Martial Arts: Shotokan
Shotokan is one of the four main schools of Karate in Japan. It is best characterised by its long and deep stances and its use of more linear movements. Shotokan has little of the circular movements found in Okinawan styles of karate, nor does it have the body conditioning and supplementary training exercises.
Shotokon Karate is considered by many a sports style of Karate, where tournaments and point-sparring are central to the art. Many exponents of Shotokan are displeased about the way Shotokan has been portrayed and would prefer that Shotokan becomes again the traditional, non-sports martial art as conceived by Funakoshi.
Origin of Shotokan: Japan
Founder of Shotokan: Gichin Funakoshi (Originally an Okinawan Karate Instructor who moved to Japan)
August 12th, 2005 at 3:09 pm
allways keep your eyes open, making sure nothing disturbs you from your target, do not communicate with your target (opponint), your only in that situ […] more
December 1st, 2005 at 3:02 pm
Hmm, just like every technique, the shotokan technique is weak. If you want to learn somthing usefull, learn muay thai.
December 2nd, 2005 at 6:29 pm
Shotokan is a great hard style - it’s very effective and powerful, it’s just more complex than muay thai (and longer ranged). However a hybrid of muay […] more
December 5th, 2005 at 2:39 pm
That’s actually correct, a combination would be a sight to see. I also regret that I said shotokan is not a good martial art, I just find muay thai mo […] more
December 17th, 2005 at 12:48 pm
shotokan karate is a powerful, very useful martial art especially for self defence.
January 15th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
Karate Do Shotokan - every martial art is unique! Saying and comparing different arts is a real mistake! and proves lack of humbleness and maturity on […] more
January 27th, 2006 at 10:50 am
Muay thai is not a very practical sport, its not acctually karate so it can in no way relate to shotokan karate. Its acctually one of the stronger typ […] more
January 27th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
It is obvious that the muy thai proponent is young and has not seen advanced Shotokan or experienced being struck by an advanced practitioner. Each d […] more
February 7th, 2006 at 2:26 am
Bring all your styles down here to tha dirty south, Fort walton beach, fl….to the gym on jet drive… shotokan style is it…ONE BLOCK…ONE PUNCH.. […] more
February 8th, 2006 at 7:41 am
I hear what your saying buddy, but you could phrase it better. I think your getting a bit to worked up. prhaps you should go punch a stack of tyiers, […] more
February 13th, 2006 at 10:20 am
Shotokan is a type of karate that is known for flowing stances, moving like water, but also hard power. My master, Sensi Tony Abel focuses on the aspe […] more
February 14th, 2006 at 7:19 pm
ya, some steel belted tires with a side of palm tree trunks, that will work..we’ll be breaking some femers like chico-sticks in no time on the street, […] more
February 17th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
Shotokan ROCKS! It is raw power!
March 7th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
The martial art style that I have recieved my Dan rank in is highly shotokan based. I find that in terms of weakness, the use of powerful moves can l […] more
March 8th, 2006 at 1:40 am
i want to learn this type of self defense.
March 11th, 2006 at 3:04 pm
A few comments here. First of all there are roughly 5000 different martial arts in the world. Any of them can be used to attack or defend. Discussin […] more
March 12th, 2006 at 1:23 am
Shotokan is an absolutely wonderful style of movement and power. I give major props to my Sensei: Head Master: Master PA Thrash 7th Dan Shotok […] more
March 31st, 2006 at 4:13 am
I need information. I’ m training for a white belt at university of fort hare. Especially about the terms; front stanza to mention but a few.
April 14th, 2006 at 6:09 am
Hi, I would like to know how can I enroll for some Taekwondo classes in B’lore.
