Shotokan Karate Dojo

Karate in Okinawa developed from the synthesis of two fighting techniques. The first one, used by the inhabitants of Okinawa, was very simple but terribly effective and, above all, very close to reality, since it was used throughout many centuries in real combat. The second one, much more elaborate and impregnated with philosophical teachings, was a product of the ancient culture of China. These two orgins explain the double character of karate’s – extremely violent and efficient, but at the same time, a strict and austere discipline and philosohpy with a nonviolent emphasis.