About our school and karate-do
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Welcome to West L.A. Karate School
A unique community resource for over three decades.
Founder George Takahashi has been a leader in
the Southern California martial arts scene for over 35 years.
Our fees are the lowest in the area. Instructors receive
no compensation other than returning something of what they've
gotten from the art. Fees go toward paying our facilities and
equipment costs. Indeed, instructors and advanced students actually
pay higher fees than beginning students to allow newcomers to
investigate the martial arts as inexpensively as possible.
We emphasize mind and body development through the art
of traditional Japanese Shotokan style karate-do (the way of karate).
Visitors and observers are welcome. Please feel free to
drop by as often as you like, and to talk to any of our students
and/or instructors. You'll find us friendly and ready to answer
any questions you have.
What is karate-do?
A traditional and formalized martial art whose aims include:
Learning self defense via the use of attacks and defenses
utilizing both arms and legs and sparring.
The development of mind and body via formalized sequences
of techniques (kata) and the practice of basic techniques and
increasingly complex combinations of techniques.
A philosophy emphasizing humility, self discipline and self
growth with the aim of self enlightenment.
Karate means empty handed. The significance of this is
that we learn to defend ourselves without any weapons other than
our own body, and also that we aim to empty ourselves of (human)
vanity in the practice of this martial art. We strive to develop
both humility and an indomitable will. Karate-do is the
way of life of the karate practitioner.
Shotokan karate is one of the largest and best known of
the karate styles in the martial arts. It has been formalized
and standardized since the early part of this century, and has
given root to many other styles.
What is karate training like?
Beginning classes are one to one and a half hour long, three times a week.
Strength, cardiovascular endurance, and technique are developed
gradually through both repetition and increasingly more challenging
exercises.
Training is divided into three major areas: basics (kihon),
forms (kata) and sparring (kumite). Kihon consists of learning
stances,
defensive (blocking) and offensive (punching and kicking) techniques
and how to maximize their effectiveness. Kata are standardized
combinations of techniques grouped into a specific sequence (a
martial dance of sorts). A karate style is passed on through the specific kata taught
in that style.
Kumite is practice of offensive and defensive techniques with
a partner. In the beginning, this consists of a single preagreed
upon offensive and defensive technique (one by each partner).
At the highest levels, it progresses to the free exchange of
multiple techniques between partners (free sparring). In addition to the these
three major areas of training, self defense applications of karate
techniques are examined and practiced.
Ranking exams are held every three months (six months for blackbelt
(dan) levels). At each new
level, a new form must be mastered, and combinations of basic
technique and sparring become progressively more complex.
How does one get started?
You should be in reasonable physical condition. If you haven't
exercised for a long time, or have had health problems in the
past, we recommend getting a doctor's okay before starting.
You must fill out some quick paperwork (a standard release form and a
general information form).
Dues are paid at the beginning of each month. There are no contracts
to sign.
You may practice in loose fitting exercise clothing (e.g. sweats)
the first few lessons. We recommend the purchase of a plain white
karate uniform (gi), which you can purchase here or at any martial
arts supply store.
An assistant instructor will work with you one on one during your
first lesson, and until you are able to follow along with the
regular beginning class.
Our goal is to provide a positive environment and experience for
those who wish to learn something about the martial arts. The
rest is up to you!
You can contact us at any time with any questions at:
- E-mail: help@WLAkarate.com
- Telephone: (310) 737-7890
- Mailing address: PO Box 641691, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Please feel free to drop by and visit us during class hours.
Classes are held at the:
- Brentwood Youth House *
- 731 South Bundy Drive
- Los Angeles, CA 90049
* "The West Los Angeles Karate School is neither sponsored by nor is it in any way
connected with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles or the Los Angeles Unified
School District."
For further information, comments and questions you may also send e-mail to help@WLAkarate.com.
Copyright © Stan Uno.
"The ultimate aim of Karate-do lies not in the concern for victory or defeat,
but in the perfection of the human character of its participants."
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Gichin Funakoshi
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