April 15th, 2006 at 7:35 am
Regardless of what art(s) you may be studying or have advanced training in, never underestimate those around you, trained or untrained. No one art is […] more
May 7th, 2006 at 7:04 pm
why is that you never see shotokan fighters win K-1. I wouldn’t badmouth any style. Have you ever stepped into the ring with a seasoned muay thai fi […] more
May 20th, 2006 at 4:44 am
I think that most of you have lost the true sense of the art of the open hand. When you are talking about training on trees and tires to break femurs […] more
May 20th, 2006 at 4:52 am
I would like to thank my instructor Robert Judd your commitment to making the basics reaction have saved my life several times and I wait till the day […] more
May 28th, 2006 at 10:10 pm
I think shotokan is good due to that it is basic. You learn a few moves very well. Other styles there is just to much to learn, then what happens when […] more
June 4th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
Well…. I’m only 14 years old…and a blue belt in shotokan… and maybe i don’t know much of karate but… it seems that the style is not really so […] more
June 5th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
I’m only 8th kyu but my dad is a 2nd dan black belt and I agree completely with agustin it is about spirit and it doesn’t matter if you are 10th kyu o […] more
August 3rd, 2006 at 7:58 am
Having trained in Uechi Ryu, muay thai and shotokan, I would rate Shotokan as the softest style. all have benefits and good techniques, but in a stre […] more
August 8th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Just my own experience with Shotokan: My father was a 5th Dan in Shotokan & learned the style in it’s traditional non-sport form, which was very h […] more
August 18th, 2006 at 1:51 am
Shotokan is the best karate style . It is a 430 years old style still existing ,no matter whatever style U all practice the center still holds .Wherev […] more
September 7th, 2006 at 11:41 am
People, it’s ok to be into your Karate thing as far as a hobby, but don’t fool yourselves thinking that you are some kind of “fighters” or that you ha […] more
September 13th, 2006 at 9:50 am
You are the fool, Karate is not only about the skill, not everybody can learn karate and see is true mening, before karate you must have a fighting sp […] more
September 25th, 2006 at 12:20 am
As the grandmaster of Shaolin-do, Grandmaster Sin The’ (tey) once said, “Do not be a fool, fighters do battles, styles are only tools, a great ma […] more
September 26th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
Painful truth I went against a jujitsu person and i made him tap and i never had training in jujitsu straight Shoto-kan And not even Black belt so goe […] more
October 12th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
i have just started shotokan and it seems a strong style
October 19th, 2006 at 3:53 pm
Shotokan is not a contact sport but is only used for self-defence, of yourself, family or friends. It is nto used for fighting unless defence.
October 20th, 2006 at 10:29 am
I am currently training in both Judo and Shotokan Karate. I agree that in a sparring match a grappling stylist is likely to pummell the average karat […] more
October 31st, 2006 at 4:36 pm
i study jujitsu and was thinking of trying another martial art, possibly shotokan. would a combination of the two go well together, as i am interested […] more
November 2nd, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Go for it! Shotokan is a really great Karate style that will compliment well with any other martial arts.
November 15th, 2006 at 7:29 am
ive been stydying muay thai/boxing since i was like 5 years old and i have recently taken an interest in shotokan for some reason. I am 100% pro muay […] more
December 1st, 2006 at 9:25 am
[…] Martial Arts Info - Shotokan Martial Arts Info - Shotokan Karate Do Shotokan - every martial art is unique! Sayin […] more
December 6th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
I believe that every style has its strong and weak points. I currently practice Shotokan, however in many classes we have incorporated many boxing dri […] more
December 13th, 2006 at 11:51 am
Don`t listen to that idiot. Whatever style you pickup, just work hard and you`ll be a good fighter. There is never one style better than the o […] more
January 6th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I dont believe what the author wrote about shotokan being a sports centered style. Many have taken that route with karate in general. In true Shotokan […] more
January 6th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
I dont believe what the author wrote about shotokan being a sports centered style. Many have taken that route with karate in general. In true Shotokan […] more
January 6th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
I dont believe what the author wrote about shotokan being a sports centered style. Many have taken that route with karate in general. In true Shotokan […] more
January 6th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I dont believe what the author wrote about shotokan being a sports centered style. Many have taken that route with karate in general.In true Shotokan […] more
January 7th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Shotokan is a great martial art and i know as i have studied it for 5 years now. The only downpoint of this style is the fact that it does not wholly […] more
January 9th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
shotokan is a great style for building a good center/core, but it takes many, many years to be able to apply it to a street situation/ self defence.
