Karate is a superb method of physical exercise and mental discipline.
It exercises all major muscle groups, including developing strength
coordination and agility.
The formal exercises of Karate consist of series of defensive and offensive
techniques, performed in a set sequence against multiple imaginary opponents.
These are called kata. These formal exercises are composed of many combinations
of body shifting, blocking, punching, striking and kicking techniques, ranging
from easy to very difficult. Kata training will encourage the development of
form, balance, speed, control and alertness.
Shotokan Karate Center also seeks to develop a mental Karate attitude that
is conducive to the development and growth of many character building attributes
for a student, such as respect, etiquette, sincerity, effort and self control.
Shotokan Karate Center's ultimate goal is not solely for the development of
physical prowess, but rather to seek and encourage the development of a
spiritual and psychological fulfillment, using a sound healthy body.
In Karate we say, "Do what is right". You will eventually be a real winner
in karate and in life. Wanting to win is human nature... but if you desire
this too much, you will become unbalanced. When you lose balance, you also
lose understanding. You lose judgment. You even lose movement. Therefore,
you will always need balance, in all parts of your life.
By learning karate, you learn many things about yourself. Ways you are
strong and ways you are weak. As you train, you will gain experience
that will give you skills and judgment. This will soon start when you
leave behind concerns about winning or losing. We must all learn to
live in peace with our environment, ourselves and other people.
At our dojo we train to live.