DOJO KUN:

Uphold the principles of propriety and courtesy.

Cultivate the sprit of effort.

Perfect a mind of patience.

Live the way of truth.

Do not lose self-control or act in a violent manner.

Alabama Shotokan Karate Academy - ASKA

Established: 2011

Traditional Martial Arts School

Well qualified instructors with over 50 years of combine Martial Arts experience

 

Call 205-640-5423 to start your journey

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Shotokan Karate

Shotokan (松濤館流, Shōtōkan-ryū^?) is a style of karate, developed in 1939 from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Gigo (Yoshitaka) Funakoshi (1906–1945). Gichin was born in Okinava and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs.

Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Funakoshi, in 1939, and destroyed in 1945 as a result of an allied bombing. SHOTO (松濤, Shōtō^?), meaning "pine-waves" (the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them), was Funakoshi's pen-name, which he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. The Japanese KAN (館, kan^?) means "house" or "hall". In honour of their sensei, Funakoshi's students created a sign reading shōtō-kan which was placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught. Gichin Funakoshi never gave his style a name, just calling it "karate".

Shotokan training is usually divided into three parts: KIHON (basics), KATA (forms or patterns of moves), and KUMITE (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is often regarded as a 'hard' and 'external' martial art because it is taught that way to beginners and coloured belts to develop strong basic techniques and stances. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style which incorporates grappling and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found in the black belt katas. Kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but are less structured, with a focus instead on speed and efficiency.

Ranking System

Rank is used in karate to indicate experience, expertise, and to a lesser degree, seniority. As with many martial arts, Shotokan uses a system of colored belts to indicate rank. 

9th Kyu (White belt): Taikyoku Shodan / Kihon Kata Shodan

8th Kyu (Yellow belt): Heian Shodan

7th Kyu (Orange belt): Heian Nidan

6th Kyu (Purple belt): Sandan

5th Kyu (Green belt): Heian Yondan

4th Kyu (Blue belt): Heian Godan

3rd Kyu (Brown belt): Tekki Shodan

2nd Kyu (Brown belt 1st degree): Tekki Nidan

1st Kyu (Brown belt 2nd degree): Bassai Dai

Shodan (Black belt 1st degree): Kanku Dai

Nidan (2nd degree Black belt), Sandan (3rd degree Black belt), Yodan (4th degree Black belt), Godan (5th degree Black belt), Rokudan (6th degree Black belt), Shichidan (7th degree Black belt), Hachidan (8th degree Black belt): Jion, Empi, Hangetsu, Jitte, Gankaku, Nijushiho, Chinte, Sochin, Unsu, Meikyo, Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho, Wankan, Gojushiho Sho, Gojushiho Dai, Jiin 

Martial Art Terms:

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Purpose of Karate training:

"Not to conquer others, but to conquer weakness within oneself."

Purpose of Seiza:

"To build an orderliness and humbleness for the mind and body."

Purpose of Mokuso:

"To warm up the mind for training hard."

3 basic factors for mental strength:

"Seriousness ~ Try hard ~ Never give up"

3 basic factors for mental attitude:

"Initiative ~ Responsibility ~ Pride"

3 basic factors for relationship with others:

"Appreciation ~ Consideration ~ Unity"