Outdoor and Rec Athletics 0102 - Martial Arts: Shotokan Karate

Shotokan Karate is an activity course of the Budo Arts Program - OPRA's martial arts division at Hampshire College. Budo, meaning the lifestyle of incorporating "warrior" philosophies and values to one's path of internal development. Practicing budo requires the study of related fields such as, but not limited to, history, etiquette, language, art, and spirituality. Students will complete brief research assignments, study literary resources, and attend lectures and media screenings to complement the primary physical content of the course. Budo Arts classes and clubs utilize a social communication app called Discord. FREE access to the full app on computer desktop and smartphone versions will be required. Lab fees support various dojo (training school) affiliations to national governing organizations or cover purchases of specific required personal equipment where indicated. NO PREVIOUS MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE. Although our practices can be energetic, we do not train for the motivation of western fitness. Secondarily, karate practice IS NOT taught through the scope of practical self-defense. We do not endorse the application of this activity to critical real-life situations nor is it a viable form of anti-violence training at the beginner level. The Shotokan Karate dojo at Hampshire College represents nearly 50 years of tradition and affiliation to one of the oldest national organizations of karate in the US, Shotokan Karate of America INC. (SKA). Specializing in blocks, strikes, kicks, and economized body movements, karate training is an accessible art that endeavors to bring out the positive attributes in all of us. New students will be trained on individual fundamentals that serve as comprehensive building blocks for learning increasingly more advanced techniques. Individual techniques will then be threaded together to create formal sequences of movements called kata (forms). Within kata are examples of hypothetical interactions with opponents that are then workshopped with a live sparring partner in drills called, kumite. After students have committed enough time to training with us, they will have the ability to become members recognized by SKA INC. and take advantage of national member benefits such as, approved attendance to national events and candidacy for rank promotion examinations. New members are welcome at any time throughout the semester!!! As an affiliated charter of our national governing organization, membership supports our standing accreditation with SKA INC. Contact Samuel Kanner, sikOP@hampshire.edu to schedule a visit or to receive more information about terms and benefits of membership. Visitors and prospective members, attend nourished, hydrated, and prepared in a functional sense of clothing that allows for full freedom of movement if you do not already own a uniform (gi) specific to karate training. Gi are available for purchase upon request. Supplies and certain sizes are limited. Practice meets on the 2nd Floor of the Robert Crown Center in the South Lounge Dojo. For complete information about the Hampshire Shotokan Dojo, please visit, hampshire.ska.org. Join our Discord community! Discord link available upon request.

Lab Fee: $40 Student; $60 Public Community