A Non Profit traditional Shotokai Karate organization devoted to providing low-cost and high-quality instructions on traditional Shotokai Karate. International Shotokai Karate -Do Federation – Switzerland was founded in 2019 by Sensei. T. Srivijayakumar. International Shotokan Shobukan Karate Association – Switzerland the aim of spreading the unique, innovative & realistic style of Shotokai in all over Switzerland.
ISSKA Switzerland is one of the most popular Shotokan Shobukan Karate Association in Switzerland under the leadership of Sensei. T. Srivijayakumar. ISSKA Switzerland is committed to preserving the intangible cultural treasure of traditional Shotokai Karate-do, which has been passed down to us in its original form by Kyoshi. Gurwant Singh Ladhi (Black Belt 7 th DAN (WKF)).
Since its establishment in 2019, ISSKA Switzerland has attracted diverse martial arts practitioners from all over Switzerland. We at ISSKA Switzerland believe in Karate-Do training for all, regardless of nationality, race, age or gender. Our qualified dojo instructors provide training as per students’ pace, skills, and fitness. They are committed to improving their ‘Mind’, ‘Body’ & Spirit. It is our goal to improve the “quality of Life” for all and help them to become a better citizen of society. The development of character: Sincerity, Effort, Etiquette and Self-control.
The International Shotokan Shobukan Karate Association – Switzerland is rich in tradition and continuously moves forward to bring all states together to follow these same guidelines. It is our sincere hope that this website is used as a guide to help in this endeavour.
To preserve and spread traditional Japanese karate through exceptional instruction.
To promote peace and goodwill through the development of positive character and physical fitness.
Okinawa, a miraculous and mysterious martial art has come down to us from the past. It is said that one who masters its techniques can defend himself readily without resort to weapons and can perform remarkable feats: the breaking of several thick boards with his fist or ceiling panels of a room with a kick with his shuto (sword hand) he can kill a bull with a single stroke he can pierce the flank of a horse with his open hand; he can cross a room grasping the beams of the ceiling with his fingers; crush a green bamboo stalk with his bare hand; shear a hemp rope with a twist; or gouge soft rock with his hands.
ISSKA Switzerland is one of the most popular Shotokai karate organizations in Switzerland under the leadership of Shihan. T.Srivijayakumar. ISSKA Switzerland is committed to preserving the intangible cultural treasure of traditional Shotokai Karate-do, which has been passed down to us in its original form by Kyoshi. Gurwant Singh Ladhi (Black Belt 7 th DAN (WKF)).
Some consider these aspects of this miraculous and mysterious martial art to be the essence of Karate-do. But such feats are a small part of Karate, playing a role analogous to the straw-cutting test of Kendo (Japanese fencing), and it is erroneous to think that there is no more to Karate-do than this. In fact, true Karate-do places weight upon spiritual rather than physical matters… True Karate-do 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.
– Funakoshi, G. (1922). Karate-do Kyohan (The Master Text).
Shotokan, the world’s best-known style of Karate, derives its name from Funakoshi’s pen name Shoto. It is characterised by its effective use of attacks and blocks at far maai (the distance maintained between opponents). Conversely, the Goju, Shito and Wado styles are acknowledged for their use of close maai.
The training process for Karate today comprises four areas: kihon (basics), kumite (sparring), kata (pre-arranged series of movements and techniques) and competition. We can also divide Karate into the competition-oriented Sports Karate and Budo (martial arts) Karate, which focuses on discipline and training. Master Funakoshi, who was both an educator and a man of letters, taught the latter type of Karate at universities. Additionally, if we view kata in terms of training on an individual meditative level, then kumite represents training conducted in tandem with a partner. These contrasting elements can be compared to the two wheels of a cart.
It is a fact that, following the introduction of the tournament system, Karate has spread throughout the world. Additionally, the incentive that tournaments provide for practitioners to burn their fighting spirit, or to strive to become stronger, is important indeed… What is of primary importance, however, is kihon… One of the appeals of Karate is that it provides an opportunity for everyone, regardless of gender or physical strength, to gain increasing confidence with each passing year.
The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate are said to have been created by Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi to offer guidance to Karate practitioners. Funakoshi’s principles are (intentionally) open to various interpretations.
1. Do not forget that Karate-do begins and ends with rei (respect).
2. There is no first strike in Karate.
3. Karate stands on the side of justice.
4. First know yourself, then know others.
5. Mentality over technique.
6. The mind must be set free.
7. Calamity springs from carelessness.
8. Karate goes beyond the dojo (training hall).
9. Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
10. Apply the way of Karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.
11. Karate is like boiling water: without heat, it returns to its tepid state.
12. Do not think of winning. Think, rather, of not losing.
13. Make adjustments according to your opponent.
14. The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and fullness (weakness and strength).
15. Think of the opponent’s hands and feet as swords.
16. When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.
17. Kamae (ready stance) is for beginners; later, one stands in shizentai (natural stance).
18. Perform kata exactly; actual combat is another matter.
19. Do not forget the employment or withdrawal of power, the extension or contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique.
20. Be constantly mindful, diligent and resourceful in your pursuit of the Way.