Pasadena Shotokan Karate - SKA

Pasadena Shotokan Karate - SKA Our school, founded by Tsutomu Ohshima in 1969, follows the teachings of Gichin Funakoshi. We must be calm enough to express ourselves humbly.”

"True karate is this: That in daily life one’s mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice." Master Gichin Funakoshi

Karate can also be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice

is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters: kara, meaning empty, and te, meaning hand; thus, karate means “empty hand.” Adding the suffix “-do” (pronounced “doe”), meaning “way,” i.e., karate-do, implies karate as a total way of life that goes well beyond the self-defense applications. In traditional karate-do, we always keep in mind that the true opponent is oneself. Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi has said that “mind and technique become one in true karate.” We strive to make our physical techniques pure expressions of our mind’s intention, and to improve our mind’s focus by understanding the essence of the physical techniques. By polishing our karate practice we are polishing our own spirit or our own mentality. For example, eliminating weak and indecisive movements in our karate helps to eliminate weakness and indecision in our minds–and vice versa. It is in this sense that karate becomes a way of life, as we try to become very strong but happy and peaceful people. As Tsutomu Ohshima, chief instructor (shihan) of Shotokan Karate of America, has put it, “We must be strong enough to express our true minds to any opponent, anytime, in any circumstance.

End of Year Practice 2025Lead by: Godan David Lechuga, 12/7/25Shotokan Ohshima Dojo
12/08/2025

End of Year Practice 2025
Lead by: Godan David Lechuga, 12/7/25
Shotokan Ohshima Dojo

Southern California Black and BrownBelt PracticeOctober 27, 2024Leader: Godan Tom MuzilaKihon: Study of shuffling gyakuz...
11/18/2024

Southern California Black and Brown
Belt Practice
October 27, 2024
Leader: Godan Tom Muzila
Kihon: Study of shuffling gyakuzuki, maete, uraken, kicks combination
Kata: Empi
Kumite: Study of sanbon gumite with defense strategies & footwork against opponent

A terrific gathering of folks from across the country for the SOD Nisei Week practice held on Sunday, August 11, 2024. T...
08/19/2024

A terrific gathering of folks from across the country for the SOD Nisei Week practice held on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Thank you for all the guidance for more than 65 years, Ohshima Sensei.

Jiyu kumite practice at Maryknoll. Thank you, Trung (CSULB Karate Club), for leading this strong and spirited practice! ...
07/28/2024

Jiyu kumite practice at Maryknoll. Thank you, Trung (CSULB Karate Club), for leading this strong and spirited practice!
Thank you to the participants who helped distribute posters and flyers in Little Tokyo for the upcoming SKA Nisei Week Tournament and Exhibition. Please spread the word and join us.
Two weeks away!

Summer Special Training - WestJune 26-30, 2024CSU Channel Islands, CALeader: Yodan Trung PhamGreat Special Training last...
07/02/2024

Summer Special Training - West
June 26-30, 2024
CSU Channel Islands, CA

Leader: Yodan Trung Pham
Great Special Training last week! Everyone pushed hard and showed their best mentality! Many dojo members participated from SoCal and NorCal as well as people who traveled from a far including Australia, Hawaii, Houston, Seattle, Portland, Reno, Salt Lake City, Boise, Twin Falls.
Special thanks to the white belts and first timers for completing their first special training! A deserving accomplishment!

Post-Practice Lunch from last month’s Black/Brown Belt Practice.  This month’s Black/Brown Belt Practice will be led by ...
04/26/2024

Post-Practice Lunch from last month’s Black/Brown Belt Practice.

This month’s Black/Brown Belt Practice will be led by Yodan, Darren Pike this Sunday, April 28 (10am-12pm) at Shotokan Karate of Garden Grove. All black and brown belts are encouraged to attend.

SOD Jiyu Kumite Clinic & Tournament April 20-21, 2024The Jiyu Kumite Clinic led by Godan Gary Shockley. His instruction ...
04/24/2024

SOD Jiyu Kumite Clinic & Tournament
April 20-21, 2024

The Jiyu Kumite Clinic led by Godan Gary Shockley. His instruction in jiyu kumite was insightful with drills working on footwork, kumite techniques, and strategy. Great camaraderie with everyone at the Yakumo Residence. Excellent turn out at the Tournament with competitors showing strong spirit in all the matches. Special thanks to tournament officials; Trung Pham & Erik Malone for refereeing and all who participated in judging. Congrats to all winners who earned the medal awards! Well deserved!

Members from 25 dojos participated, including Alta, Boston (MA), Central Coast, Chapel Hill (NC) CSULB, Columbia University (NY), El Camino, Emerald Isle (NC), Foothill, Garden Grove, Lake Forest, Long Beach, Maryknoll, Montreal (Canada), Pasadena, Portland (OR), Reno, San Diego Encinitas, San Diego Peninsula, San Francisco, San Jose, Saratoga, South Bay, Twin Falls (ID), and Valley Dojos. We hope everyone will continue to hone their skills and have good memories of the strong spirit, camaraderie and fellowship from this weekend.

Address

595 Lincoln Avenue
Pasadena, CA
91103

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