Karate 空手 is a modern and developing martial art that has its roots in historical martial arts reaching back to Japan, Okinawa and China before that. Our club practices Shotokan Karate. This style date back to the teachings of Gichin Funakoshi (Okinawa, 1868-1957), nicknamed ‘Shoto’, who is widely credited with documenting and formalising a karate teaching style for introduction to a wider audience first in Japan and then around the world. Shotokan, literally “the way of Shoto”.

The practice of karate is known to have physical as well as mental benefits, promoting fitness, stamina and flexibility as well as confidence and self-reliance. It is a defensive martial art that may enable a favourable reaction in a self-defence situation. Under strictly controlled conditions, you will be taught techniques that can harm others. Uncontrolled use of such skills is never permitted.

Unlike many European sports your progress is regulated by your own application not the instructors exhortations to work harder. Your sensei will demonstrate and assist as much as you demand but the success is entirely your own. Your progress along your karate path is marked with gradings that come with coloured belts. There are 10 Kyu grades and 10 Dan grades once you get your 1st Dan you will wear a black belt ever after. Some say that is when your real karate adventure begins. Karate is a journey; the belts are progress markers, not a destination.

*先生 in Japanese, literally “one who comes before”, the teacher, master.

一、人格 完成に 努める こと

hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomeru koto

First, to strive for perfection of character

一、誠の道を守ること

hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto

First, to defend the path of truth

一、努力の精神を養うこと

hitotsu, doryoku no seishin wo yashinau koto

First, to foster the spirit of effort

一、礼儀を重んずること

hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto

First, to honour the principle of etiquette

一、血気の勇を戒むること

hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto

First, to guard against impetuous courage

*Literally: Training hall rules – how to behave and not to behave when in the dojo. They all start with ‘first’ to indicate their equal standing as rules. 

Sensei Funakoshi wrote the Niju Kun (Twenty Precepts) to help karate students transform their art into a way of life. Each line contains superficial meaning as well as deeper truth that could take a lifetime to fully understand. The original Japanese text is terse and meant to be thought provoking. Accordingly, English translations vary with individual interpretation. Below is a synthesis of a number of these interpretations

1. Karate-do begins and ends with a bow (courtesy).

2. There is no first attack (move) in karate. (In karate the initiative does not exist).

3. Karate is a great assistance (an aid) to justice.

4. First you must know (control) yourself, then you can know (control) others.

5. Spirit is more important than technique.

6. Always be ready to release your mind.

7. Misfortunes arise out of negligence (laziness).

8. Do not think that karate training is only in the dojo.

9. It will take your entire life to learn karate.

10. Put your everyday living into karate (put karate into everything you do) and you will find "myo" (the subtle secrets, the ideal state of existence, exquisite beauty).

11. Karate is like hot water; if you do not heat it constantly, it will again become cool water.

12. Do not think about winning; think rather that you do not have to lose.

13. Move (change) according to (depending on) your opponent. (Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.)

14. The secret of combat resides in the art of directing it (clever fighting, trying every strategy).

15. Think of the hands and feet as swords.

16. When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you. (It is your behavior that invites trouble from them.)

17. Beginners must master basic stances; natural body positions are for the advanced.

18. Practising karate correctly is one thing; engaging in a real fight is another.

19. Do not forget to correctly apply: light and heavy application of power, expansion and contraction of the body, and slowness and speed of techniques.

20. Devise at all times. (Always think and devise ways to live the Precepts every day.)