Reference & Resources

The material available in this section is intended for reference only. Every effort has been made to ensure it is accurate and up to date but there may be the odd error.

If you come across something which you think could be an error then please let us know.

A Brief History of Shotokan Karate

The origins of Shotokan karate started in China before moving to Okinawa then Japan. Karate came to the UK in 1957. Here we have provided a brief history of the art from ancient beginnings to modern day.

Gichin Funakoshi - Father of Modern Day Karate

Gichin Funakoshi was born in Shuri, Okinawa in 1868. Master Funakoshi was a student of one of Okinawa’s greatest experts of Karate-do, Master Yasutsune Azato as well as being a student to the much respected Master Itosu. Master Funakoshi learned from these two great masters the fundamentals of Karate and developed a diffused form of Karate-do which is known as Shoto-Kan.

Ju Ippon Kumite

Ju ippon is single step kumite or sparring. Both people face each other in ju dachi (fighting stance). The attacker uses a predetermined attack which the defender parries then counter attacks. There are 24 ju ippon techniques with attacks ranging from punches to kicks.

Grading Policy

As a Karate student's ability and knowledge develops this is indicated by their grade. After approximately three months a beginner will take the test for 'tenth kyu' or 'tenth student grade'. If they pass they will wear a red belt as an indication of their progress. They will carry on taking gradings at regular intervals up to first kyu.

A student who gains a first kyu will then prepare for their first dan grading. Anyone gaining the rank of first dan is entitled to wear a black belt. The gradings get progresively harder and longer each time with the grading for 1st dan also including an exam on areas such as terminology and teaching methodology. The sylabus for each grading level is detailed on the grading sylabus page.

Terminology

Japanese terminology is used to describe the punches, blocks, kicks, strikes, stances, katas, etc used in Karate. The terminology used in the Shoshin Club is listed on the terminology page.

Karate and the Law

This section gives basic information on how the law applies to the use of karate as self-defence. We do not have any members with legal qualifications so the information in this section should be taken as advice only.