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Sokuto – blade of the foot

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Sokuto or blade of the foot. Sokuto, or the blade of the foot, is built by doriflexing and supinating the foot (pulling it back and outward) and pulling the toes back towards the body.  This is similar to standing on the outside edges of the foot.  This is often used in side kicks and, depending on which side of the kick is being worked, can slightly change the center of gravity of the kicking weapon. Generally, if yoko geri keage (side kick) is used, the blade facing the middle of the foot is used.  Similarly, with yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick), the blade facing the heel is used. This kick goes straight to the knee or to the neck. Sokuto Geri is used as a cutting or stamping or a push kick to the area of the opponent’s knee, with the outer edge of the foot and or to the neck.  This kick is widely practiced and famous with the style of Shotokan Karate.  U s u 🥋 🙇‍♂️   Check out our main website 👇 https://www.mykarateclub.co.uk   --- Join our Karate Classes in th

Kiba dachi — Horse riding stance

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Kanji: 騎馬立 / 內步進立 English: Horse riding stance Description:   Kiba-dachi is a fundamental position of Karate that is not only used to practice basic strikes like the seiken tsuki, but that can be integrated into self-defense or kumite practice as well. This is a very strong stance for defending against side attacks. Kiba-dachi is a posture that strengthens the legs, the back and to some extent, the core. There are some minor variations of kiba-dachi from schools, such as the distance between the feet, and the height of the stance. Japanese styles tend to perform kiba-dachi low and wide, whereas Okinawan styles use a higher and narrower version of it. Instructions: -   Feet are about two shoulder widths apart, toes are facing forward (parallel), -   Lower your center of gravity by bending your knees forward, -   Push your knees towards the outside, -   Keep your back and neck straight, -   Tilt your pelvis upward, -   Distribute your body weight equally on both

Fudo dachi or Sochin dachi

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Kanji: 不動立 English: Immovable stance Description:  Fudo dachi or Sochin dachi - Rooted stance or Immovable stance - an intermediate position between Kiba - Dachi and Zenkutsu - Dachi strengthened vertically and horizontally given the impression of being rooted to the ground. It is essential to bend the knees deeply and exert an outer pressure while shifting the center of gravity. Instructions: •   Put your front foot in front of you at a 45° angle •   Bend your front knee so that it prevents you from seeing your front foot •  Bend your rear leg, put your rear foot at a 45° angle •  Keep a distance of approximately two shoulder width between your feet,  •  Distribute your weight evenly on both feet. •   Keep your back and neck straight, •   Tilt your pelvis upward •   Tense up your lower abdomen U  S  U 🙇‍♂️ 🥋  Shotokan  Fitness Karate   School https://www.mykarateclub.co.uk 

Personal View of Karate by Harvey

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Explain in your own words why Karate is important to you! ( B y Harvey )  Karate is important in many ways as it provides a healthy lifestyle choice to myself and my son. This initially began 35 years ago for a couple of years but as officework commitments increased I had to put this on hold, the passion stayed with me. The interest for karate was rekindled when about seven and a half years ago my son Noah joined the dojo as a white belt and progressed with enthusiasm and developed through the katas. I had watched him exercise and train with his fellow students, it was inspiring, and when Ylli Sensei allowed adults to join in I had the opportunity to resume my training again by starting as a white belt. I believe that karate helps develop a stronger bond with my son by allowing me to take an active role as possible in my son’s development without feeling out of place. A pivotal moment was as a brown belt my son questioned his ability and  I was able to provide him with su

Hirokazu Kanazawa Soke (May 1931-Dec 2019)

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Little bit about Hirokazu Kanazawa one of the most experienced Karate Shotokan Sensei in the world 🌎 USU 🙇‍♂️ Kanazawa Soke (10th Dan Black Belt) was one of the world most renowned and respected traditional karate masters of all time. He was the first karateka to have won the notorious All Japan karate Championship. In 1957 kumite champion (while nursing a broken wrist) In 1958 kumite and kata champion Although trained in Judo in his early years, Kanazawa Soke took up karate whilst at University under the late headmaster of JKA shotokan, sensei Matsatoshi Nakayama. Kanazawa Soke is also one of the few remaining karateka privileged to have studied under Master Gichin Funakoshi, the famous Okinawin schoolteacher who brought karate to mainland Japan from Okinawa and founded the Shotokan style. In 1978, Kanazawa Soke set up SKIF (Shotokan Karatedo International Federation). SKIF is now (2023) one of the worlds largest Shotokan Karate Association, having several million me

private martial arts karate classes

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Private martial arts karate classes are great for kids, teens, and adults looking to enhance their skills of self-defense, fitness or a little bit of fun. Private classes - Personal Training - Self-defense!  Private classes are great for kids, teens and adults looking to enhance their skills of self-defense, fitness or a little bit of fun. Whether you're a beginner or advanced or coming from another style, classes are suitable for everyone. Having the Sensei to yourself, being step by step guided, there is no doubt you will be able to follow the training much better and progress in a harmony.  Keep in mind 😉 You may not know this, but practicing martial arts you're learning more than just kicking and punching. About 85%   percent of the time defending yourself means preventing – rather than being able to fight.  The other 15%   percent is based on learning the techniques property — so you're able to defend yourself as a last result within the rules and law of the land. 

Harveys Black Belt Day 3 Dec 23

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Congratulations to Harvey for becoming the 1st Dan Black Belt today on the 3, December 2023. It's not everyday you see an over 60 year old man graduating to the 1st Dan and doing what you do.  For many years you've been training day in and day 3 to 4 classes a week. Training with kids and adults never complaining.  You're always the first one early for training and the last one leaving the training.  Training for almost two hours every single session.  Trying your best all the time, whether you are feeling good or not.  This is very inspiring to students, to me as a Sensei and hopefully to others out there younger or older who practice Karate (martial arts). Including those who might want to take up training in martial arts.  You have shown that you are never too old, too tired, too much, too boring to do anything.  For me as a (sensei) and the students at the dojo have been privileged to have you training with us so far.  I, and all our students I am sure look