This blog is my reflection on the changes within Shotokan over the past 60 years. You may agree or disagree, either way I welcome your comments.
It is now gender friendly; many more women are training in Shotokan; it has lost its male dominated machismo
Instructors have become teachers
The dojo is a safe, learning environment to promote the advancement of all students
It is no longer an activity designed to exhaust the body and push it to extremes
Stretching and warming up is done with due care and attention to the body
Self-defence/offence is no longer the primary aim
There is a recognition that repetitive drills are potentially harmful to ligaments and joints
There is an acknowledgement and acceptance of each individual’s capability with respect to age, flexibly and general health
Karate is like ballet with martial intent; it is an art form; there is an aesthetic quality to the performance of kata
It promotes fitness, flexibility and general well-being
It challenges the body and the mind; equal importance is given left and right sided co-ordination; the memory is stimulated through the accumulation and practice of 32 kata
Kumite in the dojo is performed with controlled aggression and respect; winning and losing have no place
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