{"id":195,"date":"2022-11-13T02:57:59","date_gmt":"2022-11-13T02:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/?p=195"},"modified":"2022-11-22T13:47:48","modified_gmt":"2022-11-22T13:47:48","slug":"shotokan-karate-history-belt-order-kata-bunkai-stances-kicks-punches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/2022\/11\/13\/shotokan-karate-history-belt-order-kata-bunkai-stances-kicks-punches\/","title":{"rendered":"Shotokan Karate (History, Belt Order, Kata, Bunkai, Stances, Kicks, Punches)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Focusing more on character development and mental discipline, the Shotokan form of Karate is hugely popular across the globe. However, it is not an easy art to master. Therefore, you must have proper guidance and knowledge and that\u2019s specifically what I will be discussing in this blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Shotokan Karate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shotokan Karate is a martial art that does not incorporate the use of any weapon. The name \u201cShotokan\u201d comes from a word called \u201cShoto\u201d which means billowing or waving pine. However, this term was actually the pen name of the founder, Gichin Funakoshi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shotokan Karate focuses on wide stances and linear techniques allow the usage of hands, elbows, knees, and feet to deliver strikes quickly and effectively. The Shotokan philosophy focuses not only on self-defense but also on overall improvement. Continuous practice of Shotokan techniques has many benefits like, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Physical and aerobic fitness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Improved perceptibility <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Better body alignment <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Increased concentration <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Stress management <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Growth in confidence and discipline<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    History of Shotokan Karate <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Born in Okinawa in 1868, Gichin Funakoshi<\/a> is considered the founder of modern karate. Throughout his life, Funakoshi had been an avid karate enthusiast. He took karate a step further and integrated philosophical aspects in his student\u2019s karate training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In 1936, he founded his karate style called Shotokan which was further developed by Funakoshi\u2019s son Yoshitaka<\/a> and the first headmaster of the Japan Karate Association, Masatoshi Nakayama. In honor of Funakoshi, his students created a signboard reading \u2018Shotokan\u2019 which was placed above the entrance hall where he taught. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2018Shotokan\u2019 was the name of the first official dojo constructed by Gichin Funakoshi in 1936 at Mejiro. The dojo was damaged in 1945 due to allied bombing. The word \u2018shoto\u2019 means \u2018pine-waves\u2019 and their movement when the winds blow through them. This stands for the precise movements of the body and deep, long stances while practicing Shotokan Karate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan Karate Belt Order<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan Karate follows a dedicated belt system to rank a student. The karate belt system<\/a> uses a variety of colored belts to determine an individual\u2019s skill level. With each passing level, the color of the belt gets darker. Many also believe in the theory of the white belt becoming dirty over time and turning black, representing a black belt, the best rank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mentioned below is the belt ranking system in Shotokan Karate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rank<\/strong><\/th>Belt Color<\/strong><\/th>Kata Required<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    9th<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>White<\/td>Heian Shodan<\/td><\/tr>
    8th<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Yellow<\/td>Heian Nidan<\/td><\/tr>
    7th<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Orange <\/td>Heian Sandan<\/td><\/tr>
    6th<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Green<\/td>Heian Yondan<\/td><\/tr>
    5th<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Purple <\/td>Heian Godan<\/td><\/tr>
    4th<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Purple and White<\/td>Tekki Shodan<\/td><\/tr>
    3rd<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Brown<\/td>Bassai Dai<\/td><\/tr>
    2nd<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Brown and White<\/td>Bassai Dai<\/td><\/tr>
    1st<\/sup> Kyu<\/td>Brown and White <\/td>Bassai DaiKanku DaiJionOr Empi<\/td><\/tr>
    Shodan 1st<\/sup> Dan <\/td>Black <\/td>All Kata\u2019s<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan Karate Techniques<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan Karate Katas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    \u2018Kata\u2019 is a Japanese word meaning \u2018form\u2019. Kata<\/a> is a series of standardized movements or forms which are followed in all forms of karate<\/a> to practice offensive and defensive techniques. When students have to pass the belt test, they are required to perfect the kata movements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan Karate has 26 different katas, which have been listed below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kata<\/strong><\/th>Kata Meaning<\/strong><\/th>No. Of Moves<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Heian Shodan<\/td>Peaceful Mind One<\/td>21<\/td><\/tr>
