The Kitchener-Waterloo Shotokan Karate School is a non-profit organization in Waterloo, Ontario.
We hope to offer courses again starting in 2008.
Karate-do, loosely translated, means "the way of the empty hands." Better known simply as Karate, its origin can be traced back thousands of years to China. Martial artists in Okinawa developed Chinese fighting techniques into a unique system of self-defense. In the early twentieth century, a Karate master by the name of Gichin Funakoshi introduced Okinawan Karate to Japan, and subsequently to the world.
Karate is an effective means of self-defense. It is also an athletic activity that strengthens all parts of the body, increasing cardiovascular fitness as well as balance and agility. It fosters the traits of courage, courtesy, integrity, humility and self-control. To the sport conscious Karateka (karate student), Karate skills can be tested in regularly organized competitions.
The Shotokan style that is taught at the school was the style founded by Master Funakoshi. It is practiced by millions of Karateka around the world. Like other Karate styles, Shotokan utilizes punching, striking, kicking and blocking techniques for effective self-defense. These techniques are conducted on a scientific basis: instructors using a systematic and properly scheduled training system employ correct physical and psychological principles.
The dojo (training facility) is located in Kitchener-Waterloo.
We will be posting our training times shortly.
Please contact us for current fee information.
Beginners and those who have previously practised any style of karate are welcome.Participants may begin attending classes in normal workout clothing, but will be required eventually to obtain a white karate uniform (gi).
For safety reasons, all jewellery (including watches, rings, chains and earrings) must be removed before entering the dojo.For the same reasons, nails must be kept short.Glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids may be worn during training (at the wearer's risk). Students with long hair may wear something to keep the hair tied back, but such a device must be subdued in style and colour.
For more information about the course, please e-mail kw_shotokan at yahoo dot ca. (No spam, please!)