ABOUT US
Our Story
We offer classes in Bellevue, and at the Issaquah or South Bellevue Community Center. Our instructors are very experienced and offer a personable, sensitive, funny, and optimistic approach to life. You will find their teaching styles both unique and inspirational. We offer on-going classes throughout the school year, month to month agreements, classes throughout summer, no-competition open door policies and a friendly, yet serious atmosphere.
SHOTOKAN KARATE
Technique
Shotokan is a widely practiced, traditional style of karate developed by Gichin Funakoshi, who brought the martial art to Japan in 1922. There are three major focuses:
(1) Kihon (Basic Techniques) are basic punches, kicks, blocks, and stances used as the core foundation for practice.
(2) Kata (Patterns of Moves) are sequences of blocks, punches, and other kihon that simulates a fight with multiple attackers.
(3) Kumite (Sparring) is the application of blocks, strikes, kicks with a partner. Our dojo practices non-contact sparring, emphasizing control and technical precision.
Our Dojo
What WSA provides our karate students
Washington Shotokan Association is a non-profit organization that has served the Eastside community for over 50 years teaching thousands of students the traditions of Shotokan Karate, while providing a safe and respectful environment for learning. When you visit the main dojo in Bellevue, Washington, you begin to understand why WSA is such a special place loved by children and adults.
- 3,600 square foot floating oak training floor with wall to ceiling mirrors and stretch bars
- Makiwara board (traditional karate punching board)
- Stretching room
- Dressing rooms with showers for men and women
- Separate classes for youth and adults, ranging from beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- A free trial class for anyone interested in Shotokan with no obligation to join
Belt System
In general, students can achieve their 1st degree Shotokan Black Belt in five to seven years of consistent and focused training. Once achieved, a Black Belt is a designation you will hold for the rest of your life. It is indeed a lifetime achievement
