Shotokan Karate All Good Karate-Do

Unlock the Power of Karate from the Comfort of Your Home!

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:11:00 +0000

Learn Karate Online

Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discipline, fitness, and mental clarity? Karate is more than just a martial art—it’s a way of life that builds confidence, strength, and focus. But what if you don’t have access to a local dojo or the time to attend in-person classes? That’s where Shotokan Karate Online comes in! Their comprehensive online platform allows you to learn authentic Shotokan Karate from world-class instructors, all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, this is your chance to take your skills to the next level.

What sets Shotokan Karate Online apart is its expertly designed curriculum that caters to all skill levels. The platform offers step-by-step video tutorials, detailed breakdowns of techniques, and personalized feedback to ensure you’re mastering each move correctly. You’ll learn everything from basic stances and strikes to advanced kata and self-defense strategies. Plus, the flexibility of online learning means you can train at your own pace, on your own schedule. No more commuting or rigid class timings—just pure, focused training whenever it suits you.

But it’s not just about physical techniques. Shotokan Karate Online emphasizes the mental and philosophical aspects of karate, helping you develop focus, patience, and resilience. The blog section, in particular, is a treasure trove of insights, tips, and inspiration to keep you motivated on your martial arts journey. One standout article, Learn Karate Online, dives deep into the benefits of virtual training and how to make the most of your online karate experience. It’s a must-read for anyone considering this modern approach to mastering an ancient art.

Don’t let distance or a busy schedule hold you back from achieving your martial arts goals. Shotokan Karate Online is revolutionizing the way people learn karate, making it accessible, affordable, and incredibly effective. Visit their blog today to explore the article and discover how you can start your karate journey with just a click. Your path to becoming a stronger, more disciplined version of yourself begins now—click here to learn more!

Chinte Kata Tutorial

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 08:28:00 +0000

Master the intricate movements of Chinte Kata with our in-depth tutorial! This unique Shotokan kata is known for its distinctive circular techniques and rare hand strikes. Our step-by-step breakdown will help you refine your form, improve your flow, and understand the deeper applications behind each movement.

Whether you're new to Chinte or looking to perfect your technique, this tutorial provides clear explanations and expert guidance to enhance your karate practice. Learn how to execute each sequence with precision while exploring the kata’s traditional roots and practical applications.

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Shotokan karate. Start your training today by visiting our Chinte Kata Tutorial here: Chinte Kata Tutorial.

Contraction and Expansion in Shotokan Karate

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:58:00 +0000

The art of Karate is built on precise movements, controlled power, and fluid transitions.

One of the most important concepts behind its techniques is the balance of contraction and expansion. While these two terms might seem straightforward, there’s actually a lot of nuance in how they apply to Karate, especially when it comes to generating power and controlling energy during a strike or block.

In Karate, there are two distinct types of contraction. One happens before a strike, preparing the body to release force, much like a snake coiling before it strikes. The other occurs at the moment a technique finishes, which is referred to as Kime. Understanding the difference between these two forms of contraction and how they work alongside expansion is critical to mastering the art.

At its core, contraction in Karate refers to the tightening of muscles. But there’s a key distinction between the pre-strike contraction (which stores energy) and Kime (which delivers focused power at the moment of impact). Both serve different purposes:

Before a strike, the body contracts slightly to store potential energy. This is when muscles slightly tense, preparing to release the strike with speed and power—just like a spring winding up or a snake coiling before it strikes.

Kime happens at the end of a technique, where the muscles tighten briefly to lock in the energy of the strike or block, making sure it lands with maximum force and precision.

Shotokan Karate Kicking Exercise Mae Geri, Yoko Geri and Mawashi Geri

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 09:45:00 +0000

This clip is taken from one of our live classes. Sensei Amos worked on a really good shotokan kicking exercise.

Shotokan Karate Kicking Exercise Starting From A Left Leg Fighting Stance.

