The Values of Karate

In our everyday lives we often forget the importance of exercise for both our physical and emotional health. The practice of karate tones the body, enhances coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina.

Also, the serious practice of karate develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into one's mental capabilities, and a stable self-confidence. In this, karate is not an end, but a means to an end. Karate is an activity in which advancing age is not necessarily a hindrance. To the contrary, martial arts training fosters an evolving sense of proficiency via the keen coordination of mind and body.

What is Karate?

Karate may be defined as a weaponless means of self-defense. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques using all parts of the body. Karate practice is divided into three categories:

• Kihon (basic blocks, punches, kicks and stances)
• Kata (pre-arranged forms simulating combat situations)
• Kumite (sparring or fighting techniques)

Within each category the beginner is given instruction at the most basic level until the techniques become fluid, spontaneous. The trained karate practitioner is able to coordinate the mind and body, thereby allowing maximum physical and mental power to be expressed in most any situation.

Instructors at Lake Forest Shotokan are professionals in the community as well as life-long practitioners of karate-do. They represent good role models for children, and naturally create a higher quality of training atmosphere.

Our Heritage

Although the ancient origins of karate are extremely vague, we do know that about 1400 years ago while teaching at the Shaolin Temple in China, Daruma Daishi used techniques basic to karate. Later these techniques developed into fighting forms know as Shaolin Boxing. In the 16 th Century, Shaolin Boxing found its way to Okinawa from China. It combined with native Okinawan techniques to develop into several Okinawan styles.

In 1922, having mastered two major styles in Okinawa, Master Gichin Funakoshi , then president of Okinawa Association of the Sprit of Martial Arts, was chosen to demonstrate Karate at the first National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo. This led to the introduction of the ancient martial art to the rest of Japan. At the urging of friends and officials, he remained in Tokyo to teach. “The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.” –Gichin Funakoshi

Special Training

Special trainings are practices unique to SKA and its affiliated groups. They are available seminars which last from 2-4 days and are designed to push your body and mind to their maximum potential. It is said that one special training in worth 6 months of regular practice. Special training occur throughtout the year across North America.

SKA Ranking System

SKA charges no additional fees for Belt tests.

In SKA, your rank indicates your level within a 14-step system. Master Funakoshi's original ranking system is still used: White Belt-5 kyus, Brown Belt - 3 kyus, and Black Belt - 5 dans. Gradings to determine rank are held in November and April (the months of Master Funakoshi's birth and death). At the grading, a panel of black belts evaluates your level based on your technical ability, your age, your length of practice, special circumstances, the number of special trainings you have attended, and your training mentality. Feedback from the black belts conducting grading represents one of the most important learning experiences within our training system.

Lake Forest Shotokan Fees

$5 per class

SKA Annual Membership

$50 registration fee

$75 renewal each January ($25 Renewal Coupon after July 1st)

Family rate: The first two family members pay the regular rate. Additional family members pay only $10 per year.