“VICTORY
ITSELF IS NOT THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF TRADITIONAL KARATE”
As the original karate,
traditional karate evolved from Japan as a martial art and is a culmination
of martial arts philosophy and technical basis of karate-do and is
based on the concept of the “finishing blow”, a technique sufficient
to destroy an opponent.
As a self-defense art,
the size of the opponent is not known nor is it relevant. For this
reason there is great emphasis on self-defense principles that demand preparation
for defense against any opponent regardless of size.
Traditional Karate as
a competitive art uses competition as a means to further train and enhance
human development by improving emotional stability, mental discipline and
proper etiquette. During competition, everything is based upon the
art of self-defense with the principle that a finishing blow offers no
second chance, therefore, traditional karate competitions are single
point matches minimizing the use of careless actions and sloppy techniques.
On the other hand,
presently and for years past there has been an emergence of new karates
which derived their techniques and orientations from the punching and kicking
basis from Traditional Karate. While appearing to be similar, these
new karates made some crucial modifications. The most critical being the
emphasis and philosophy from a self-defense martial art to a multiple point
game that uses punching and kicking in the broadest and most general sense.
Points are awarded for quickest and closest hand or foot to the target
eliminating the requirement of the “finishing blow”.
As a result, the application of impact force through total body action
and maximum use of potential/kinetic energy is not necessary leading to
traditional karate body dynamics being completely opposite of new derivative
karates.
Here in San Antonio,
we continue to promote the practice of Traditional Karate in the style
of JKA-Shotokan. Our lineage of training is from Mr. Funakoshi, Mr.
Nakayama and Mr. Nishiyama. Our instructors hold Dan rankings awarded by
Mr. Nakayama and Mr. Nishiyama. We’re affiliated with the International
Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF)
, American Amateur Karate Federation (AAKF)
and JKA-Shotokan Southwestern Dojos.