Pull the front (left) leg back to the back leg, then kick mae geri (front kick) with the right leg and step forward into a right side fighting stance.
Pull the front (right) leg back to the back leg, then kick mae geri (front kick) with the left leg and step forward into a left side fighting stance.
Pull the front (left) leg back to the back leg, then kick yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick) with the right leg and step forward into a right side fighting stance.
Pull the front (right) leg back to the back leg, then kick yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick) with the left leg and step forward into a left side fighting stance.
Pull the front (left) leg back to the back leg, then kick mawashi geri (round house kick) with the right leg and step forward into a right side fighting stance.
Pull the front (right) leg back to the back leg, then kick mawashi geri (round house kick) with the left leg and step forward into a left side fighting stance.

Sensei Amos was encouraging everyone to use the hips to step back and then again to kick, ultimately resulting in one fluid movement. Sensei worked on a lot of detail, including correct foot positions for the kicks, the use of the hips when kicking, how to use the arms correctly whilst kicking, correct posture when kicking and much more.

Shotokan Kumite Simultaneous Block Strike Exercise

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 10:51:00 +0000

Here is a really good combination, working on speed striking and simultaneous block counters.

With a fast strike immediately after the block and a take down on the fourth combination. The attacker punches with a left kizami zuki (jab punch), the defender blocks and strikes simultaneously, soto uke (outsideblock) and gyaku zuki (reverse punch). The blocking hand can be closed or open. As soon as the reverse punch lands, immediately use the blocking arm to Strike uraken uchi (back fist strike) to the side of the neck or jaw. The second combination has the same attack kizami zuki (jab punch), followed by the same defence outside forearm block reverse punch. This time the blocking arm immediately strikes tettsui (bottom fist), read more

Brown Belt Shotokan Karate Basics

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 21:36:00 +0000

These are our brown belt basics, used for 2nd kyu examinations. Many Dojo use this shotokan karate syllabus for 2nd Kyu examinations. Kizami zuki, oi zuki, gyaku zuki Mae geri, oi zuki, gyaku zuki Yoko geri, uraken, gyaku zuki Mawashi geri, uraken, gyaku zuki Ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku zuki.

Single karate Strikes On The Focus Pads

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 21:20:00 +0000

A series of single karate strikes practiced on the focus pads.

Shotokan Karate Techniques From Shizentai

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 21:30:00 +0000

A selection of karate strikes from shizentai.

Brown Belt Kicking On The Spot

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 21:17:00 +0000

This is one of our shotokan kicking combinations, first used at brown belt. Mae geri, yoko geri, ushiro geri and mawashi geri.

Brown Belt Kicking Combination 1

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 21:12:00 +0000

Karateka at our dojo first use this shotokan kicking combination at brown belt. mae geri, kekomi, mawashi geri and ushiro geri uraken gyaku zuki.

Oi Zuki Stepping Punch Distance Exercise

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 21:06:00 +0000

Here's a very simple shotokan karate exercise, stepping punch oi zuki. A really effective exercise at improving and understanding distance.

Shotokan Karate Techniques From Shizentai

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 21:24:00 +0000

A selection of karate strikes from shizentai.

Brown Belt Kicking Combination

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 15:59:00 +0000

Lots of Shotokan Dojo practice this particular kicking combination.

Mae geri, yoko geri kekomi, mawashi geri, ushiro geri.

Try and keep moving smoothly throughout the combination, without stopping after every kick.

A Really Great Historical Karate Video

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:27:00 +0000

A really good historical karate video, after the 'eighties style' start :)

Shotokan Basics Shuto uke Knifehand Block

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 07:57:00 +0000

In shotokan karate, Shuto uke or knife hand block is probably the most difficult of all the basic karate techniques. Especially when stepping in kokutsu dachi (shotokan back stance). Many shotokan karate dojo do not practice this technique until the karateka has been attending karate lessons for several months. Even if you have just started practicing karate, the sooner you understand the basic fundamentals of this karate move, the faster you will progress.

Shotokan Basics Gedan Barai Downward Block

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 07:53:00 +0000

Gedanbarai, or downward block is one of the most commonly used karate techniques, in the karate dojo. This technique should be first practiced in shizentai (natural stance), with feet approximately shoulder width apart and toes facing forward. Here is a quick video showing the block in natural stance.

