Kokondo Karate

Kokondo Karate was founded in name by Shihan Paul Arel in 1970, although its origins date back much further. While primarily a Japanese karate style, Kokondo Karate is also influenced by the techniques of China, Thailand, Burma, and the Philippines. The primary styles which influence Kokondo are Sankata Karate-jitsu, Sanzyuryu Jujitsu, and Kyokushin Karate. The emphasis of this art is on self defense and the perfection of technique.

The techniques learned in this art consist primarily of strikes, blocks, stances and kicks. However, due to the jujitsu influence, students will also learn to employ joint locks, chokes and takedowns. All of these techniques are then applied to self defense against a variety of attacks that a person may encounter. This includes attacks from the rear and side, attacks with weapons (knife, gun, club, etc.), surprise attacks, multiple attacks, close-quarter fighting and the defense against grabs and holds. In addition, more advanced students practice the traditional weapons bo, sai, tonfa, jo, and yawara.

A typical Kokondo Karate class consists of the following: a warm-up, stationary and moving kihon practice, kata (forms), prearranged self defense, random self defense practice, and stretching to warm down. For more information, please see the contact page. And remember, beginners are always, always welcome!

Portions of this text were taken with permission from www.ikja.com.