A Brief History
You are going to learn one of the most effective and one of the oldest types of self-defence known. Karate is very disciplined, and we expect all students to treat the art with respect. It is especially important for students to remember that karate is for self-defence and is not something to show off or seek confrontation with. At all times both during training and outside, you should be respectful with others.
A little about Karate
The history of karate can be tracked over 2000 years! Although it is now accepted as a Japanese art, it is a form of self-defence that originally came from India. Buddhist Monks, whose religion banned them from using any weapons, developed self-defence techniques using their feet and hands to protect themselves from robbers when they were on their travels. This was so effective, that other religious orders also developed self-defence style themselves. One of these was the famous Shaolin Temple in China.
From the Shaolin Temple, a very disciplined and powerful style of self-defence was developed. Martial arts were shrouded in mystery and were treated as a part of religious belief. From those humble beginnings, some many hundreds of years ago, the now immensely popular sport of Karate has developed. Modern Karate is split into a number of different styles, all of which use similar techniques, but students should be careful to select a club and style that is properly registered and run by qualified instructors.
The Southern Shotokan Karate Association practices the Traditional style of Shotokan Karate. This style is very close to the original temple style and is recognised as being extremely powerful and highly disciplined. The late great master Gichin Funakoshi brought it to Japan from the village of Shuri in Okinawa early in the 20th Century.
Dojo Kun (Dojo Rules or Creed/Oath)
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We want all our members to enjoy their training, whilst also aiming to maintain the true disciplines and spirit of the original Temple style.
Updated: Friday, 10 September 2010