SHOTOKAN FITNESS KARATE

  List of Katas A student demonstrates one of the katas required in the kobudo (weapons) classes Taikyoku This is the most elementary kata practiced at SFKA/SFKO. Developed by Master Funakoshi’s son, Gigo, Taikyoku helps new students learn basic kata principles. 太極初段  Taikyoku   Shodan  – (first cause) Heian Created relatively recently, the Heians were originally called Pinan from the Okinawan pronunciation of the Chinese word for safety. When introduced to Japan, Master Funakoshi opted to use the Japanese pronunciation Heian. Considered basic kata for beginning students. 平安初段  Heian Shodan  – (peaceful mind, first level) 平安二段  Heian Nidan  – (peaceful mind, second level) 平安三段  Heian Sandan  – (peaceful mind, third level) 平安四段  Heian Yondan  – (peaceful mind, fourth level) 平安五段  Heian Godan  – (peaceful mind, fifth level) Tekki Originally known in Okinawa as Naihanchi, the katas were renamed by Master Funakoshi upon i...

 Shotokan Fitness Karate Academy|Organization SFKA/SFKO History & Principles of Shotokan Karate A Short History of Shotokan Karate Gichin Funakoshi is widely considered as the “father” of modern day karate. He was born in the Shuri prefecture in Okinawa in 1868 and at the age of 11 began to study Karate under two of Okinawa’s top masters. In time, he became a master in his own right and in 1922 he was invited to demonstrate karate to the Japanese public for the very first time. The demonstration was such a success he was invited to stay in Japan and teach, which he did with great success. For Sensei Funakoshi, the word ‘karate’ eventually took on a deeper meaning than just martial arts training, transforming into what is has become known as karate-do, the ‘way of the empty hand.’ He was to modify the Okinawan art by taking inspiration from traditional Japanese budo (kendo, judo, etc) and integrated their philosophical aspects into his and his student’s training. This became a t...