San Diego Shotokan currently offers a general class format, which is open to beginners and advanced practitioners alike. We provide all members the flexibility of participating in any practice, thus accommodating the various time schedules of our members. Depending on the skill levels of the participants of a particular practice, the class will be instructed as a whole or it will be divided into a beginners group and an advanced group. Each group will be assigned a black belt as an assistant instructor. Thus, all students get the instruction and attention appropriate to their skill level. We are fortunate in having many senior black belts who are qualified to assist leading practices.

A typical karate class starts with a brief sitting meditation, which is followed by warm up and stretching exercises led by a senior brown belt or a black belt. Instruction will then begin involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Curriculum is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). The practice concludes with another short sitting meditation.

“True karate is this: That in daily life one’s mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.” – Gichin Funakoshi 

 

 

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