Congratulations!

You have found a Shotokan Karate/Self Defence site www.sjkkarate.co.uk  that really cares about you and your family. We will try to guide you to karate/self defence classes that cater for everyone, no matter what "walk of life" you are in, where all are welcome regardless of race or creed.

 Areas of London covered

North London, Enfield, Southgate, New Southgate, Arnos Grove, Barnet Cockfosters, Potters Bar, Bounds Green, Edmonton.
 

How karate affects your life

 Each of us has great hidden or unnoticed potential that with proper training can reveal      surprising power. Our style of karate is a means by which your physical and mental barriers can be lifted and this potential released. Our students learn to co-ordinate mind, body and spirit through defensive techniques and by striving for a calm mental state  ( a mind without    worry or fear)

This is part of Zen philosophy. The word "Karate" implies lack of ego, and achieving a state where outside influences cannot interrupt or disturb your concentration. This makes it possible to decide and act more quickly and powerful

Master Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, stated "The ultimate goal of Karate does not lie in victory but in perfection of the character of the participants"

We try to encourage our students to reach a state of "nothingness" where the mind is relaxed and undisturbed by external problems and forces.

You can take the lessons of Karate with you everywhere. Life usually provides many opportunities to put these lessons into use.

Karate comes from "the land of the rising sun" Japan. It encumbers all that is good. It is not, as many people think, a form of aggression. It is the very opposite. Karate is a means of helping others in times of stress. To defend your family and friends, to control the power learned and channel it to do good. Never to make the first attack. To show respect to others
 

KARATE - A WAY OF LIFE
Nowadays it is virtually a cliché to say "Karate-do is a way of life/a lifestyle", but very few really know what they are talking about and actually explain their words. In Shotokan Karate you obtain, through a rigorous training, a knowledge about yourself, that in our hedonistic present materialistic culture, is very hard to obtain. This knowledge gives you the tools with which you can face any critical situation in your life. You can then confront them calmly, firmly and with an unusual success. But it not only expresses itself in crisis, furthermore in any activity, the spirit of excelling and the self-knowledge attained give you better tools to achieve a better life.

 
 
Why study Karate? Karate is good exercise, but it is much more than a sport. Studying karate will help you develop mental control and poise which will benefit all aspects of your life. Many people began karate lessons for a specific purpose: self-defence, exercises, loss of weight, gain confidence, etc. These goals are all obtainable, but most people continue to train because of the less tangible benefits they discover which are gained from mental discipline.
Karate and Self Defence. Self defence through "tricks" are movements designed for specific situations, usually after an opponent has grabbed you. How can you possibly predict the way a mugger will attack. In traditional karate, students develop KIME (focus) which enables even a small student to produce a blow powerful enough to knock out a larger opponent. However, focus will not develop overnight. Training and study are required.
If an opponent actually grabs you, you have already failed to defend yourself. You should react before the situation becomes dangerous. The ability to sence an opponents action, which is developed in karate, will also allow you to recognise danger on the street, and you can remove yourself from the situation. Keep in mind the traditional karate saying, "Victory without battle is the best victory."


                                                                                                            QUESTIONS

1. Is karate a religion?

Although karate is steeped in "Zen Buddhism" it is not a religion. Students of karate bow to each other and to their teachers (sensei) out of respect for one another

 

2. What is karate physically?

Karate is a weaponless martial art (karate meaning "empty hand") which can also be enjoyed as a sport. Every part of the body is used as a weapon to punch, kick, strike, and throw the opponent in a controlled manner.


3. What is the difference between karate and other weaponless martial arts?

The first principle of karate is to dispatch an opponent with "one blow" - KIME.


4. What is Kime?

Kime is focus - Just as a lens focuses light on to a point, as in training, we practice synchronising the entire body to support the point of contact with the opponent. Also to produce a sudden shock similar to striking a ball with a bat, we try to relax our bodies and minds to generate speed.


5. What do you study when you reach an advanced rank in karate?

You will be taught to understand the internal rhythm of the human being. By harmonizing your rhythm with that of your opponent you will learn to feel his proposed movement ahead of time. That is, in basics you will learn "how to generate firepower." As you advance you will learn to become aware of your opponent and surroundings. You will develope in essence "radar."

6. What are you ultimately trying to attain?