What is Shotokai?

Shotokai was originally conceived by Master Gichin Funakoshi, who is considered to be the founding father of modern Karate-do.

One of Master Funakoshi's students, a gentleman by the name of Shigeru Egami, further developed the art of Shotokai.

Egami Sensei believed that there was a oneness between spirit and technique. Every technique contained spirit or feeling. The near perfection of technique would always follow a strong spirit.

Egami Sensei would say "Shotokai is a path to the integration of mind, body and spirit."

Here in Dartmouth and Sackville we teach concepts passed down by Mitsusuke Harada of the UK. Harada Sensei was a student of Funakoshi's Son, but has studied with both Egami and Funakoshi. His website can be found at www.karatedoshotokai.com

Today the benefits people receive from the practice of the martial arts have been well documented. Fitness, coordination, concentration, higher self-esteem, higher self-discipline and a higher awareness to name but a few of the benefits of Karate-do Shotokai.


Mitsusuke Harada

Harada SenseiOur senior instructor, Sensei (master) Mitsusuke Harada, was born in Manchuria in 1928. He started his karate training with Master Funakoshi's group in Tokyo. Master Harada entered Waseda University in 1948, and immediately joined the University karate club which was at the time very strong. During this period, Harada Sensei continued to receive instruction from Master Funakoshi, who, by this time, was very old.

In 1951 Harada Sensei gained the Bachelors' Degree in Economics and Commerce, and then proceeded to further his education by studying for another two years. In 1953, he was awarded a Master's Degree. After leaving University, he started work in a Tokyo bank, and in 1956 was sent to Sao Paulo, Brazil by his company. Master Harada founded his own group in Brazil, and at this time, at the age of 28, he received his 5th Dan black belt directly from Funakoshi. 5th Dan remains the highest level of black belt in the Shotokai organization.

 

Harada Sensei

 

In 1963, Harada sensei was invited to Paris to teach karate. It was during this period that Harada Sensei decided to devote his life to karate. He resigned from the bank, and was invited by Kenshiro Abbe of the British Judo council to come to London to teach karate. In 1963, Harada Sensei gave a demonstration of karate at the Albert Hall, and became the first resident Japanese instructor in Britain. In the mid 1960's Harada formed the Karate-do Shotokai (KDS). Master Harada's role is that of overall Sensei (instructor) of the Association, and advisor to the technical Executive, on matters pertaining to the practice of Karate-Do.