The art of KARATE

Group of martial artists practicing karate at Shidokan USA Chicago , wearing traditional white uniforms with black belts, performing a kata or drill.

KIHON

Basic techniques are considered the foundation of Shidokan. Emphasis is on understanding, practicing, and attempting to perfect the form and biomechanics of a punch, kick, elbow knee, block and strikes. (A block is a strike).

We break down Kihon into two categories: Traditional and Fighting techniques.

We start from the ground (stance) up.

A line of martial artists in gis with colored belts standing in attention at Shidokan USA Chicago, with some in gloves, facing forward.

KATA

OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD, KATA IS A SERIES OF MOVEMENTS, IN A PREDETERMINED CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER, THAT COMbINE TECHNIQUES WHICH STRIKE AT SPECIFIC PRESSURE SENSITIVE AREAS OF ONE OR MULTIPLE ASSAILANTS. KATA IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE GENETIC BLUEPRINT OR DNA OF A MARTIAL ART.

A Shidokan USA tournament where Two martial artists dressed in white karate gis engaged in a kickboxing match, with one delivering a high kick while the other blocks or reacts.

KUMITE

THE END RESULT OF COMBINING THE AFOREMENTIONED INTO A FLUID “CONVERSATION” WITH A LIVE OPPONENT. SHIDOKAN ADVOCATES FULL CONTACT FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF TRAINING IN THAT IT ERASES ANY DELUSIONS OF GRANDURE ONE MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THEIR ABILITY, AS WELL AS DEVELOPS A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR PAIN.