Shitokai Karateschule

We offer:

• Traditional karate

• Competitive karate

• Realistic self-defense

• Street fighting

• Kyusho Jitsu - Vital point stimulation

Our school

Karate for adults?

At my age?

Our karate school is traditionally oriented (see also Mission Statement).

The widespread popularity of karate has had both positive and negative effects thanks to the cinema. On the one hand, it has enjoyed immense popularity – on the other hand, it has spread a completely distorted image. Many people thought that karate training consisted of a group of young people beating each other up, kicking wildly, and shouting loud battle cries. They also thought that bricks were broken with bare hands.

Of course, more mature people would hardly feel comfortable in such a place.

However, the reality is quite different...

Our training routine:

- At the beginning of the training, we warm up carefully and in a controlled manner, followed by a few exercises that improve flexibility according to the available possibilities. Then the basic techniques - called Kihon - are practiced, checked, and refined.

- After that, we often study attack/defense in pairs or simulate it in movement sequences.

- A large part of the training is devoted to katas.

Katas are the heart of karate. Hundreds of years ago, the old masters hid their personal applications invisibly in the movements of the kata, as it was too dangerous to write them down in a book due to theft. Researching them from today's perspective is endless and extremely interesting.

- Finally, the training ends with some relevant physical stretching and strengthening exercises.

As you can see, this practice is quite calm and suitable for all ages.

And the fighting?

What is known as kumite is only one aspect of traditional karate, but it is the most well-known, sport-oriented side (only non-dangerous techniques) in the media. Therefore, young competitors in particular can train this regularly.

But for those who are already of a certain age, we conduct combat exercises in pairs to a lesser extent – always in a controlled manner to avoid rough contact and injuries.

To put it another way, no one has to go home with a black eye or go to work with any noticeable injuries.

There are various ways to be physically active; I have tried different things myself – but no other "sport" has given me anywhere near as much. Karate promotes the development of the entire musculature and works to increase strength and improve elasticity, always in accordance with fitness level and age, with the sole goal of surpassing oneself every day. This means that even veterans hardly overload their bodies.

Not only that, but a karate session begins and ends with a moment of meditation—mokuso—which promotes a complete mental separation from everyday life during training.

Switching off with physical activity/concentration brings far more relaxation than would be possible in a resting position.

Walter Stürzinger 7th Dan Shitokai, Representative of Shitokai Karatedo Switzerland

We are the leading regional karate school in Dübendorf and Glattal  www.shito.ch