Today, the conventional approach to teaching karate is to start with Shotokan's kihon (individual stances, posture and fundamental techniques) and then work your way up through a series of introductory Shotokan kata (Taikyoku/Heian) until you reach a higher rank - only then are you allowed to learn the "higher kata" of our system.

But that's NOT how it was always done...

In late 19th century Okinawa, where Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi began his own training, karate training was much different. Karate was a discipline passed quietly from teacher to student, often behind closed doors, focusing on just one kata at a time.

There were no uniforms, no belts, no competitions or trophies. Training took place in hidden courtyards, backyards, and inside small homes. Students were invited to train, not recruited. A teacher would accept only a few pupils at a time and teach them strictly through the intense study of a single kata.

Karate was not a sport, it was a way of life. Every strike, stance, and breath was designed to build strength, humility, and readiness for real-world danger. There were no short-cuts and no room for ego - even the very smallest detail of one's performance was scrutinized, corrected, and repeated countless times until it became second nature. The goal wasn’t to win; it was to endure, refine, and understand both the kata and yourself.

That’s the spirit we bring to our Seminar in Shotokan.

Training that reflects the old ways, taught the same manner Okinawan masters did over a century ago with progressive repetition, highly individualized guidance, and real purpose.

Our Seminar in Shotokan is a completely different way to enjoy martial arts training, suitable for anyone interested in learning one of the higher kata in the Shotokan style of karate. Each course runs once a week for two months from start to finish, with a new kata offered in each session.  Small class sizes and expert instruction ensure that everyone, regardless of skill level or style background, will gain a deep understanding of the kata they study.

Sōchin showcases strong, deliberate movements that project both stability and inner composure. The kata emphasizes the unity of soft and hard power, with a calm mind and decisive technique. Its rhythms alternate between slow, controlled transitions and explosive strikes, teaching the practitioner to remain unshaken under pressure.

Historically, Sōchin traces its roots to Okinawan Naha-te traditions. It is believed to have been introduced to the Shotokan system through the teachings of Kanryō Higashionna, and later refined by Gichin Funakoshi and his students. The Sōchin stance and breathing elements reveal the deep Chinese influence that shaped early Okinawan karate. Within Shotokan, Sōchin evolved into a kata that symbolizes mental strength expressed not through aggression, but through composure and control.

The 2026 Sōchin Seminar runs for eight weeks on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm.  Registration is limited to four participants.  For more information, please see the FAQs below.

The techniques of Nijūshiho shift between long and short ranges, incorporating sharp changes in direction and rhythm.  This kata is all about adaptability - the ability to generate explosive power from absolute stillness and to recover one's composure instantly after attacking or defending. The kata helps develop a high level of coordination, timing, and control, while blending grace with explosive force.

Historically, Nijūshiho originates from the Okinawan Shuri-te lineage and likely evolved from the older form Niseishi, practiced in the Tomari and Shuri regions. It was introduced into Shotokan through Gichin Funakoshi’s early students, who systematized its techniques to align with the Shotokan structure of linear power and expansion. The kata reflects a synthesis of both Chinese and Okinawan influences: fluid yet disciplined, elegant yet decisive.

The 2026 Nijūshiho Seminar runs for eight weeks on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm.  Registration is limited to four participants.  For more information, please see the FAQs below.

UPCOMING 2026 SEMINARS:

Gojushiho Dai
(September-October)

Kanku Sho
(November-December)