January 9th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
shotokan is a great style for building a good center/core, but it takes many, many years to be able to apply it to a street situation/ self defence
January 26th, 2007 at 8:54 am
about just the bo, i am learning nunchucks, where i learn
February 27th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Never forget that the essence of shotokan and karate is “Karate ni Sente Nashi”. This is not and should never be an offensive style.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Shotokan Karate is actually one of the least “sports like” forms of karate. The ISKF, which is the most leading federation of Shotokan in the US, act […] more
May 22nd, 2007 at 3:59 am
i don`t even like karate but if i had to learn a style or system whatever it certainly wouldnt be shotokan thats for sure,any way karate is outdated i […] more
May 30th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Shotokan is one of the first eclectic “styles” of karate made up of a number of others originally founded in Okinawa. It was never intended to be a s […] more
May 30th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Dear John…come on now. The ISKF is one of the political organizations I spoke of. Your comment about “going to other types of competition can get […] more
June 15th, 2007 at 4:18 am
hello sir i m vikrant sharma from india i need all the sallaybus related vid shotokan styles please let me know how can i get all the inform […] more
July 16th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
shotokan is the best style and the strongest . with most beautiful katas
July 16th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
shotokan is the origin of other styles and it is so near to the virtual in comparison to the other styles. i say that ,after complete investigations a […] more
July 16th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
if you look to the shotokan katas,you see that those are more beatiful and more real,in comparison to the katas of other styles,so shotokan is the bes […] more
July 20th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
shotokan is strong because of linear movements and with ultimate power, which is virtual and beautiful. indeed circular movements in other styles lik […] more
July 31st, 2007 at 1:39 am
I take Taekwondo, I also now take Shotokan. I just joined and I must say it is very impressive, it’s kicks are not as good as TKD’s, but it is better […] more
August 6th, 2007 at 12:32 am
I have just sat and read every comment on this site, you are all entitled to feel the way you do (be it for or against a particular Form). I feel some […] more
August 6th, 2007 at 5:36 am
Shotokan karate is good but the best martial art style is Jisei-Budo, from master Kenji Tokitsu (9º DAn Jisei Budo and former Shotokan practicioner) […] more
August 6th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
430 years??? shotokan is not yet 80 years old.. the name was taken from Funakoshi Gichin’s pen name “Shoto” .. the “Kan” means ‘Hall’ .. hence Shot […] more
August 21st, 2007 at 5:24 pm
The definiton listed above for Shotokan karate could not be more wrong. I study a style of Shotokan that has been adapted to fit the modern-day needs […] more
September 21st, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Gee, don’t you think muay thai techniques can be countered? If that was the case then only the person that struck first would live
September 26th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
As a student of now 2 types of Karate, I am happy to call myself STILL, primarily a student of Shotokan Karate. One of the first things my Sensai did […] more
October 28th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Alright, since everyone seems to have thier own opinion here is my own. First and foremost no style, even a formiable one as Shotokan, is the best st […] more
February 9th, 2008 at 11:44 am
What gym on jet drive? One block?… one punch?…one kick??
February 27th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I wanna learn Karate, and I’m finding the best Karate style there is. So how can you convince me that Shotokan really is the best Karate Style.. Can y […] more
March 12th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I have a black belt in shotokan and I think it was the best thing hat ever happened to me I have had to use it many times and I just hope martial arti […] more
March 27th, 2008 at 9:11 am
well, in a fight to the death I am certain that almost any form of karate would prevail over muay thai kick boxing. I have been drilled day in and day […] more
April 15th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
To the person who is considering taking Karate that asked what we can say to convince you that Shotokan is the best Karate style: Plain and simple, […] more
April 16th, 2008 at 10:55 am
KARATE SHOTOKAN STYLE IS TAUGT To me as Raw fighting no shitty competition in my dojo . my sensi teaches real karate . not how to play fight and that […] more
May 13th, 2008 at 8:12 am
my step dad is a true master of shotokan!
May 21st, 2008 at 11:36 am
Shotokan Karate is not about fight even if I have many titles , it is about your mental skills , how far you can push with your mind and break you opo […] more
July 18th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Shotokan is very strong martial art. I joined it when I favoured the character Sub-Zero!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Does any body know, good karate classes in bangalore, near C V raman nagar, Indira Nagar
August 12th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
I love the many comments from narrow minded people about different “styles”. Obviously those people that say Shotokan is weak and they should try some […] more
August 13th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Teachers out there that call themselves Shihan or “master” must need a “high” on ranking themselves as such. It disgusts me. In Shotokan, Funakoshi Se […] more
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:25 pm
I am A San Dan Ho in The great art of Shotokan Karate Do. Taught by my tremendous Sensei Gohan J. Dorsey, who encouraged his students to become the ar […] more
October 5th, 2008 at 10:30 am
aikido is way better.
December 8th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
There are no styles better than another, it’s up to the individual to explore their own style and others to be realistic and have proper guidance f […] more
December 11th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I’m a shotokan member and who ever thinks it sucks think again.Becouse I do Shotokankarate.And it’s better than any other fighting styles and any of y […] more
March 29th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
cool
July 5th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Shotokan is not as someone suggested , a 430 year old style….but rather, it is about 85 or so years old…..and still evolving from the old Okinawan […] more
July 9th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Beware of Shotokan McDojo.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
what the hell are you guys going on about, all martial arts are great. but just in different ways, ive trained in judo, muay thai, a bit of taekwondo, […] more
November 9th, 2009 at 1:15 am
I am curently taking Taekwondo ,which through years of body science, have the strongest kick in the martial arts world. But the simplcitey of wing chu […] more
January 15th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Why do we qwabble over which style is better? Can’t you see? Shotokan is a branch of Karate. And if you take a close look, there is not much differenc […] more