    Heian Nidan<\/td>Peaceful Mind Two<\/td>26<\/td><\/tr>
    Heian Sandan<\/td>Peaceful Mind Three<\/td>20<\/td><\/tr>
    Heian Yondan<\/td>Peaceful Mind Four<\/td>27<\/td><\/tr>
    Heian Godan<\/td>Peaceful Mind Five Universe<\/td>23<\/td><\/tr>
    Tekki Shodan<\/td>Iron Horse One<\/td>23<\/td><\/tr>
    Tekki Nidan<\/td>Iron Horse Two<\/td>24<\/td><\/tr>
    Tekki Sandan<\/td>Iron Horse Three<\/td>26<\/td><\/tr>
    Bassai Dai<\/td>Penetrating the Fortress-Big<\/td>42<\/td><\/tr>
    Bassai Sho<\/td>Penetrating the Fortress \u2013 Small<\/td>27<\/td><\/tr>
    Kanku Dai<\/td>To look at the Sky \u2013 Big<\/td>65<\/td><\/tr>
    Kanku Sho<\/td>To look at the Sky \u2013 Small<\/td>48<\/td><\/tr>
    Enpi<\/td>Flying Swallow<\/td>37<\/td><\/tr>
    Jion<\/td>Love (and) Goodness<\/td>47<\/td><\/tr>
    Gankaku<\/td>Crane on the Rock<\/td>42<\/td><\/tr>
    Hangetsu<\/td>Half Moon<\/td>41<\/td><\/tr>
    Jitte<\/td>Ten Hands<\/td>24<\/td><\/tr>
    Chinte<\/td>Incredible Hands<\/td>32<\/td><\/tr>
    Sochin<\/td>Preserve Peace<\/td>41<\/td><\/tr>
    Meikyo<\/td>Mirror of the soul<\/td>33<\/td><\/tr>
    Jiin<\/td>Named after the Saint<\/td>38<\/td><\/tr>
    Gojushiho Dai<\/td>54 Steps \u2013 Big<\/td>67<\/td><\/tr>
    Gojushiho Sho<\/td>54 Steps \u2013 Small<\/td>65<\/td><\/tr>
    Nijushiho<\/td>24 Steps<\/td>24<\/td><\/tr>
    Wankan<\/td>Crown of a king<\/td>24<\/td><\/tr>
    Unsu<\/td>Cloud Hands<\/td>48<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan Karate Bunkai <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Bunkai can be understood as singular elements of each kata. For instance, if an instructor has to teach a kata to his students, he will probably break down the kata into its offensive and defensive elements i.e., bunkai. Bunkai differs for each kata because its interpretation and application change accordingly.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan Karate Stances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Shotokan karate follows a very specific stance and movement<\/a> when it comes to fighting techniques. There are 16 Shotokan Karate stances. I have listed all the stances below, with a brief description of each stance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Heisoku-dachi \u2013 This stance incorporates the feet. Both feet must be together and it is used when bowing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Musubi-dachi \u2013 In this stance, the heels of the practitioner must be together but the feet should be turned out at 45 degrees. This stance is also used when bowing <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Heiko dachi \u2013 In the Heiko dachi stance, both feet are kept parallelly and it is used after bowing. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Zenkutsu dachi \u2013front stance with one foot forward with 70% weight on the front leg and 30% on the back leg, used in almost all Shotokan Karate katas. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Kiba dachi \u2013 This stance mimics someone\u2019s horse-riding and it is used while performing the various kata.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Kokustu dachi \u2013back stance with 70% weight on the back leg and 30% on the front leg, used while performing katas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Hangetsu dachi \u2013half-moon stance which follows central weight distribution, 50% on the front leg and 50% on the back leg. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Fudo dachi \u2013 an immovable stance that includes zenkutsu dachi, with the right leg in front.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Sanchin dachi \u2013 hourglass stance used in two Shotokan Karate kata, Nijushiho and Unsu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    10. Neko ashi dachi \u2013cat stance is used in many kata\u2019s, especially in Hangetsu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    11. Tsuru ashi dachi \u2013crane foot stance used in kata, Jitte.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    12. Sagi-ashi-dachi \u2013 heron leg stance used in kata Gankaku and Chinte. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    13. Kosa dachi \u2013 crossed legs stance used in kata Heian Yondan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    14. Migi ashi orishiku \u2013 right leg kneeling stance used in kata Enpi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    15. Renoji dachi \u2013 L shape stance with front and back foot making the letter L.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    16. Teiji dachi \u2013 T shape stance with front and back foot making the letter T.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Shotokan Karate Kicks <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Shotokan karate also incorporates the use of legs and that too actively in the form of kicks. Some well known and often used kicks in Shotokan Karate are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Ashi Barai \u2013 Foot Sweep is useful in knocking an opponent off the ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Fumikomi \u2013Stomping Kick is used to targeting an opponent\u2019s knee, thigh, or foot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Gedan Mawashi Geri \u2013 Low Roundhouse Kick is useful in kicking an opponent off balance. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Hiza Geri \u2013 Knee Strike targets the opponent\u2019s knee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Kakato Otoshi Geri \u2013 Axe Kick targets the shoulder bone of the opponent. