Shotokan Karate of America

[Shojiko]

I coincidentally practice both methods and think both have their strong points. Long as it gets the job done partner!

[dennis63]

Very interesting... I know this is an old thread but I’d like to chime in...

Regarding how technique is performed, this Karateka from another forum said it best…

“SKA was one of the first styles of Karate brought to the US and turned into an official organization. It’s not expensive to practice as it is a non profit organization.The Founder, Tsutomu Ohshima was one of Funakoshi’s students and received a 5th degree blackbelt under Funakoshi, the highest degree given at the time, so that is the highest degree a person can get in SKA. It is a traditional form of Shotokan, emphasizing real life technique of self defense, (eye gouging, low kicks to the groin and knees, foot stomping, aiming for the throat, ect. Techniques are kept simple. Distance and timing are a main point of focus. It’s not very sporty and can gravitate to more mental and physical conditioning depending on the dojo.

Different aspects are emphasized depending on dojo and instructor. But basically the premise of the technique is less is more, and speed produces power, and speed is achieved through relaxation. Maximum power is ultimately produced by speed, alignment, and proper distribution of body weight. Stances are wide. Punches usually end at the pinnacle of a movement, basically when your front foot hits the floor. This is one difference when I look at katas and basics from JKA- that there tends to be a kind of wind-up resulting in a delayed punch. For instance, if you are stepping with a reverse punch, in JKA the foot lands and then the punch and rotation of the hips follows. In SKA the rotation of the hips tends to happen as you take the step, so a maximum combination of speed, hip rotation, and alignment with body weight happens at the point of impact, and at the point of impact the fist is tightened, lightly tensed “extended”- the only point where “muscle” is used. There is always an emphasis of no power in the shoulders.”

Now in response to the previous commenters regarding how SKA front punch (Oi Zuki) is taught and executed..

Funakoshi in his own book says “the hips spring forward to a full frontal position in a half-facing posture” (Funakoshi, Gichin. Karate-Do Kyohan. New York: Kodansha USA,1973.Print)

It can also be observed that in all publications of his books, photos of Funakoshi himself when he was in his younger days is in a Half-facing posture as well as you can clearly see both shoulders in an angled position with punching arm extended. Main point being it is not “squared” as per his instruction, that is likely a concept taught by the JKA and its off-shoots. I have to say, even having trained JKA myself initially, we were not taught to have squared upper body posture in front punch so Im not sure where that is coming from. 

SKA teaches and emphasizes the importance of “CONNECTION”- which is why you don’t usually see them hopping up and down during kumite (its not against the rules, just not encouraged).  Sabaki and “shifting” is taught but nothing that would make you vunerable to counters or attacks as as result of being in the mercy of gravity. Hands are also kept up with chin lower as opposed to the traditional sport method…Here is a good example…

This clip is of a tourney a few years back of a JKA stylist from Japan(left) vs a SKA fighter(right). The man from Japan (left) is also affiliated with Oshimas organization through university but due to sport Karate being implemented in Japanese university Karate syllabus, it looks almost identical to WKF style Kumite that his style resembles..   

Good fight between both, very talented men to say the least.

Special training is basically "gasshuku" (Japanese translation) and is practiced in martial arts. Various martial arts groups practice this

For me personally, in my years of Shotokan, SKA is the finest Shoto group ive had the pleasure to pratice with. Oshima was definitly on another level from what Ive observed compared to Funakoshis other students. Always thankful for his instruction and kindness

Awesome response, Journyman74. All very accurate, I would say.

I would add that SKA's teaching is that "power" comes not so much from speed but from the application of kime -- relaxed and fast until the instant of impact, then tightening and connecting on impact. (Think: Light / heavy.)

[dennis63]

I've practiced with Shotokan Karate of America since 1981. When I saw SKA's name as the title of this post, I had to read it. Some of the previous posts are excellent, while others are a bit incorrect or are viewing SKA in the most negative possible way.

SKA's members -- there are fewer than 2,000 in the United States these days -- practice a very traditional style of Japanese karate and strive to keep it as close to the way Gichin Funakoshi taught in the early 20th Century.

The idea of "Special Training" existed and exists in several Japanese martial arts. The idea is for the student to challenge himself / herself. It recognizes that some big breakthroughs in your practice can happen when you push harder for longer than you previously thought possible. When you've done lots of a technique or a kata, or face people you've never met before in kumite, or are exhausted and still have to fight on, you make breakthroughs. You also realize you were being pretty easy on yourself, and you can do more than you thought you could. That's the idea!

So, yes, they have this rule. You can't leave or they'll kick you out of SKA. (That's handed down directly from Japan. too. It's VERY Japanese.). But you know that going in, so you know you're staying for three or four days and doing maybe eight practices, each of which will be somewhat difficult. They will be as hard as you decide to make them by pushing yourself.

And you actually can leave Special Training without getting kicked out of SKA if you are sick, injured or have a true family emergency. I've seen it a few times in my 23 Special Trainings. Usually, the people who have to leave don't want to leave. They'd prefer to stay and finish what they set out to do.

Hinting that it has similarities to a "cult" is almost funny, were it not implied seriously. SKA is non-profit and costs are low. They don't want your money. They say, "You can be good at this if you work hard," and recognize rank based on ability and character, not how much you've paid in fees.

So if working out hard to get better at an activity is a cult, then every high school sports team in every town would qualify as a cult.

I get that these days, MMA, BJJ and a few popular styles are all the rage. There are also those who've practices different arts and may be trying to steer people to themselves, and away from traditional martial arts by using descriptions like "outdated,' or "ineffective."

