New Students to Shotokan

If you are a new student to the style of Shotokan, then let me say: WELCOME! I believe that you will find your study of the art to be as fulfilling as it has been for me. Shotokan is rich in history, it was the primary Okinawan based system brought to mainland Japan whose core foundations lead to many of the major karate styles you find today in Japan, the US, as well as Korea.

Shotokan is practiced all over the world. There are some well known organizations that represent the greater body of the art, for example the JKA and the other branches that split off from it. There are some well known people who practiced the art, including but not limited to Master Funakoshi (founder), Bill Wallace, Wesley Snipes, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, Jean-Claude Van Dam, etc.

What is it that I gain the most? Why do I stick with it this art? I believe that it is the depth of the art that is so appealing to me. Due to its roots within the traditional Okinawan based systems, you can really see the depth and beauty of all the intricate movements, meanings and postures that the art provides. It can give you a lifetime worth of material to study from, and that is not a joke.

I hope that you enjoy your time with Shotokan, good luck in your endeavors, and let me know if you have any questions or comments!