shido-Kan Karate-Do.
