The Joy Of Unmixed Martial Art

We have been so fortunate to be involved in a really wonderful local karate school for the past few years.  My middle child had not really found her "thing" as far as sports.  She loves athletics, but was not interested in soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc.  When we found the Shoshin Karate School, we knew she had found something she could really be passionate about.

Making friends and having fun are part of karate!

Traditional karate is not as flashy as some martial arts, and it certainly is not the loud martial art where kids are running and screaming while flailing their arms.  No, Shotokan (traditional) karate is about form, movement and discipline.  That might not sound exciting, but it is a beautiful martial art where strength and balance are as important as will power.

These classes are broken up into three parts.  First they work on drills, next early non-contact sparring and finally they practice kata.  Katas are individual practice routines that you can probably compare to a memorized dance, but uses karate forms instead.  The katas are important.  They teach a student to strive for perfection, to be aware of each movement of their body and not "just go through the motions", but feel the motions and understand the purpose of each one.

As my daughter has learned and tested in her belts, she has grown a sense of pride and self confidence that I didn't know existed inside of her.  She is a different kid in the studio.  She exudes a certain air of humility that is mixed with a self assuredness.  She is stronger than I knew, she is faster than I knew and she is not scared of anyone in that studio.  She holds her own, whether she is practicing with another same age student or advanced black belt.  Here, students compete with themselves to learn and do better and all students support all other students.  We love the sensei.  He knows how to pull the very best out each student.

It has been a beautiful experience and one that I am proud to promote.  Come by and try this fun (yes it is fun!) traditional karate.  It is held in a BEAUTIFUL studio that is located behind Fluidmaster in San Juan Capistrano.  You can contact Sensei Johnston at 949-728-2611.  www.shoshinkarate.org

Classes are for adults AND kids!  Starting at $80/month!!!