Shotokan Karate-Do International
Japan Karate Association Connecticut
Japan Karate Association Connecticut
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Shotokan Karate-Do International Japan Karate Association Connecticut |
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What's New? |
SKDI Spring Championships Results |
SKDI Summer Training Camp | Summer Training Schedule | Kyu & Dan Exam Results |
Events |
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UConn Training Schedule
Beginner and advanced classes for men, women and children are held at Hawley Armory (near the library at the center of campus). Visitors are welcome to come train with us or observe classes. The summer training schedule is (starting May 12):
Location HAWLEY ARMORY
KARATE-DO (The "empty hands way")
The "kara" of karate means "to render oneself empty". Master Gichin Funakoshi, the "Father of Japanese Karate", wrote, "The student of karate-do must render his mind empty of selfishness and wickedness in an effort to react appropriately toward anything he may encounter". Karate's roots go back to the Shao Lin and other ancient fighting arts of China, where physical training methods were used to build the endurance and strength required to carry out the rigid discipline of the religion. These arts eventually spread to Okinawa and then to Japan where karate was refined into its present-day form. In 1955, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was established with Master Funakoshi as chief instructor. The JKA trained and sent instructors throughout the world, which is one the the primary reasons karate is as well known and popular as it is today.
Master Gichin Funakoshi
As a form of physical exercise, karate is almost without equal. Utilizing all parts of the body, karate training increases the strength, speed, stamina, coordination, reflexes, and balance of the karateka (student of karate). It is the ultimate art of unarmed self-defense. Like knowing how to swim, you always have it with you. However, Master Funakoshi saw karate not only as a means of conditioning or self-defense, but also as a way to build character and mental discipline. The karateka is taught not only the physical techniques, but also how to use his skills with wisdom and discretion. Among the many mental benefits of karate training are improved self-awareness, confidence, discipline and emotional control.
The Japan Karate Association
and the UConn JKA Karate Club
With millions of members in over 100 countries, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) is the largest martial arts organization in the world. The JKA teaches karate in the traditional Japanese way, emphasizing strong stances and powerful basic technique as well as mastery of kata (form) and kumite (sparring). In the United States, the JKA has a main school in each region which trains instructors and ensures the maintenance of high standards in all of the JKA branch schools. Shotokan Karate-Do America, which is based in New York City, is headquarters for all JKA clubs in the region. It is under the leadership of Master Masataka Mori, who is 8th dan (8th degree black belt) and one of the most highly regarded karate masters in the world. The UConn JKA Karate Club was founded in September, 1972 and is dedicated to the continuation of traditional karate-do as a physical and mental discipline designed to improve the overall quality of the student's life. Master Masataka Mori
THE DOJO KUN ("School Code")The Dojo Kun (in brown type below) is recited at each practice (the black type is a more literal translation of the original Japanese). It serves to remind students that karate-do is not just about training the body, but also about perfecting character and attitude. It also reminds students that the physical and mental strength learned through karate must be accompanied by a moral code of respect and restraint.
SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER
Strive for completion of character
BE FAITHFUL
Defend the path of truth
ENDEAVORFoster the spirit of effort
RESPECT OTHERSRespect the principles of etiquette
REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIORGuard against impetuous courage
See also Sensei Funakoshi's Twenty Precepts (the Niju Kun)
Our chief instructor, Sensei Robert Jacobs (6th dan or "6th degree" black belt), is the senior ranking JKA instructor in New England. Jacobs began his karate training at UConn in 1973 and became its instructor in 1976. In 1991, he completed the intensive advanced JKA instructor training and certification course taught by Master Mori in New York City. Jacobs is twice (1979 & 83) Shotokan Karate-Do America mens kumite (sparring) champion. In national championships (AAKF) he has competed on many teams with 1st place wins in kumite (1985) and kata (1990 & 1991). He also competed in two world championships (JKA Shoto Cup, Tokyo 1992 and ITKF World Championships, Montreal 1993). Now retired from competition, he serves as judge in national and world competitions including World Shoto Cups (including Philadelphia 1994, Osaka 1996, Paris 1998 & Sydney 2006).
Jacobs continues to teach karate-do in the strict, traditional fashion - emphasizing that the development of spirit and character are as important as that of technique. In his more than 30 years of teaching, well over 100 of his students have attained the rank of shodan (1st degree black belt) or above.
Assistant Instructors who are currently teaching at UConn are John Henderson, Tom Hine, John Seifert, Andrew Bakoledis (all 4th dan), and Mike Jacobs (3rd dan). All are certified JKA instructors and are veterans of many regional and national competitions including 1st place wins nationally in team kata (1990 & 91) and 2nd in team kumite (1988). John Seifert is a five-time Shotokan Karate-Do International mens kumite champion (1994, 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004). Tom Hine, John Seifert and Andrew Bakoledis have each competed in JKA World Shoto Cup Championships. For photos of all UConn JKA Certified Instructors click here...
Schedule of UConn and Regional Events - Summer 2008
E-mail us at uconnjka@charter.net
Or click here to see all JKA Connecticut Dojo listings.
