We train in JKA Style Shotokan Karate following the guidelines of Sensei Hidetaka Nishiyama, the head of our organization. Master Nishiyama is a direct student of Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate and founder of our style.

 Funokoshi Gichin                                                                    Nishiyama Hidetaka             

Shotokan is a traditional Japanese style of Martial Art which emphasizes the use of maximum speed and power in techniques in order to deliver a "finishing blow." See the FAQ for more info.

This quote is out of the book "Karate: Synchronization of Body and Mind", by S. Sugiyama. This book is on loan to our library by Hiro Ruo.

KARATE, MENTAL ASPECT:

We think that there are limits to the strength of our body and mind without really tring hard to find these limits. With proper training, these mental and physical barriers can be removed to reveal surprising power which we never expected. KARATE is a Japanese martial art (BU_DO), which was devised to overcome our weaknesses and limitations by bringing out our hidden or unnoticed potential.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SELF-DEFENSE AND A JAPANESE MARTIAL ART?

When acting in self-defense, you are acting in your own interest. You, yourself, are the subject to be protected. This, of cousre, is instinctive and easy to do.

When practicing a Japanese martial art, somebody else or something greater than yourself is the subject to be protected. This means you must have an alturistic love of others as preached by Christianity, instead of just an egotistical love of yourself."