Shotokan Basics Soto Ude Uke Outside Forearm Block

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 07:49:00 +0000

Soto ude uke, or outside forearm block is one of the basic karate moves, in the karate dojo. A tricky move to begin with because it contains both linear and circular arm movements, this karate technique should be first practiced in shizentai (natural stance), with feet approximately shoulder width apart and toes facing forward.

Shotokan Basics Uchi Ude Uke Inside Forearm Block

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 07:46:00 +0000

Uchi ude uke, or inside forearm block is one of the basic karate moves, in the karate dojo. This karate technique should be first practiced in shizentai (natural stance), with feet approximately shoulder width apart and toes facing forward. Remember, the blocking part of the arm, is the outside of the forearm, not the edge of the arm! In the finished blocking position, make sure you can tighten all of your arm muscles properly, if you cannot, your blocking arm will be to high, to far forward, or to far across the center of the body. If you are learning karate online, take these karate moves one step at a time, start slowly, research and study karate resources, before building up to full speed.

Shotokan Basics Age Uke Upper Block

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 07:44:00 +0000

Age uke or upper block is one of the first blocks practiced in Shotokan karate. If you are looking to learn karate online, start very slow, gradually picking up the speed and power. The actual karate technique is very important, you can easily injure yourself if you practice incorrectly. A good idea is to film yourself practicing age uke, then play it back and critique it, then film again and so on. This video shows age uke in shizentai (natural stance), we have other videos showing age uke stepping forward and back, age uke within kata (forms) and kumite (sparring).

Biggleswade Karate Classes New Adult Sessions

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:58:00 +0000

We now have a new adult karate class at Biggleswade karate club. The adult karate class is for adults of all ages and fitness levels, 7.45pm till 9.00pm every Tuesday evening. Zanshin black belt academy was first established in 1976 by Sensei Andrew Law, the chief instructor of Biggleswade karate club is now Sensei Linden Huckle. If you need some more information please don't hesitate to contact us.07730666796 or email info@zanshinmkd.com

Adult Karate Classes In Biggleswade

Self Defense – Fighting and Karatedo

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Originally, karate was ALL about fighting and self-defense. 200 years ago the world was a very different place, peoples lives would be in danger on a regular basis. Learning to defend oneself and family was a priority and in some parts of the world, unfortunately, this is still the case. But in many parts of the world, karate has new meanings.

When I was young, fighting was very important to me, even though I lived in a safe environment. As I get older, my thoughts on karate have changed.

I always ask new karateka at our dojo, why they want to learn karate, most people give very similar answers, which are self-defense and fitness and these are the answers that I expect them to say. I then explain to them that karate is much more than just these two elements. After a short period of attending our karate classes, I soon discover if their character makeup will be suited to karatedo.

For someone who just wants fighting, mixed martial arts (MMA) clubs are the best, for someone who just wants fitness, aerobics classes are great. But if someone likes the karate kata(forms), fitness, self-defense and the amazing history and philosophy that goes with traditional karate, then we may have a match! Self-defence is a state of mind, it is much more than just fighting techniques. You can show someone all the fighting techniques known to man, but if they cannot ‘switch on’, they will NEVER be able to defend themselves. At the same time, you can show someone who CAN ‘switch on’, very few karate techniques and they will be a force to be scared of.

In self-defense and fighting, you must have the ability to ‘switch on’ and ‘switch off’ at will. You need to have the same attitude a wild animal has as it’s about to kill it’s prey. A lion attacking an antelope, has complete control of it’s emotions, but at the same time, it has relentless determination to get the job done, because for the lion, it’s either kill or starve!!!!!

With most karateka (someone who practices karate), this ability to ‘switch on’ and ‘switch off’ is not present. If karateka practiced their karate as if their life depended on it, their fighting skills would improve dramatically.

I recently watched a film with the actor Tom Cruise, in the film he played a professional hit man and in one part of the movie, it epitomised the attitude you must have when having to defend yourself. He was tasked with the elimination of a Chinese mobster and had Tom Cruise visiting a night club. The next part of the film reminded me of wild animal stalking and killing it’s prey! Tom cruise was in complete control of his emotions and at the same time, like the lion, he showed relentless determination to get the job done, only in this instant, the reason was not food, it was money!!!!!!!

