Safety and fitness are highly emphasized in our class. Our warm-ups are frequently aerobic and kata (set prearranged movements) is performed with a low center of gravity giving your legs a good work out. Unlike other styles, Shotokai avoids the use of a “kiai” during kata, this helps enhance the fluidity of movement.

Shotokai techniques are soft and flowing. The basic concept is that the body must be relaxed, the mind must be clear and receptive. Techniques are performed in a natural way avoiding tension and muscle. The soft, relaxed techniques and a focused mind will project movements beyond ones self.

Softness does not necessarily mean slowness, nor does it mean without power. Shotokai is full of life and vitality. The execution of technique at any speed must be soft, flowing and continuous without the loss of form.