Yamashita Karate is a martial art comprised of the elements and methods from the Ryukyu Islands and classical Japanese martial arts. Though Karate is commonly known as a striking art; mixed punching, kicking, knee/elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques forming its fundamental aspects; grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, traps, throws, and vital point striking are what illustrate the true depth of the art of Karate.

   Karate by itself is a martial art, combined with the term "Do" which literally translates to "Way Of" with "Kara" meaning empty and "te" meaning hand- combined, The Way of the Empty Hand.

   Translating Karate-Do is not that simple, the annotation of Do, signifies the commitment made on the part of the practitioner, or "Karateka" to "The Way", originating from the Code of Bushido or "The Way of the Warrior."

   Yamashita Karate embraces these critical aspects, focusing as much on the methods of the form as the practice of martial arts as a way of life, and encompassing physical, spiritual, and moral dimensions with a focus of self-improvement, fulfillment and or personal growth.

   Visiting any Yamashita Dojo, students and visitors can expect to see and hear the students articulating this commitment to mind, body and spirit through a student and dojo creed.

   Student Creed
We are a Special Winning Attitude Team.

Highly motivated Martial Artist.

Dedicated to achieve Black Belt Excellence, In ourselves and others.

Developing mind, body, and spirit.

In unity as a team.

ASSAH!

   Repeating this creed is not simply a custom or a tradition, it is a complex vocalization of the subconscious desire to connect the mind, the body and the spirit. The term Dojo is a Japanese term meaning "place of the Way". Yamashita Karate is an authentic Okinawan style of Karate- our Dojo is a formal training place where training, examinations and other related ceremonies occur, visitors are always welcome and we do not expect you to be familiar with our customs and traditions, sitting and observing, one will see many traditions such as respect for each other, for Sensei, for Hanshi and for those in attendance in our Dojo.

   Historically, the end of training session in an Okinawan Karate-Do Dojo ended in a ritual cleaning of the dojo called "Souji". Though we maintain our Dojo in a meticulous manner.

   Yamashita Karate is divided into the Kihon which form the basics and the fundamentals, Katas which are the forms involving the Kihon, and Bunkai, which is the application of fighting techniques extracted from the moves of a "form" or Kata. Kata is a set of prescribed, precise techniques that both encompass and transcend the aspects of karate learned in Kihon waza and Kumite. Kata has been described as the soul of the traditional karate. While entire books have been written about Kata, it is sufficient for the beginner to understand that Kata will ultimately become the core of his or her training.

   Basic techniques are practiced without a partner to learn the movements of karate. The emphasis is on the perfection of the motion from the following aspects:

• Tachi Kata - stance forms
• Tsuki Kata - thrusting forms
• Uchi Kata - striking forms
• Geri Kata - kicking forms
• Uke Kata - blocking forms

   The focus on these basics is critical to the correct application of the form, known as Kumite.
Kumite - The literal translation of Kumite is "meeting of hands" and it is usually translated as "sparring." This practice with a partner is usually in the form of pre-arranged attacks and defenses using the techniques developed in Kihon waza. Practice with a partner allows the student to develop the proper speed, timing and distance for effective technique.

   Our master, Hanshi Tadashi Yamashita has continued the evolution of Karate-Do with his own interpretation known as Suikendo Translated, means simply, "Fist Flowing Like Water". Suikendo represents a multi-discipline, style independent, approach to self-defense training and techniques.

   After over 50 years of studying the teachings of Okinawan masters, kata, philosophies and application, Yamashita Sensei provides a series of technical drills that promote fast, accurate and deadly responses to any attack posed.

   Focusing heavily on simultaneous blocks and movement, Yamashita Sensei provides his students with a practical, intuitive system of self-defense.

We encourage you to experience our training and our system first hand; please download a trial membership coupon and receive 2 weeks of classes and uniform for only $29.95 (less than $1.50 a class!) Just click on the coupon below and print.


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