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 20^th 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