Hampshire Shotokan Karate is one of the multiple offerings of the Hampshire Budō Education Program. Budō, meaning, the practice and study of historic non-competitive Japanese martial arts. With courses for 5-College credit and NON-credit nationally affiliated dojo groups, each offering within the program is comprised primarily of physical martial arts training, alongside small lecture/classroom and movie/media screening components.

NOTE: The Hampshire Shotokan Dojo is a nationally affiliated charter location of our governing organization, Shotokan Karate of America INC. Membership supports our standing and reputability with SKA. Contact Samuel Kanner to schedule a visit or for more information about terms and benefits of membership.  Please continue to read the following description for full activity info.

Shotokan Karate is a Japanese martial art that studies blocks, strikes, kicks, and effective body movements without equipment or weaponry. Combined with balance, timing, and coordination, single techniques are threaded together to create formal sequences of movement called kata (forms). Within kata are vignettes of engagements with an imaginary opponent that is then workshopped with a live sparring partner in drills called, kumite. Although we expect all members to attend and participate with a "full spirit", kumite is rather a material lesson in cooperation, manners, etiquette, and proper attitude. NO PREVIOUS MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.  THIS IS NOT AN EXERCISE OR SELF-DEFENSE CLASS. Karate is a study of budō (intellectual warrior-ship) that stands apart from sport and is a different type of physical training. Uniforms for new members are not required but are recommended upon first acquisition of rank with SKA through testing with the Hampshire Shotokan Dojo.
Please come prepared in a functional sense of clothing that allows for full freedom of motion if you do not already own a uniform (gi).  Gi are available for purchase upon request. Supplies and certain sizes are limited. Practice meets in the Robert Crown Center at Hampshire College.  Email Samuel Kanner, <sikOP@hampshire.edu> as practice location details may change between semesters.
Please inquire about Hampshire Shotokan homepage.  Join our Discord community!  Discord link available upon request.