Keeping the Tradition!

The Makoto Karate Academy was founded in 2002, in West Hills California. We stem from the Japan Karate Association (JKA). The JKA states “Shotokan Karate is a martial art and system of self-defense that originated hundreds of years ago in Okinawa, but was greatly influenced by an even older tradition from China. Literally, “karate-do” means “the way of the empty hand,” referring to the fact that its practitioners use no weapons to attack and defend, but only the hands, feet, and body.”

Karate isn’t about flashy kicks or a game for points. It is not merely a sport but a way of life based on Bushido (the way of the samurai). Karate is much more than merely physical. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit—the whole person—must be developed simultaneously. Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques. The benefits of traditional karate are very rewarding. This training involves the person as a whole. Karate is for everyone—regardless of age or sex. It is a life commitment. Karate is good for all parts of the body. It develops hand-eye & physical coordination as well as so much more. Karate also helps develop patience, discipline, perseverance, understanding and open-mindedness, as well as concentration and focus. It helps build self-confidence and develops ones self-control. The physical and mental aspects of karate can be brought together through intense training and practice. Students gain the ability to sense danger as well as reaction and timing. Karate will also gradually improve your fitness as you progress, your starting point is less important than the effort you put into it along the way. It doesn’t matter if you are less fit than the next person. Everyone trains at ones own level and pace. As your fitness improves, so will the pace at which you advance