Common Questions
WHAT IS KARATE-DO?
Karatedo (kah-rah-tay-doh) is an ancient form of martial arts originating from Okinawa & Japan. Only one root for Karatedo exists, and that is Japanese. Many schools seek to misinform the public by claiming that they teach their own styles of “Korean Karate” or “American Karate” The truth of the matter is that “Karatedo“ Translates from Japanese in to English as “The way of the empty hand”. KARA (empty), Te (hand), DO (way). The main purpose of training in karate is to develop mental and physical strength along with respect, honor, humility, fortitude, and proper knowledge of self-defense.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHOTOKAN AND TAE KWON DO?
A very basic explanation is that Tae Kwon Do uses 85-90% kicks and only 10-15% hand techniques. Shotokan on the other hand uses a balance of 50% hands and 50% kicks.
IS SHOTOKAN SUPERIOR TO OTHER MARTIAL ARTS?
It all depends on what you are looking for and your personal preferences. The fact is that all forms of martial arts have something to offer. However, in overall depth of knowledge, authenticity, scientific approach and realistic application of technique, Shotokan is superior to many martial arts due to its extensive and applicable arsenal of movements which include: punching, striking, kicking, joint locks, leg sweeps, take-downs and some basic grappling. In fact, many consider Shotokan to be one of the first traditional Japanese mixed martial arts of its own due to centuries of adaptation of many techniques found in Judo and Jiu Jutsu.
WHY DON’T WE DO ACROBATICS LIKE SOME OTHER KARATE SCHOOLS?
Acrobatics are not part of the true applications of karate. Although some schools promote such movements, they don’t have any place in realistic training. We praise gymnastics for being another fine discipline to follow. Even though Karate and gymnastics may compliment each other, they are separate activities and we do not believe that they should be mixed.
Modern and classical Karate as taught at Claycomb Academy is a dynamic and effective method of training that is practical for self-defense, easy to learn for any age and art it is applicable in realistic situations. Karate has proven as an art through the ages to improve your fitness levels and overall health by developing a well-rounded combative and fighting skill set.
Due to the emphasis of sport over the last several decades, karate has lost its core effectiveness as a method of street self-defense due to the fact that most schools focus on point-based tournaments. At claycomb academy (CKA) We are committed to preserving the integrity of the art by teaching the techniques and philosophies that ensure karate’s effectiveness where it matters most whether in the STREET OR in the RING or CAGE.
In our dojo, We teach a veery specialized style of Karate that is traditional in its fundamental techniques and form of yet MODERN in the methodology in how we teach it. OUR system of Karate-do is adapted for effectiveness in real street self-defense situations as well as MMA competitions. It utilizes traditional techniques such as punches, knees, kicks and elbows, evasive footwork, along with various takedowns and submissions too.
Due to the emphasis of sport over the last several decades, karate has lost its core effectiveness as a method of street self-defense due to the fact that most schools focus on point-based tournaments. At claycomb academy (CKA) We are committed to preserving the integrity of the art by teaching the techniques and philosophies that ensure karate’s effectiveness where it matters most whether in the STREET OR in the RING or CAGE.
In our dojo, We teach a veery specialized style of Karate that is traditional in its fundamental techniques and form of yet MODERN in the methodology in how we teach it. OUR system of Karate-do is adapted for effectiveness in real street self-defense situations as well as MMA competitions. It utilizes traditional techniques such as punches, knees, kicks and elbows, evasive footwork, along with various takedowns and submissions too.