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Information for Beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

What is karate?


Karate is a martial art and system of self­defence that originated  hundreds of years ago in Okinawa, but was greatly influenced by an even  older tradition from China. Literally, “karate­do” means “the way of the  empty hand,” referring to the fact that its practitioners use no  weapons to attack and defend, but only the hands, feet, and body. Yet  karate is much more than merely physical. It is founded on a grand  philosophical and spiritual tradition based on Bushido and Zen Buddhist  principles. Through hard training and practice, karate develops not only  the body, but also the mind and character.  


What is the purpose and goal of karate? 


The ultimate purpose of karate is not physical prowess or the  winning of matches, but the development of balance, harmony and  spiritual and physical strength through strict, disciplined training.  Karate schools you in natural, effortless action, and imbues you with an  openness, peace and wholeness of character that vastly enrich  day­to­day life.   


What is the JKA? 


With members in over 100 countries, the Japan Karate Association  (JKA), is the world’s largest and most prestigious karate organization,  and the only legal karate entity officially recognized by the Japanese  government as an association of members for the promotion of karate.  More importantly though, we are The Keeper of Karate’s Highest  Tradition, the preserver of the soul and spirit of the art of karate in  line with the tradition of Bushido (the way of the samurai). Our mission  is to promote the way of karate throughout the world, while ensuring  that it remains true to the philosophical precepts upon which it was  founded. This has been our mission since the establishment of the JKA in  1949.   



What sort of karate does the JKA teach? 


The JKA is the generally ­recognized heir to the Shotokan karate  tradition as developed by Supreme Master Funakoshi Gichin, and teaches a  specially­ refined form of Shotokan style.   



What is the Shotokan style of karate? 


Shotokan karate is one of the most widely practiced forms of karate  in the world today, and one of the most traditional. Introduced to Japan  from Okinawa by Master Funakoshi Gichin,Shotokan puts heavy focus on  kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to develop  a range of powerful and dynamic techniques. The designation “Shotokan”  derives from “Shoto,” which was the pen name Master Funakoshi used when  writing poetry. The JKA has refined the Shotokan style even further,  creating a related, but unique style all its own. The strength of this  style proves itself time and again: the JKA has by far the largest  number of All Japan and international karate tournament champions.



What is the JKA’s philosophy of karate? 


At the JKA, karate is not a sport or a game of points; it is a way  of life based on Bushido. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit—the  whole person—must be developed simultaneously. Through intense practice,  the physical and mental aspects of karate can be brought together. The  result is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility,  openness and peace only possible through perfect unity of body and mind.  This is the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido, and the  cornerstone of the JKA’s karate philosophy.   



Can anyone practice karate? 


Yes! The only real requirement is a disciplined commitment to work  hard and train patiently. As long as that commitment is there, karate is  for everyone—regardless of age, sex, or ethnic background   


Do I need to be in excellent physical shape to start karate? Not really. Since karate will gradually improve your fitness as you  progress, your starting point is less important than the effort you put  into it along the way. At the JKA, our traditional focus on the basics  and on correct form make it easy for beginners to train together with  experienced individuals yet still progress at their own level of fitness  and expertise. If you are less fit, your progress at the start will  simply be more moderate; as your fitness improves, so will the pace at  which you advance.   



What is expected of me if I join? 


Four things. You are expected to be committed to your karate  training, and to attend classes on a regular basis. You are expected to  give your karate training your maximum effort, and to work hard during  practice. You are expected to demonstrate the respect, humility and  courtesy upon which karate’s long­standing tradition is founded. And of  course, you are expected to pay your membership dues and other fees.  


 

What will training involve? 

 

A typical karate practice session usually begins with a  comprehensive warm­up, followed by the various training exercises. The  exercises are divided into three main categories: kihon (basic  techniques), in which you learn the basic blocks, punches, kicks,  stances, etc. of karate; kata (forms), in which you practice and  physically remember the various kihon learned; and kumite (sparring),  where your kihon and kata techniques are matched against a real  opponent. As your skill level increases, so will the difficulty and  degree of the exercises. Of course, there will also be times when you  are taught theory, dojo etiquette and the more philosophical aspects of  karate.   


What are the benefits of traditional karate training? 


Karate has tremendous benefits for body, mind and spirit.  Physically, karate is good for the heart, strengthens bones, builds  muscle, creates resilience, develops hand­eye coordination, and makes  the body less susceptible to sickness and injury. Mentally, karate helps  develop patience, discipline, perseverance, understanding and  open­mindedness, as well as concentration and focus. Spiritually, karate  builds confidence, develops self­control and increases calmness and  peace.   



How long does it take to learn karate?


It’s really up to you. The more you practice, the more you will  improve—for your entire life. There is no limit to mastering karate, no  “final destination” at which you can arrive. There are benchmarks along  the way however. In the JKA, you progress through a series of belt  levels (9th to 1st Kyu). After that, you receive a black belt, and  progress through another 9 degrees of black belt (1st to 10th Dan). A  student with no prior training joins the JKA as 9th Kyu, and is eligible  to take ranking examinations every 3 to ­4 months of training. Since  there are 9 examinations you must pass to attain a black belt, the 1st  Dan requires a minimum three years of diligent training. It takes  several years to attain each subsequent Dan. At these higher levels, you  will see that karate is not just something to be learned, but something  to be lived. And that takes a lifetime.   



Do I have to wear a karate uniform? 


Eventually, yes. 


   

Where is the Tokyo JKA HQ located? 


The Tokyo JKA HQ Dojo is in Koraku, Bunkyo­ku, Tokyo  

Reference:

JKA SKC Australasia - Keith Geyer Shihan
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We are Affiliated w/ JKA-SKC Australasia

JKASKC Australasia is headed by Keith Geyer Shihan

The Shotokan Karate Club would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country throughout Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture, and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. We recognise the contributions they have made and continue to make to our culture and community. The land on which we live, meet, and thrive as a community always was and always will be Noongar land.

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all. The Shotokan Karate Club proudly supports and affirms the LGBT+ community, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or background.

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