The Strength of Shotokan

Shotokan Karate Do was founded by Gichin Funakoski. Funakoshi was originally a student of two other styles of Karate, Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu. He studied both of these styles for a number of years and sought out to create a simpler system of Karate which combined essences of both styles. Though he never actually named his style of Karate, he opened his first dojo in 1936. It was actually his students who posted a sign above the entrance of his dojo. ‘Shotokan’ was the name posted on that sign. The meaning of it was to honour their Sensei. ‘Shoto’ which translated to ‘pine- wave’ which had been Funakoshi’s pen name and “kan’ which means ‘house’ or ‘hall’. Thus ‘Shotokan’ became the style in which Gichin Funakoshi became famous for developing.

The style of Shotokan Karate has many aspects and is deep in philosophy. The three main components that make up the foundation of its training are: Kihon (basics), Kata( pre- arranged patterns), and Kumite ( sparring). The characteristic of Shotokan basics are long, strong stances which develop leg strength and power. It is often characterized as a hard style of karate because of the strong, powerful fast movements versus the slower, softer, flowing, styles of other karate styles. The Kata portion of the training is used to develop a person’s basics, hidden fight sequences, self defense and discipline of the mind. Kumite is part of the training against real opponents in which the student practices, free style type movements, within control as not to hurt their opponent. It trains reaction time and develops the character at the same time. Funakoshi Sensei also included Philosophy as part of karate training, developing the 20 Precepts of Karate. These taught character development, philosophies, tradition, development of the martial artist physically, mentally and spiritually. One of his most famous quotes became,” The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of character of its participants.” 

There were others who also influenced the development of Shotokan Karate as well. Yoshitaka Funakoshi, son of Gichin helped to develop Kihon basics for the beginner and Masatoshi Nakayama was the one who introduced Kumite into the curriculum of Shotokan. Since then Shotokan is recognized world wide as one of the main styles of Karate Do. It is a highly respected style, with swift, strong, clean techniques and has been the choice of martial arts by many. 

Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong, Act Strong, Be Strong Self Defence Program. tracy.warrenerentertainment@gmail.com