About Shotokan Karate-Do
Karate-do is a martial art developed in Okinawa, an island of the coast off Japan from indigenous & Chinese fighting methods. It is primarily a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes. Open-handed techniques, grappling, locks, restraints, throws are also taught at a more advanced level.
Shotokan is a school of Karate-Do, developed by Gichin Funakoshi (1868–1957) and his son Yoshitaka (1906–1945). Gichin Funakoshi is widely recognised as having brought karate from Okinawa to mainland Japan.
Shotokan which is famous for its power, was brought out internationally by the Japan Karate Association (JKA).

About Tanden
Tanden in Japanese is a major focal point for internal techniques. It refers specifically to the physical centre of gravity located between the navel & the top of the pubic bone.

Tanden is very important in Shotokan Karate-Do in order to generate stability, speed & correct breathing.
Tanden or Dantian (in Chinese) is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The term Tanden is often used interchangeably with the Japanese word hara which literally means simply "belly". In Japanese & Chinese tradition, it is considered the physical centre of gravity for the human body and by extension the seat of one's internal energy (Ki). A master of Martial Arts, Calligraphy, Swordsmanship, Tea Ceremony, or comparable disciplines is said to be "acting from the hara".

Our Aim
Our Aim is to train our students in Karate-Do as a martial art.
All fitness levels are welcome.
Karate-Do will help you to improve all the various components of your fitness (core, stamina, strength, flexibility...).
As a fighting art it is also an effective self-defence method. To promote safety it will train you to develop good reflexes & sense of awareness.
Each student will be trained in a way that suits best their abilities as Karate-Do is about self-improvement.