Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy

Shotokan Karate originated in Okinawa, a small island south of Japan. It was popularized in Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in the 1950s. The name 'Shotokan' comes from the name 'Shoto,' which was Funakoshi's pen name, meaning 'waving or billowing pine'. Shotokan Karate is a traditional martial art that emphasizes improvements in character and mental discipline as much as physical skill. The Shotokan Karate Academy offers a caring and safe environment for both children and adults to learn karate. Classes include Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (forms), Kumite (sparring), and Fitness and Flexibility exercises, all aimed at developing overall karate skills while ensuring the safety of students.