Shotokan Karate is based on ancient Okinawan teachings, distilled into the modern system by Gichin Funakoshi, who brought the art to Japan in the early 20th century. Punching and kicking are practiced along with knee and elbow strikes, throws and sweeps. Trainings are focused in three main areas:

• Kihon or Basics - blocks, punches, kicks, stances, etc.
• Kumite or Sparring - application of the basic movement against an opponent
• Kata - often called the backbone of karate, it is a combination of basics and sparring against visualized opponents