Current/Upcoming Events/Announcements: See our schedule here. In our weekly kata classes on Saturday mornings, we are now doing Gojushiho-sho for the advanced kata and Heian Shodan. Tests in youth classes last week of June; in adult classes first week of July. We will be holding youth summer camps in July. See here for details. We […]
We are now onto the kata Gojushiho Sho (五十四歩小). The name of this kata is similar to the one we just completed, Nijushiho. Gojushiho means “Fifty-four Steps.” Sho, “small” (or here, “the lesser”) distinguishes this kata from its companion Gojushiho Dai (or “Gojushiho the Greater”). In Shotokan karate we typically practice these two variants of the older Gojushiho kata. If it […]
This month, we are studying the kata Nijushiho or Nijuushiho (二十四歩). This kata’s name is less poetic than some others. It means “Twenty-four Steps.” Although a relatively short kata, in Nijushiho we practice a wide variety of techniques and applications of power. It features most of the basic Shotokan stances and some less common stances, and slow application of power as well as […]
Not sure what to do with the kids at the end of their summer break, just before getting them back to school? How about signing them up for a self-defense class? Please consider enrolling your kid(s) in self-defense and also taking a class yourself. This is an important life-skill that should be on everyone’s to-do […]
Sensei Cathy Jarushi has been doing Shotokan for approximately 40 years, including an extended time training in Japan in the 1980s. She normally teaches classes at Mikami Sensei’s dojo in New Orleans. Sensei Cathy is well known for her intensity and passion, both in training and teaching. She will be teaching both youth and adult […]
We are now studying the kata Meikyo (明鏡) for four weeks. The name of the kata literally means “Polished Mirror” or “Bright Mirror,” which may prompt us to think about how our training is like the work of polishing something that ultimately reflects who we are and what we are capable of. Some research points to the idea […]
The Enfields have been teaching Goju-ryu Karate for decades, including at their Goju Karate Center, in southern California. They bring a wealth of knowledge about traditional Karate and we are fortunate to have them leading seminars for the first time in Silicon Valley this April. Schedule:Friday 7:00-8:30pm *Saturday 11:00am – 1:30pm Saturday 3:00pm – 5:30pm, […]
Jess Field successfully graded to nidan (2nd degree black belt) on March 10. On the grading panel were WTKO Chief Instructor Sensei Richard Amos, Silicon Valley Karate Chief Instructor Sensei Jon Keeling, and Chief Instructor for De Anza Shotokan Pete Rabbitt. Mr Field was put through the paces with challenging kihon, two different kata and […]
We are having our traditional “Kangeiko” (literally “cold training”) February 3-9 (Sunday through Saturday), 6:30-7:30am each day). The traditional Kangeiko involves a short jog (if raining, calisthenics in the dojo) followed by training at the dojo. Each day’s training is typically led by a different instructor, working up in seniority. Hope to see you there! […]
In our advanced kata sessions on Saturdays, we are currently studying Sochin (壮鎮). The kata name translates as something like “Magnificent Calm.” It features low, solid stance, mostly fudo-dachi, and slow, powerful moves alternating with explosive speed. It’s excellent practice for developing strong, solid technique and connection to the ground. You can see excellent examples of […]
