Shotokan Karate is a bit of a “marmite” style.  As the marmite advert says, you either love it or you hate it.

Before going into any discussion on any style at all, it has to be acknowledged that as it spreads throughout the world, approaches will vary and be altered.   Some teachers will add things, other teachers will take things out, some will teach it really well, others will teach it poorly.  So we are not really able to say “this is how it is” as it can vary quite widely from association to association or even club to club.  So as with any post of this type, we must acknowledge that there will be some broad generalisations and that there will be exceptions.

Also, the thrust of this post will be the strengths and weaknesses of Shotokan Karate as a form of self protection; not as a combat sport or form of self improvement so I won’t be talking about how well it does or doesn’t do in the cage! Read more