Welcome to the
Washington DC Shotokan Karate Club
Come train with us!

What is Karate?

Shotokan karate is a system of self-defense that uses blocking, punching, kicking, and moving techniques to defend oneself against attackers. It was brought to Japan from Okinawa in 1917 by Shotokan Karate founder Gichin Funakoshi.

Why train karate?

  1. Great total body exercise
  2. Get in great shape
  3. Learn self-defense
  4. Learn a skill
  5. Improve concentration and coordination
  6. Do something totally different
  7. Meet other dedicated people

Why should you train with us?

  1. We have no binding contracts and do not sell promises of black belts.
  2. We are the oldest dojo (over 25 years) in the DC Metro area.
  3. We are a non-profit organization, so fees are very low and we have no financial motives to attrach and retain students.
  4. Our instructors are dedicated, high ranking black belts with a lot of experience training and competing. Many are enrolled in the Instructors Training Program with the Japan Karate Association.
  5. Students benefit from having a variety of 6-8 instructors to learn from.
  6. We teach traditional karate based on age-old principles.
  7. We are members of the Japan Karate Association and International Shotokan Karate Federation which unifies our training, instruction and testing of students. Also, you can train in any JKA dojo anywhere in the world, you will be welcome and your rank will be recognized.
  8. We are a diverse, fun group who enjoy regular outings together.
  9. We are conveniently located in Georgetown with free parking.
  10. There are several opportunities each year to compete in tournaments.
  11. The ISKF hosts karate camp two times a year in a peaceful, natural setting in Pennsylvania where you can train with people from Shotokan clubs all over the world.
  12. New students have semi-private lessons with a black belt instructor.
  13. Students learn self-control, self-defense and sparring in a controlled environment.
  14. We are dedicated to our club and Shotokan karate.

Have you trained Shotokan before?

Rules reguarding rank are as follows:

  1. If you have a Japan Karate Association (JKA) rank, bring in documentation such as a kyu exam certificate or membership card. You can continue to wear your current belt unless you have not trained in several years and need to brush up first.
  2. If you earned rank in another Shotokan organization, you will need to wear a white belt until you have tested with the JKA and your rank determined.

Do you need a gi (uniform)?

New students can train in comfortable sweat pants and a tee shirt for the first few months. When ready, click here for a list of some places to buy gis.

 

eMail:dckarate@gmail.com
Updated: May 2008