So in conclusion, for me, my karate is like a jigsaw and fighting is a piece of that jigsaw, but if it was the only piece in the jigsaw, my karate practice would have ended many years ago.

Ossu Linden

Shotokan Karate Exercise (Hikite)

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:47:00 +0000

In this shotokan karate video, we demonstrate a basic combination of shotokan karate techniques, this combination uses different shotokan karate moves, including, kizami zuki, gyaku zuki, uraken, shuto and taesho. This is one of our brown belt shotokan karate exercises. It also involves basic stepping and spinning.

Michael Stevenson Annan

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:47:00 +0000

One of our black belts has just returned from Seattle, USA, where he trained with the legendary shito ryu karate master, Akio Minakami 8th Dan.

While training at Shihan minakami's karate dojo, he practiced Annan, on his return we filmed michael going through this karate kata, hoping to pick up some of shihan minakami's teachings.

Ikken Hisatsu and Ichigeki Hissatsu

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:09:00 +0000

The Japanese phrase Ikken Hissatsu is made up of three kanji, (ichi) meaning “one” , (ken) meaning “fist” and hissatsu meaning “certain kill or death”. To kill with one blow (ikken hissatsu) is a martial arts concept that, in todays modern world, very few karateka adhere to.
No one knows for sure when ikken hissatsu first came into karate, but it may have originated from the samurai. Ichi Geki Hissatsu is an old samurai maxim which means “One strike, certain death”

Ichigeki Hissatsu

A karateka who lived by this concept was the legendary karate Master, Masutatsu Oyama (above) 1923-1994 He became known as the ‘Godhand’, a living manifestation of the Japanese samurais’ maxim, Ichi geki Hissatsu or “One strike, certain death”.
In 1950, master Mas Oyama started testing his power by fighting bulls. He fought 52 bulls, three were killed instantly, and 49 had their horns smashed off with knife hand strikes.
During later years, he took on all challengers and had fights with over 270 different people. Nearly all of these fighters were defeated with one punch! Most of the fights lasted a few seconds and none of the fights lasted more than three minutes.
To Masutatsu Oyama, Ichi geki Hissatsu, was the true purpose of karate techniques.

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Ichigeki Hissatsu

A modern day karate master who also lives by this concept, is the amazing Mikio Yahara 8th Dan (above), who established the Karatenomichi World Federation in 2000. Master Yahara lives by the concept of Ichi geki Hissatsu and is one of the few modern day karate masters who pushes this amazing philosophy.
Many years ago, I remember training with Master Yahara on one occasion and watched him perform his favourite karate kata, Unsu. It was beautiful and scary, all at the same time. I can only explain every karate technique within the kata, was like his life depended upon the outcome. It was REAL, no hollywood performance, no thrills, no stupid facial expressions, just raw, deadly, beautiful karate.
To emphasise the importance of ikken hissatsu, my karate sensei used to explain that each karate move we made, should be executed like your life depended upon it. This feeling is absolutely essential in applying this concept and Master Yahara lives and breathes this concept.
I am all for karate and health over continuous full contact training (which we have all done and you simply cannot sustain such training), but i am tired of watching these so called karate champions performing karate kata like they are on a hollywood film set. They should look at karateka like Master Yahara, where to him, his life really is on the line, for every karate move!

Ossu
Linden Huckle
Karate 10 Lesson Home Study Course

JKA Shotokan Karate Masters Video

linhuck@msn.com (Linden Huckle) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 14:48:00 +0000

An amazing video of some os the JKA shotokan karate masters. Now this video does not include all the JKA karate masters, but several are included, and they are Masters, Masatoshi Nakayama, Keinosuke Enoeda, Hirokazu Kanazawa, Tetsuhiko Asai, Yoshiharu Osaka, Masahiko Tanaka, Taiji Kase, Masao kawazoe, Hidetaka Nishyama, Mikio Yahara, Hideo Ochi, Hiroshi Shirai, Masao Kagawa, Keigo Abe.
an awesome video clip for shotokan karateka and I have added a link to sensei Rod Butler's book, Keinosuke Enoeda, The Tiger of Shotokan Karate