THE LEGACY OF MAKOTO GIMA
WHAT IS OUR KARATE?
SHŌTŌ-RYU AND SHŌTŌ-KAN KARATE-DO
Gima-Ha Shōtōkan-Ryu Karate-Do founded by Shihan Makoto Gima, Judan, Hanshi (10th Dan awarded in 1956) was formerly known as Shōtō-Ryu.
Our Karate-Do focuses on the standard Kihon, Kata and Kumite as seen in most Dojos, but also places an emphasis on Nage-Waza (throwing techniques), Kansetsu-Waza (grappling, joint locks etc.), and Kobudo (Okinawa weapons).
Our Kihon consists of Sonoba -Kihon and Ido-Kihon, which is tested on all our syllabi from 9 Kyu through Nidan (2nd Dan).
Our Kata include the standard 26 Shōtō-Kan Gata as well as our Gima-Ha Koryu Gata, with marked differences to the standardised Kata, in particular our older versions of:: Ji’in, Chinte, Bassai-Sho, Gankaku and Gojushiho.
Our Kumite syllabus also differs slightly from the standard Shōtō-Kan in that we start with Yakusoku Kumite (Kihon Ippon Kumite, Jiyu Ippon Kumite, Kaeshi Ippon Kumite, and Happo Kumite. We progress to Jiyu Kumite (Shiai Kumite) which is classed as an intermediate level of training.
We then move to Jissen Kumite (Combat) which is seen as the advanced level of our Kumite syllabus and is usually demonstrated on Dan Grade examinations.
Kobudo becomes a necessity as Sandan level.