Tyne and Wear Japan Karate Association

• Tyne and Wear JKA are dedicated to the teaching and fostering Japan Karate Association Shotokan karate in the communities in and around Tyne and Wear, spreading the benefits of participation which include but are not limited to fitness, flexibility, coordination and character building to all comers.
• This will be achieved through the provision of accessible, safe and adequate facilities for the practice of shotokan karate and encouraging participation from local communities.

WHAT IS KARATE?
The history of Karate is shrouded in mystery. As far back as 1368 empty hand combat training was practised in Okinawa- China- India and it was not until 1915 that Karate as it is now known was brought to Japan from Okinawa. The person responsible for the introduction of Karate to Japan was Okinawan Master Gichin Funakoshi, an Educationalist with a strong desire to teach Karate as a means of character and spiritual development.

Between 1915-1936 Funakoshi and other great Masters developed their various styles of Karate and eventually Funakoshi named his style Shotokan. There are numerous styles of Karate practised all over the world, each style emphasising something different. Shotokan is a traditional, powerful style dedicated to discipline and character development.

Learning Karate
Beginners are invited to join anytime, and are carefully taught and guided so they learn and achieve at their own pace in a fun and enjoyable environment. A typical class structure consists of the following;
Basics- The practise of basic techniques- punching, kicking, blocking and stances.
Kata -A series of set movements in a specific shape/form. Each grade has a specific kata of which is an integral part of the grading system.
Kumite- Practising with a partner. For beginners, this will be simple and rehearsed in order to get you used to the structure. Basic self defence will be incorporated for all grades.