About

Wollongong Shotokan Karate is a Dojo of Shotokan International Australia (SKIA), founded by Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke (1931-present). We practice traditional Japanese karate-do, where the word “do” refers to the “way” or “discipline” of karate. Shotokan karate is one of the original four styles of karate (along with Goju Ryu, Shito Ryu and Wado-ryu), and this particular club belongs to an international association (SKIF) with strong lineage to the original founder of Shotokan Karate: Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957). The name “Shoto” is derived from Funakoshi’s pen name.

Shotokan karate is considered a restricted-contact, traditional Japanese form of karate and naturally some bumps and bruises can occur in partner work. As our karate develops over years of practice, we learn greater control over our strikes and kicks to eventually achieve touch contact – light/restricted contact executed at damaging speeds but resulting in no significant damage as the technique is pulled just short of that damaging moment, touching the skin but not penetrating beyond that point. Adult beginners and children practice limited-contact karate, meaning that the strike is not allowed to make contact with the opponent's body or face, but is still be blocked (e.g. by using part of your arm). In the event of a survival situation, we also learn to fully release that power should we need to protect ourselves from harm outside of the dojo. This overarching philosophy of Shotokan karate is represented by the symbol of Shotokan Karate – the tiger contained within a circle. The tiger is a powerful animal, respected for its power, strength and tenacity; yet, all of that power is strictly controlled, and thus the tiger is safely enclosed within a circle.

The dojo kun, originally created by Gichin Funakoshi, refers to a set of principles or code of ethics that all karateka in Shotokan karate are expected to follow. This is part of what makes karate-do an art or discipline as opposed to just another fighting system. All five precepts outlined below are considered equally important which is why at the beginning of each precept is the word “Hitotsu” which means “One” in English.