Karate

Training is usually divided into three sections: kihon or "basics", kumite or "sparring", and kata (forms or patterns of moves). Shotokan techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances which provide stability, powerful movements and also helps strengthen the legs.

Strength and power are often demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. The kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to being more "free" and flexible at a higher level. Funakoshi is said to have found the traditional martial arts (such as sumo, jujutsu and kenjutsu) to be too focused on combat, and he put more emphasis on health, breathing, releasing energy and outstanding mind and body control. Shotokan can be regarded as a hard and 'external' martial art.

Before his students established the Japan Karate Association, Master Funakoshi Gichin laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate, which form the foundations of the art. Within these twenty principles, based heavily on Bushido and Zen, lies the philosophy of Shotokan.

1. Never forget: karate begins with rei and ends with rei (Rei means courtesy or respect, and is represented in karate by bowing)
2. There is no first attack in karate
3. Karate supports righteousness
4. First understand yourself, then understand others
5. The art of developing the mind is more important than the art of applying technique
6. The mind needs to be freed
7. Trouble is born of negligence / ignorance
8. Do not think karate belongs only in the dojo
9. Karate training requires a lifetime
10. Transform everything into karate; therein lies its exquisiteness
11. Karate is like hot water, if you do not give it heat constantly, it will again become cold water
12. Do not think that you have to win, rather think you do not have to lose
13. Transform yourself according to the opponent
14. The outcome of the fight depends on one's control
15. Imagine one's arms and legs as swords
16. Once you leave the shelter of home, there are a million enemies
17. Postures are for the beginner; later they are natural positions
18. Perform the kata correctly; the real fight is a different matter
19. Do not forget control of the dynamics of power, the elasticity of the body and the speed of the technique
20. Apply the way of Karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.

Time: Thursdays from 19:30

Instructor: Mike Dignam
Grade: Shodan (1st Dan)

Background:
Initially studied Wado Ryu as a junior under Sensei Chris Thompson (7th Dan). After a break during school studies Mike switched to Shotokan and trained at the legendary Marshall Street Dojo with Sensei Enoeda (8th Dan). After a further break for career commitments training resumed, this time at the South London SKC with Sensei Martin Dobson (3rd) Dan where he still trains and coaches. Mike also trains at The Oasis and Budokwai with Sensei Ohta (6th Dan) and attends official JKA courses throughout the UK. Mike has also attended the Kan Geiko winter training at the Sohonbu Dojo (JKA headquarters) in Tokyo, Japan.

Mike has been a member of the Putney SKC for 3 years and holds an English Karate Governing Body (EKGB) coaching qualification, personal indemnity insurance and full Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance.