We begin our next kata, Hangetsu (半月), on Saturday, February 28th and go for four weeks. The kata name means “Half Moon,” which refers to the way we step in the kata’s signature stance, hangetsu-dachi. In contrast to fudo-dachi we used in Sochin, with Hangetsu we practice gripping the floor and connecting with an inward squeeze in hangetsu-dachi and neko-ashi-dachi. Hangetsu also emphasizes breathing from the […]
The next instructors’ class in the series will be Saturday, February 7, 12:00 – 2:00 pm at our Redwood City dojo. As usual for these events, we continue to focus on how to become a better teacher. We may work on fairly complicated kata/techniques and work up a sweat. But the main point is on […]
Scott Langley Sensei will be visiting our dojo to teach seminars on June 3rd and 4th (Wednesday, Thursday). This will be his first visit to our dojo, and we’re very much looking forward to it. Those of you who experienced Langley Sensei’s instruction at the WTKO summer camp in Cupertino last year know this is not one to miss! […]
Sensei Michael Berger will once again be visiting Saturday, March 28th to teach seminars at our Redwood City dojo. As many SVSK members already know, Sensei Berger is a very well regarded instructor, not only for his traditional Shotokan skills, but also for his knowledge of practical applications and Chinese martial arts. Sensei Berger trained in Japan […]
Beginning Saturday, January 31st, we will study the kata Sochin (壮鎮) for four weeks. 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 […]
Beginning this Saturday we will study the kata Chinte (珍手). The name Chinte literally means “rare hands” or “unusual hands.” A kata with a long history, it includes a number of unusual techniques that are more circular than straight and some fine detail. The kata combines finesse with power and even comes with a mystery (Hint: […]
Our annual “Shotokan Kata Review” is coming up on January 10th (Saturday), 8-10am. We will go through 27 traditional Shotokan kata, twice each. And if time permits we will review additional kata. This is a great opportunity to discover (or re-discover) the breadth of the traditional Shotokan kata syllabus. Maybe you’ll find your new tokui kata. For […]
Everyone is excited about the newly completed Mitchell Park Library and Community Center facilities in Palo Alto. As part of the grand opening festivities on Saturday, December 6th, Silicon Valley Shotokan Karate will give a demonstration at 1:30 – 2:00 pm in the “Adobe” room. This is your chance to see what traditional Japanese karate is like […]
Silicon Valley Shotokan Karate will hold our annual kickathon to benefit charity during regular classes the week of December 14th – 20th. Children’s classes will do their kicks in classes throughout the week, and the big event for the adults will be Thursday evening, the 18th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in our Redwood City […]
We are honored once again to welcome guest instructor Steve Ubl Sensei, 8th dan, Technical Director of the WTKO to teach a series of seminars on Friday, December 12th and Saturday December 13th at our Redwood City dojo. Ubl Sensei has been doing karate since the 1960s with a dedication and intensity that few attain. He […]
