What is karate?
Karate is the practice and development of blocking and striking techniques for the purpose of self defence, health and self development within a specified code of behaviour allied to particular oriental cultural practices.
Movements are short, sharp and linear, with blocks being used to ward off an attack, followed by counter attacks to discourage further aggression. There are many spectacular techniques of destruction, but there also many lesser known techniques which are beneficial to health.
Besides being an excellent form of self defence, karate is also a thrilling competitive sport. Regular training in karate not only improves the body's physical stamina and suppleness but also produces the mental calm and assurance which comes from knowing you can defend yourself.
While you learn the 3 main disciplines of Karate: Khion, Kumite and Kata
you will also gain:
Self Confidence: Karate is one of the best builders of self confidence. Traditional Shotokan Karate training helps prepare a child for life, helping with issues such as bullying, the pressures of exams and the building of self esteem. Children like to perform, especially for the people they love and respect. With a little encouragement and support from the instructor, they will rise to the occasion and surprise themselves with their own achievements.
Etiquette: Children are taught from the outset that Shotokan Karate is primarily a defensive and not an offensive martial art. Children learn how to be polite and respect their fellow students, instructor and parents.
Discipline: A child’s concentration is enhanced if they learn to focus their mind on the job in hand, whether by learning a sequence of complicated techniques in Karate or by passing an exam in school. Many parents notice a marked improvement of concentration once Karate training has commenced.
Self Defence: Street violence, especially muggings, take place in every town in the country and Shotokan
Karate is an effective form of unarmed combat.
Health and Flexibility: Shotokan Karate will help to improve your overall fitness and general wellbeing.
With regular training, flexibility and strength will improve.
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The Northampton Club is run by the Chief Instructor himself, Mr G. Sahota,
Gursharan Sahota was born in Kenya, East Africa but moved to the UK at the age of 12. He took up Karate at the age of 14 in the local Bedford club and was awarded black belt 1st dan (shodan) four years later.
Now an 8th Dan, Gursharan has competed in a multitude of Kata and Kumite events, many at National and International level. But the most significant event in his career was the visit he made in 1984 to Japan. There, he fulfilled a great ambition by training in a Japanese dojo under the instruction of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa.
This experience proved to be a turning point for Gursharan. On his return to England he realised the trip had been the inspiration he needed to dedicate his future to training and teaching karate as a way of life.
Classes are held on a Friday evening and Saturday morning.
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"Hitotsu! Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuru Koto !" (One! To Strive For The Perfection of Character!)
"Hitotsu! Makoto No Michi O Mamoru Koto !" (One! To Defend The Paths Of Truth !)
"Hitotsu! Doryoku No Seishin O Yashinau Koto !" (One! To Foster The Spirit Of Effot !)
"Hitotsu! Reigi O Omonzuru Koto !" (One! To Honour The Principles of Etiquette !)
"Hitotsu! Kekki No Yu O Imashimuru Koto !" (One! To Guard Against Impetuous Courage !)
The Intermediate (Int) grade is for juniors under the age of 14 years, apart from the 1st Dan Intermediate grade, which is for Juniors and Seniors
| Beginners | White Belt |
| 10th Kyu | Blue Belt |
| 9th Kyu | Red Belt |
| 8th Kyu | Orange Belt |
| 7th Kyu | Yellow Belt |
| 6th Kyu Int | Yellow with Green Tag |
| 6th Kyu | Green Belt |
| 5th Kyu Int | Green with Purple Tag |
| 5th Kyu | Purple Belt |
| 4th Kyu Int | Purple with White Tag |
| 4th Kyu | Purple/White Belt |
| 3rd Kyu Int | Purple/White with Brown Tag |
| 3rd Kyu | Brown Belt |
| 2nd Kyu Int | Brown with White Tag |
| 2nd Kyu | Brown/White Belt |
| 1st Kyu Int | Brown/White with Red Tag |
| 1st Kyu | Brown/Red Belt |
| 1st Dan Int | Brown/Black Belt |
| 1st Dan | Black Belt |
Shotokan Karate was founded by Gichin Funakoshi. (A man who is commonly referred to as "the father of modern-day Karate".)
Funakoshi had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan karate of the time: Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu. In addition to being a karate master, Funakoshi was an avid poet and philosopher who would reportedly go for long walks in the forest where he would meditate and write his poetry. Shotokan is named after Funakoshi's pen name, Shoto, which means "waving pines". Kan means training hall, or house, thus Shotokan referred to the "house of Shoto". This name was coined by Funakoshi's students when they posted a sign above the entrance of the hall at which Funakoshi taught reading "Shoto kan".
In 1955, the Japan Karate Association was established with Funakoshi as Chief Instructor. A handful of students and instructors that trained under Funakoshi passed their knowledge and experiance on to the continuing stream of prospective Karate-Kas. Funakoshi, is remembered as the master of Karate, he died in 1957 at the age of 88. Shotokan Karate is characterised by deep, strong stances and dynamic techniques.
