What is Karate Do-Shotokai? :: Wessex Scene Online

What is Karate Do-Shotokai?

22nd March 2004
Kate Atwell President SUKDS

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So, I guess that many of you have lingering images of The Karate Kid and the infamous ‘crane’ (oh dear!) when you think of what karate means. Expel those images from your mind NOW!

Often there are a few popular myths that discourage students from joining martial arts clubs. These often include the following: karate’s dangerous (I like my legs intact, thank you very much!), it’s overly-disciplined (I don’t want to be shouted at!), they break wood and grunt funny noises while doing it, and karate’s all about competitions... we’ll isn’t it?! I hope that it will be good to know that there is a club right here in your Union that teaches you great self defence and fitness without all the above craziness!

Karate Do-Shotokai (KDS) is a style of karate developed by Sensai Harada that is based upon two key principles: movement and timing. One thing about KDS is that you do not have to be fit to join!

The combination of kata (based on form) and movement-based practices with a sympathetic partner works muscles that you probably didn’t know that you had, gently improving your body condition.

For you girls who may worry about the possibility of practicing in a testosterone fuelled environment - fear not! We practice in an enthusiastic yet informal environment and we have a 50/50 mix of female and males! By far the best thing about SUKDS is our friendliness!! We welcome anybody at anytime of year to practice. Our social scene is dynamic and you can expect a friendly smile from our members.

Plus, UK wide courses such as the annual summer school in Canterbury allow you to make friends with other clubs in the country. By the way, did I mention that the Southampton KDS Club is the biggest in the organisation and we have the biggest number of high dan grades?!

We have a NEW BEGINNER’S COURSE starting on THURSDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2004 so if you fancy giving KDS a go then just turn up to any of our practices:

Thursday 7-9pm in Garden Court (West Ref) Saturday 10-12am in the Union Sports Hall

Sukds@soton.ac.uk www.soton.ac.uk/~sukds