I was a police officer for 25 years, and met many people who chose to fight rather than be arrested. Criminals in alleys and tiny apartments and on the side of roads. Two had knives and one tried to take my gun. And because I carried that (loaded) gun as part of my uniform, if I lost, it meant I would probably die.

But I'm still here. I'm (living) proof the techniques work very effectively, and I am only a humble nidan.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for sharing your viewpoint here, Dennis. It's very eye-opening.

[stoneheart]

I just started at a SKA dojo after a lag in training (work, family, you know). The zenkutsu dachi is indeed much narrower than I am used to and deeper The hamni position is also a change for me. My legs feel like jelly after just a few minutes of moving in the stance with gedan barai and oi-tsuki.

I don't really think it is a style focused on developing self-defense skills, but it is fun and a good workout. The instructor admitted up front that SKA does not teach a lot of material and prefers to work their basics to a high level of execution.

Fine with me. I have my work cut out for me to get up to snuff.

[shurinahamaniac]

To begin with, I have experience with both the SKA and JKA shoto systems. I have trained in various hard and soft karate styles and have black belts and kyu levels from various organizations.

Some of the aspects of SKA that I find appealing are the following: They follow the original 3 color belt model (White, Brown, Black)

testing is only done twice a year and is completely covered by your annual dues; back belts exams come after a special training session with a panel of yodans and above; no one under the age of sixteen is eligible for a black belt; and you need a certain amount of special trainings for each dan level as you move up. I have even seen some Shodan candidates fail or had to re take the exam the following year, so they don't award BB like candy..

Method

I don't really need to reiterate the information that has already been presented by previous posters on this thread about the principles and workings of the Oshima Shotokan. Overall, I appreciate that the emphasis is on honing the fundamentals—basics, time, distance, and not being overly competitive—with no absurd bunkai or ostentatious approaches.

My eyes were opened upon entering the organization from a JKA-style background when I was easily getting popped during one-time engagement practice. I had developed the habit of planting my foot on the ground first, punching my opponent a split second later when he already had his fist in my face as a counter. SKA teaches to thrust forward in a straight line as you would when attempting a full speed attack, and going in as one whole being as opposed to one joint twitch leading to another. Most JKA style dojos, on the other hand, will have you "zig zig" when performing walking basics like oi-tsuki or gyaku zuki while at the same time having a wide stance. Although it took me some time to get used to, this has really helped me. I can now notice this when I fight partners who joined using different styles. That is just one part of the technique; you should also add in having keen eyesight and sensing your opponent while keeping your posture relaxed, all of which will quicken the pace of your attack.

Another intriguing topic is kata. SKA encourages you to practice kata at your own speed and does not require you to follow the standard synchronization that you will see in mainstream competition. There are usually no dramatic pauses in the kata because the goal of kata execution is to give the impression that you are genuinely engaging an opponent while executing the techniques.

Shotokan Oshima dojo-this Main dojo is the most beautiful dojo Ive ever witnessed and no other org has anything close to it, it overlooks that the Santa barbara coast and is serene, but not fully accessible as members can only go for special practices and events, Yodan and Godan grading takes place there, and it is far from most members

The accessibility of dojos

Most likely, a group with varying sizes will have practices around the United States.

Bunkai-Breaking down of bunkai tends to be vague, this applies to most Shoto groups from my experience. Ive come to accept that one would best benefit breaking down bunkai by practicing with a legit Okinawan style such as Shorin Ryu, Goju ryu, Ueichi ryu, Shito Ryu etc.

Overall, I enjoy and highly value training with SKA and think the techniques are effective, just takes alot of patience, practice and most of all a open mind, especially if you come from a JKA background. their are some members who have even fought and did well on the MMA circuit, there are also trasnplants from hard styles such as Kyokushin that ended up joining SKA and earned their black belts, who also became dojo leaders at current.

Edited July 31 by shurinahamaniac

[sensei8]

Welcome to KF, shurinahamaniac; glad that you're here!!

Thank you for your post, and for sharing your insights to how the JKA and the SKA approach their testing cycles.

I'd also like to encourage you to post at the KF "Introduce Yourself", which can be found under the "Community Center" tab.

[shurinahamaniac]

Osu. Glad to be here 🙂

[wildbourgman]

I have trained multiple ways to perform the punching techniques for example. Trained by multiple instructors from multiple styles that said their way was correct.

I don't agree with that. I treat it as separate techniques for separate situations and applications. If I am in close quarters and I want less exposure to risk I will do a reverse punch more like you would see from Kung Fu, where I can stay in contact (frame) and then blend into grappling if that opportunity presents itself especially as I get older, slower, and less powerful.

On the other hand, if the situation allows me to perform a reverse punch from distance with power generated from the ground up using hip and shoulder rotation to end a fight directly, I want that ability also. So, I train both as separate techniques for separate situations and as I age, I train to get into the situation that's more advantageous, appropriate and realistic for my current skill set.

[bushido_man96]

I have trained multiple ways to perform the punching techniques for example. Trained by multiple instructors from multiple styles that said their way was correct.

I don't agree with that. I treat it as separate techniques for separate situations and applications. If I am in close quarters and I want less exposure to risk I will do a reverse punch more like you would see from Kung Fu, where I can stay in contact (frame) and then blend into grappling if that opportunity presents itself especially as I get older, slower, and less powerful.

On the other hand, if the situation allows me to perform a reverse punch from distance with power generated from the ground up using hip and shoulder rotation to end a fight directly, I want that ability also. So, I train both as separate techniques for separate situations and as I age, I train to get into the situation that's more advantageous, appropriate and realistic for my current skill set.

Absolutely. And this is why Karate has changed and evolved along the way. Why one person learned one way from a master and another student may have learned another way. Each is an indication of where one was in the journey.