Our style
We teach Shotokan karate in the tradition of Master Gichin Funakoshi and Tsutomu Ohshima.
What is karate?
The word karate combines two Japanese characters: kara, meaning “empty”, and te, meaning “hand”. Karate means empty hand. Adding the suffix -do (pronounced “doe”), meaning “way”, gives karate-do: karate as a whole way of life that goes well beyond self-defence. In traditional karate-do we always keep in mind that the true opponent is oneself.
Karate practice benefits students in every area of their lives. It is not an end, but a means to an end, and it encourages proficiency and the keen coordination of mind and body.
- It strengthens the mind, and develops composure, clearer thinking, deeper insight into one’s mental capabilities and more self-confidence.
- It strengthens the whole body, improves coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina and overall health.
- It values courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honour and self-control.
Shotokan karate
Lakeshore Shotokan is part of Canada Shotokan Karate (CSK), a subsidiary of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA). We follow the teachings of Tsutomu Ohshima, chief instructor (shihan) of SKA and a direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate.
Like CSK and SKA, Lakeshore Shotokan is a not-for-profit, non-commercial organisation. Our instructors volunteer their time because they are passionate about Shotokan and the benefits it brings to participants.
Shotokan focuses on three main competencies:
- Kihon 基本
- Basic blocks, punches, kicks and stances.
- Kata 型
- Pre-arranged forms simulating combat situations. See our kata videos.
- Kumite 組手
- Pre-established or free sparring.
How is Lakeshore Shotokan different?
We focus on getting the foundations right, emphasising good form, precise technique and powerful execution. We are devoted to teaching karate at its highest level, as an authentic and traditional martial art, and we keep classes small to ensure individual attention.
Glossary
New to the Japanese terms used in class? SKA keeps a glossary of karate termsin English and Japanese.