WHAT IS TRADITIONAL KARATE?
Techniques are taught in both English and Japanese.
The Black Belt is only the beginning!
Each Shotokan student who decides to undertake the journey from white to black belt is encouraged to continue his or her training after successfully completing the Shodan (first degree black belt) test. Like a person who continues research studies after earning a PhD, Shotokan karate-do also requires a lifelong commitment toward the discipline of a healthy body and mindset.
Authenticity of the dojo
The White Gi
We live in a world rich with a variety of martial art styles, each with their own traditions and techniques. However, a tradition of Shotokan is that each karateka wears the white gi. Like a painter needs a white canvas to create his or her masterpiece, a karateka's white gi represents the Okinawa karate-do interpretation of purity - pure mind, clear mind. When the martial arts practioners enter the dojo or the dojo they consider the dojo, he or she must be clean, clean physically and mentally and including the clean white gi.
Note: Following the simplicity concept, dojo students are not required to adorn their gis with patches or dojo logos.
Note: Following the simplicity concept, dojo students are not required to adorn their gis with patches or dojo logos.
For over 45 years, Sensei Deddy Mansyur has taught the style of traditional Japanese Shotokan to karateka from across the globe. Deep rooted in his instruction are the original teachings and techniques of Master Gichin Funakoshi -- no frills, no shortcuts, just train. Like his dojo, with extensions across the Houston region, Mansyur adheres to the simplicity of the martial art.
KIHON - KATA - KUMITE
Students of traditional Shotokan should know that the three parts of karate-do (Kihon, Kata, Kumite) are of equal importance and value.
DOJO KUN
Students will be expected to learn and eventually recite the Dojo Kun.
SHOTO NIJU KUN: The 20 principles
Each student will receive information on Funakoshi's 20 precepts.
KARATE JUTSU
Along with the Kihon, Kata and Kumite teachings, Sensei Deddy Mansyur also teaches Bunkai, the application of techniques.