U-KAI – United Family

We are a collection of long time Western, Shotokan based martial artists that are committed to bringing you the very best in Shotokan Karate and much more. We would like to congratulate you for looking at our website. You will find plenty of information here and we hope that it will whet your appetite and encourage you to come and join us. We are proud to welcome numerous other organizations and dojos on three continents who have decided to align themselves with us (see the worldwide dojo link). We are also proud to take an eclectic approach to our martial art.

Special Relationships

We have a close working relationship with Dr. Milorad V. Stricevic, founder of Scientific Karate Institute International Ltd., SKILL and the Karate Instructor Program at Long Island University where we serve on the staff.

Study of Shotokan

In our study of Shotokan karate we practice daily the roots of the traditions of Shotokan. We are able to bring our students and members a deeper understanding of the original meanings for our kata and the defensive themes they recreate.

Basic Movements

The most basic movements we teach in karate are Atemi waza or (striking techniques). This includes punching, kicking, and any other percussive movements. This is where most other systems of karate stop. In order to fully grasp all of the movements we must move on to all of the other areas. Others include (joint and/or limb locking techniques or cavity seizing techniques) or Kansetsu/Tuite waza.

Links to other styles

There are whole styles devoted to this study, such as Aikido and Chin Na. We must also look at the throwing art of judo to include Nage waza (throwing techniques). We must also understand (ground fighting techniques) or Ne waza. We cannot overlook (strangling or choking techniques) known as Shime waza. These are very broad strokes as well. Once again there have been whole systems devoted to the study of each.

The Principles Unlocked

Unless one truly understands each and every one of these, can they consider themselves a master?