If you are reading this page you are probably already enrolled in COMB
404/405 or are thinking of enrolling. I would like to take this space to
briefly explain how I view karate training and how I run my class.
The martial arts in general are rife with myths, misconceptions and
misinformation. Shotokan karate is no exception. Many students are not sure
what to expect when they sign up for a class in karate. On the other hand,
some students come to class full of expectations and are often disappointed
when these expectations are not met.
First, forget everything you've seen in martial arts movies, TV shows and
video games. Karate training is not glamorous, exciting or entertaining. Our
training is disciplined, rigorous and repetitive. Shotokan karate focuses on
a relatively few basic techniques that are practiced over and over and over.
The goal is to do a few things extremely well, rather than doing a lot of
different things, but with no depth or real skill.
In Shotokan we try to delve deeply into our techniques. There are many
levels of understanding to explore. If you are used to sampling a bit of
this, a bit of that, flitting from one thing to another like a butterfly, you
will probably be bored silly in our class. If, on the other hand, you have a
serious desire to learn and are willing to put your heart into your training
you will find that Shotokan karate has much to offer you.
