Shotokan karate

charlieogrady

Can someone tell me is there contact in shotokan karate ... Am how long does it take to grade... Anyone explain what it is like... Thanks :-)

Scootay

I've not trained in Shotokan for a number of years but when I trained there was contact. When practicing blocks and the like with a partner there was very definite contact which often left bruises but nothing serious. Sparring is a different matter in that bruises from sparring would be rare for low grades.

If you were to start Shotokan you would be doing Gohan Kumite (five step sparring) for the first grade or two. At low grades this isn't really sparring but more of a punching and blocking drill. As you advance through grades this is shortened to three step, then one step and then free sparring but even the free sparring was really only semi contact in my epxerience. No doubt there are clubs that go for heavier contact but you'd have to train with clubs near you to find out what they were like.

charlieogrady

Thanks so much ya there is one club near me and i will try it.. Thanks for explain it