Class Curriculum

What are the classes like?

We teach both children and adults at Shotokan Karate Academy with separate classes for each. Multiple children’s classes offer the chance for specialized attention to beginners as well as to more advanced students. Adult classes are designed to encourage students of all levels to practice together and learn from one another as well as from the instructor.

We offer a very popular class specifically for special needs adults. Our classes offer a friendly and inviting atmosphere while remaining one of the more traditional karate classes in the state of Maine.

A typical class format includes:

Kihon (Basics) Karate is built upon a strong foundation of basic moves that include specific stances, punches, blocks, and kicks. Proper body alignment and movement are emphasized as are concentration and focus. During the practice of basics, students learn stability, balance, proper technique, and the principles of body contraction and relaxation. Basics are practiced during every training session by every level of karateka (karate student).

Kata, the formal movements of karate, are its very essence. They are sequences of movements which simulate attacks and defenses against a number of imaginary opponents. Katas contain all the basic techniques and stances, which are necessary to attain rhythm and coordination. Each kata begins with a block to emphasize the use of karate strictly for self-defense. They can be roughly divided into two types: those that emphasize muscle strengthening and body building, and those that concentrate more on speed training and the development of lightning fast reflexes.

Kumite (Sparring) According to Master Funakoshi, kumite is “…a form used to apply the offensive and defensive techniques practiced in the kata under more realistic conditions in which, by prearrangement between the participants, one applies offensive and the other defensive techniques.” In other words, where the practice of kata assumes an imaginary opponent, kumite is practiced with another karateka in alternating roles of defender and aggressor. Kumite allows the practical application of the moves found in the kata. Contact is not allowed to the face, and there may only be light contact to the body. During kumite, students learn proper distancing, timing, body-shifting, and focus. Kumite always begins and ends with sparring partners bowing to one another as an indication of respect. Jiyu Kumite is free sparring, which is sparring engaged in without prearrangement. It is practiced by higher belts and is a form of training that is developed through the practice of step sparring (prearranged sparring).

Getting Started: We offer a very generous introductory program in our Topsham, Maine location. The introductory program consists of two weeks (four lessons free) and includes a free uniform. This gives you ample opportunity to evaluate our program to determine if it meets your family’s standards of excellence. Kindly provide us with your e-mail and phone number, and we will contact you to set up an introductory program.