Duke Shotokan Logo
 
SKA Logo "True karate is this: that in daily life one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice."
-- Gichin Funakoshi
 




Announcements

Last updated July 3, 2009     

  • During the summer, we can only reserve spaces a week in advance so times and locations may vary. We will try to post the upcoming schedule here.

  • Mondays and Wednesdays through  July 8, practice will be in Wilson Gym dance / aerobics room B  7:00PM-9:00PM, starting promptly at 7:15PM and ending at 8.45PM. The space is reserved for our use from 7-9 so the 15 min. before and after can be used to  warm up / cool down  on your own or ask questions.


Prior experience is not necessary. Part of Shotokan Karate is passing it on and we are happy to do so. Just come to a practice or contact the folks at the bottom of the page.
     

Upcoming Events

 
 


Current Schedule

Duke Dojo
  • See above for note about practice times and locations.  We will attempt to schedule practice times on Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00PM-9:00PM.  
Practices are not mandatory. Come to as many as your schedule permits!


We also practice with members of the Chapel Hill Shotokan Dojo



Duke Shotokan Karate Club

The Duke Shotokan Karate Club is a chartered sports club at Duke University for Faculty/Staff/Students. We practice Shotokan Karate-do and are a member of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), a non-profit organization teaching traditional Japanese Karate-do since 1955. For more information about SKA and Karate-do in general, please visit the Official SKA Web Site.  Also see this Youtube video

Membership encludes training privileges in all USA shokotan dojos and world wide affiliates (Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Morocco, The Netherlands, The Netherlands Antilles, Spain, and Switzerland).

Practice is led by black belt instructors in the traditional manner with emphasis on personal attention and achievement. Beginner and advanced students usually train together. Ranking testing occurs twice a year, usually coinciding with the end of the Fall and Spring semesters.

The Art of Karate

Karate may be defined as a weaponless means of self-defense. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques using all parts of the body to their maximum advantage.

Karate practice is divided into three categories:

    • Kihon
    (basic blocks, punches, kicks and stances)
    • Kata
    (pre-arranged forms simulating combat situations)
    • Kumite
    (sparring)
In each category the beginner is given instruction at the most basic level until the techniques become spontaneous to them.

As the student progresses technically, they progress physically, and practice demands greater stamina. At this stage, they become involved with more intricate and difficult katas and more dynamic forms of kumite.

As the student approaches black belt level, techique, stamina, speed and coordination become natural to them as a result of strong practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers that they have only just begun their study of karate. The object of true karate practice is perfection of oneself through the perfection of the art.

The Values of Karate

The values of Karate to modern man are numerous. In our everyday lives we often forget the value of exercise to both our physical and mental health. The practice of karate tones the body, develops coordination, quickens reflexes, and builds stamina.

Also, the serious practice of karate develops composure, a clearer thought process, deeper insight into one's mental capabilites, and more self-confidence. In this, karate is not an end, but a means to an end. It is an activity in which advancing age is not a hindrance. Rather it encourages proficiency and the keen coordination of mind and body.


Suggested Readings

These books are 20-30% off at Amazon.com. Click on the name of the book to be sent to the website for easy purchase.


Vendor(s) for gis and other gear


Interested in attending? Questions?

Please contact :
  • John Foster -        Dojo Chief Instructor
  •             (jfosterska at earthlink.net) or cel. # 919-619-4351
  • Robin Mi -            Club President
  •          robin.mi at duke.edu   
     
    •   Mark Kitchens-     Webmaster and chief bottle washer
             msk at duke.edu




    Previous Events

    The 31st annual Spring in the South  was held  April 25,26, 2009 in Card Gym on Duke's campus
    and was led by Manfred Chiu, godan. For a great collection of photos from SIS, see Nachum Sicherman's site

    4 members of the Duke Shotokan dojo went to Winter Special Training at Randoph-Macon college in Feb 2009.


    2008 Spring in the South- group photo     For more photos of 2008 Spring in the South with Mr. Oshima, see Nachum Sicherman's site


    2007 Spring in the South

    Return to Duke Homepage

    Webpage questions/comments to Mark Kitchens  (msk at duke.edu)
    Last updated  6-8-2009


    9-2009




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