Martial Arts was originally aimed towards life preservation and Self-Defense, but today people come to our studio from all walks of life for different reasons.  Some have the desire to learn Self-Defense, others want to compete in tournaments, some are seeking to become physically fit and others just want to learn and have fun.  Whatever the reason you choose, you will find others just like yourself studying at Shotokan Karate Studio of Self-Defense.

Understanding the Meaning of Self-Defense
Although our dojo’s techniques are based on Century old knowledge, it is our application of this knowledge that sets Shotokan Karate Studio of Self-Defense apart from other studios.  Our dojo realizes that each of our students possess different natural abilities; their size and strength will vary from person to person.  That is why once you have acquired a strong foundation and ability in basics, our program is individualized to match your physical capabilities in order to maximize your Self-Defense skills.  Should the need ever arise you will possess a firm understanding of exactly what it takes to both mentally and physically defend yourself and your loved ones should the need ever arise.
As a famous prime minister once said, “Continuous effort---not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.” 
Winston Churchill, British statesman,
prime minister during World War II

Our Kids Programs
Our kids program provides a strong foundation in traditional martial art skills and techniques.  In our kids program your child will also learn how to deal with school better, how to become a better student, how to fend off peer pressure, how to deal with negative behavior, how to set goals, how to never give up, how to plan his/her future.  Oh and by the way we will also show him/her how to defend themselves in case they ever need it, all within a safe, healthy and exciting environment.

We Care About Our Students and Our Community
At Shotokan Karate Studio of Self Defense, we are not only interested in fighting skills, but in the development of each person as a whole.     Shotokan Karate Studio of Self Defense is concern for its community and we try to develop this through many of our school’s activities.  
Our dojo has participated in different activities such as family events, school events as well as the walk to help find a cure for juvenile diabetes.  Every year our school walks for JDRF – The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help rise funds for such an important event that affects millions of people in our community.

Our studio is located in Queens Village , New York and easily accessible by bus or car.

Karate is one of the many kinds of martial arts developed in the orient.  Karate originated in Okinawa, a small island located about halfway between Japan and China.  On different occasions weapons were banned in Okinawa, first about 500 years ago and then again about some 200 years ago.  As a result of these bans the Okinawa’s were forced to develop methods of self-defense that did not require the use of weapons.  The word “Karate” means “empty hands”. 

Master Gichin Funakoshi first introduced karate into Japan from Okinawa when he was invited to demonstrate karate by the Ministry of Education in 1922.  Funakoshi was so well received by the Japanese that he remained in Japan and further developed the art of karate.  “Shoto” was Funakoshi’s nickname and his dojo in Japan was called the “Shotokan”. Therefore, “Shotokan” means Funakoshi’s Place. The style of karate that Funakoshi developed eventually adopted the name Shotokan. 

Even though the techniques of Karate have not changed since Okinawa, the development of karate was greatly influenced in Japan.  Due to this influence and its tremendous effect on the art, Shotokan is now rightly considered a Japanese style of karate.  

1. Karate begins and ends with courtesy.
2. There is no first attack in Karate.
3. Karate is an aid to justice.
4. First control yourself before attempting to control others.
5. Spirit first, technique second.
6. Always be ready to release your mind.
7. Accidents arise from negligence.
8. Do not think that Karate training is only in the dojo.
9. It will take your entire life to learn Karate; there is no limit.
10. Put your everyday living into Karate and you will find "Myo" (the essence).
11. Karate is like boiling water.  If you do not heat it constantly, it will cool off.
12. Do not think you have to win, think rather that you do not have to lose.
13. Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.
14. The battle is according to how you move unguarded and guarded.  (Move according to your opponent).
15. Think of your hands and feet as swords.
16. Beginners must master low stance and posture; natural body positions are for advanced.
17. Practicing Kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another.
18. Do not forget to correctly apply strength and weakness of power, expansion and contraction of the body and the different speed of techniques.
19. Always think of and device new ways to live the Precepts every day.