Shotokan Karate & Self Defence

Shotokan Karate & Self Defence School of Shotokan Karate & Self Defence teaches Traditional Shotokan Karate & Self Defence. We train In a disciplined but fun learning environment.

The School of Shotokan Karate has been in existence since 1989 and has been providing the instruction & training of Shotokan Karate & self Defence all over Europe. To gain the best from every student that enters the Dojo. We encourage the best from every student and offer as much help as needed. Every student develops in their own way, we encourage that growth no matter how slow or fast. Welcome to the School of Shotokan Karate & Self Defence.

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30/08/2026

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Today I'm diving deep into a very popular kata within Shotokan practitioners - Bassai Dai. I'll be giving the tips according to the JKA standard, so please keep in mind that other Shotokan organizations or styles may execute these sequences with slight variations. Let's start!

First, make sure not to raise your shoulders before initiating the first technique. Concentrate on pulling your shoulders down, squeezing your armpits, and engaging your core and pelvis. This creates the structure needed to explode force outward.

Watch your gyaku-hanmi positions closely throughout this kata. When performing right-hand gyaku-uchi-uke, your left shoulder should be completely hidden from someone viewing you straight-on. Keep your stance rooted without drawing the front leg inward, twisting your torso as far inward as possible to hold strong gyaku-hanmi.

On count 6 (sukui-uke into soto-uke), execute a true scooping motion. Deliver the soto-uke from a nearly straight right arm, keeping your left fist pinned firmly to your hip in hiki-te.

Transition into natural shizentai for tate-shuto, showcasing clear kime using the seiryuto (ox-jaw) edge of the palm.

For the choku-zuki on the spot, show the correct starting trajectory for the following uchi-uke by touching the area of your hip joint with your fist's thumb.

For the tsukami grip, make a large, clockwise top-down circle, keeping your elbows down and inward while holding gyaku-hanmi.

On the first kiai (gedan yoko-kekomi/ kansetsu) lock both fists tightly against the chest at the right ni**le line. Aim the side kick to cut directly under your opponent's knee. Another possible target is a hip joint. Always practice the bunkai so you understand the intent behind every motion.

For shuto-uke, the open palm in hiki-te must sit flat and parallel to the floor at solar plexus level. Treat the non-blocking hand as an active weapon. Keep it firm and straight.

I'll continue in the next posts. In the meantime, let me know in the comments how this part went!

04/08/2026

Karate: The Way of the Empty Hand

Karate is far more than a system of punches, kicks, and blocks. Its name comes from three Japanese concepts: Kara (Empty), Te (Hand), and Do (Way), forming the philosophy of "The Way of the Empty Hand." The word "empty" represents freedom from weapons, ego, fear, and unnecessary distractions. The "hand" symbolizes skill, discipline, and self-control, while the "way" refers to a lifelong journey of personal growth.

True karate teaches practitioners to develop both physical ability and inner character. Every kata, every technique, and every bow reminds students to practice humility, respect, perseverance, and courage. A karateka strives not to defeat others, but to overcome personal weaknesses and become a better version of themselves.

The black belt is not the final destination—it is the beginning of deeper learning. It represents commitment, responsibility, and continuous improvement. Strength without honor has little value, but strength guided by wisdom and respect becomes a force for good.

Karate is ultimately a way of life. It builds confidence without arrogance, power without cruelty, and discipline without pride. The greatest victory in karate is not winning a fight, but mastering yourself.

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