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Kansetsu Geri \u2013 Joint Kick is aimed at the side or back of the opponent\u2019s knee. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      7. Kin Geri \u2013 Groin Kick is a standard self-defense kick in the groin area of the opponent. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      8. Mae Geri \u2013 Front Kick is also a self-defense kick aimed in the groin area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      9. Mikazuki Geri \u2013 Crescent Kick aims at the opponent\u2019s head or collar bone. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      10. Uchi Mikazuki Geri \u2013 Inside Crescent Kick travels in a circular motion from the inside to the outside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      11. Otoshi Mawashi Geri \u2013 Downward Roundhouse Kick is angled downwards towards the target. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      12. Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku \u2013 Tornado Kick is a spinning roundhouse kick and is very powerful.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Shotokan Karate Punches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Some punches and hand strikes used in Shotokan Karate are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Age Zuki \u2013 Uppercut punch is a powerful technique used to strike against an opponent\u2019s jaw.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Enpi \u2013 Elbow strike looks similar to an ape beating down its target.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Haishu Uchi \u2013 The backhand strike is a reverse slap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Haito Uchi \u2013 Ridge hand strike is an open hand method in which the artist hits the opponent with the thumb side of their open hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Nihon Ken \u2013 Two-finger strike is a self-defense technique in which the artist uses two fingers to poke the opponent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        6. Kage Zuki \u2013 Hook punch is a controlled punch to block the opponent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        7. Nukite \u2013 Spear hand strike uses all the fingers except the thumb to target the soft spots of the opponent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        8. Tate Zuki \u2013 Vertical Punch positions the fist vertically while targeting the opponent.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Is Shotokan Karate Effective for Self-defense in a Real Fight?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Of course. Gigin Funakoshi designed Shotokan Karate with the idea of self-defense in mind, hence, it can effectively help<\/a> an individual strike an attacker. If practiced regularly, Shotokan Karate techniques start coming naturally to the artist. It is almost like a muscle memory after one point in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Consistent training can teach an individual endurance. Along with that, it also helps in building the much-needed arms, legs, shoulders, and torso strength. Additionally, the mental strength it inculcates allows the artist to take opponents of different sizes and weights without being scared and creating a mental block. It is a good physical activity to indulge in if individuals want to understand their own body closely, learn self-control, and achieve mind-body harmony.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Shotokan Karate Books to Read<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          In order to master any art, it is imperative to have a comprehensive knowledge of the same. Shotokan karate needs dedication, willpower, and constant commitment. Therefore, you must try to build up as much knowledge as you can. Hence, I have mentioned here is a list of books that can help you learn more about Shotokan Karate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. The Shotokan Karate Bible: Beginner to Back Belt <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Karate-Do Kyohan: The Master Text<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Shotokan Karate: Its History and Evolution<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Shotokan Karate:: Your Ultimate Grading and Training Guide (White to Black Belt)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          5. 26 Shotokan Katas: Reference Manual<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Final Words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            The Shotokan form of Karate requires complete dedication, determination, and inner-will as it not only focuses on physical strength but mental well-being as well. Curious about the difference between Shotokan and Kyokushin, check our article: Shotokan VS Kyokushin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Source: https:\/\/thekarateblog.com\/what-is-shotokan-karate\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            Focusing more on character development and mental discipline, the Shotokan form of Karate is hugely popular across the globe. However, it is not an easy art to master. Therefore, you must have proper guidance and knowledge and that\u2019s specifically what I will be discussing in this blog. What Is Shotokan Karate? Shotokan Karate is a<\/p>\n

            Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":268,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=195"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":197,"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/195\/revisions\/197"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=195"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shotokankarate.com.br\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}