In the western hemisphere, the JKA is represented by the International Shotokan Karate Federation. It was established in Philadelphia in 1961 by a young instructor named Teruyuki Okazaki. Across Canada a number of JKA clubs were formed and in 1979, under the leadership of Teruyuki Okazaki, ISKF - Canada was given a constitution and formally registered as a non-profit organization with the Federal Government of Canada. At the 1994 World Championship "Shoto Cup", the JKA /World Federation was officially established, formally linking Shotokan organizations throughout the world.

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Mr. Funakoshi's 20 Principles of Karate

1. In Karate, start with a bow and finish with a bow.
2. There is no first attack in Karate
3. Karate is a great assistance to justice.
4. Know yourself first and then others.
5. Spirit first: techniques second.
6. Be ready to release your mind.
7. Misfortune (accidents) always come out of idleness (negligence).
8. Do not think that you can learn Karate only in the Dojo.
9. It will take your entire life to learn Karate: there is no limit.
10. Put your everyday living into karate and you will find the ideal state of existence
11. Karate is just like hot water. If you do not give heat constantly, it will again become cold water.
12. Do not think you have to win. Think, rather, that you do not have to lose.
13. Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
14. Move according to your opponent.
15. Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp swords.
16. When you leave home, think you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behaviour that invites trouble from them.
17. Low stance for beginners; natural stance for advanced students.
18. Practicing a Kata is one thing and engaging in a real fight is another.
19. Do not forget (1) light and heavy application of power, (2) expansion and contraction of the body, (3) slowness and speed of techniques.
20. Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day..

    (Translated by: Mr. S. Koyama)

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DOJO KUN

Japanese translation:

HITOTSU! JINKAKU KANSEI NI TSUTOMURU KOTO!
HITOTSU! MAKOTO NO MICHI O MAMORU KOTO!
HITOTSU! DORYOKU NO SEICHIN O YASHINAU KOTO!
HITOTSU! REIGI O OMONZURU KOTO!
HITOTSU! KEKKI NO YU O IMASHIMURU KOTO!

Click HERE to listen to the Dojo Kun in Japanese

English translation (traditional):

SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER!
BE FAITHFUL!
ENDEAVOR TO EXCEL!
RESPECT OTHERS!
REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOR!

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Belt Levels & Testing Requirements

One of the first things you will probably notice when looking in on karate class is that there are several different coloured belts adorning the white uniforms. The colour of each belt corresponds to the level of experience and ability of the individual wearing it. Everyone begins wearing a white belt. From white they progress through the respective levels of yellow, orange, green, purple, brown and black. We use the Japanese term kyu to refer to the coloured belts and dan to refer to black belts.

Examinations are held four times per year. They are always scheduled to fall on a weekend. The chief examiner is Master Yaguchi who flies in from Denver, Colorado especially for the grading.

We have the opportunity to train with Master Yaguchi in special seminars held just prior to gradings. Everyone is encouraged to participate in these extra classes.

Katas

Kata Videos

Step-by-step diagrams of the kata movements

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Karate Terms

General

Do :
Literally means the way or path. The DO is the way of self development..
Kiai :
Short, sharp, audible sound made at the instant of focus to help tense the body and focus the mind for maximum effectiveness.
Kime :
Focus, the concentration of mind and body to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Zanshin :
The state of total awareness and composure before, during and after an encounter.

 

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Counting

1) Ichi
2) Ni
3) San
4) Shi
5) Go
6) Roku
7) Shichi
8) Hachi
9) Ku
10) Ju

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Stances (dachi)

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Blocking (uke)

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Punching (tsuki)

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Kicking (geri)

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Striking (uchi)

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Sparring (kumite)