Tora Shintai is a traditional style of Karate that focuses on Shotokan. 
At Tora Shintai we strive to follow the teachings of Master Gichin
Funakoshi who was the Master to bring Karate back to the mainland
of Japan.

Master Funakoshi, stated "The first connotation of kara indicates that
karate is a technique that permits one to defend himself with his bare
hands and fists without weapons.  He who would study karate-do
(way) must always strive to be inwardly humble and outwardly gentle.
However, once he has decided to stand up for the cause of justice,
then he must have the courage expressed in the saying, 'Even if it must
be ten million foes, I go!' Thus, he is like the green bamboo stalk:
hollow (kara) inside, straight, and with knots, that is, unselfish, gentle
and moderate."
"In a fundamental way, the form of the universe is emptiness (kara)
 and, thus, emptiness is form itself"

The Meaning of Tora Shintai Karate is as Follows;
Tora =    tiger (a symbol of no fear, confidence and patience)
Shintai =  movement, course of action, truth and new style
Karate = empty hand
Do = way

The focus of Tora Shintai is to teach karate-do to all that want to be
taught.  In today's society karate is learnt for many different reasons.
Karate students may learn karate for the traditional aspect, its history
techniques and focus.  Other students may learn karate for competition,
sporting factors or to just make new frindships whilst doing something
they love.
Tora Shintai will open a state of mind, you will learn to focus in a new
way, as well as improve your balance, self esteem, fitness, co-ordiantion,
flexability and learn how to defend yourself.
Tora is a breath of fresh air, a way of life.

What you will learn in Karate
During a karate class you will learn how to do the following:
1. Punching Techniques
2. Striking Techniques
3. Blocking Techniques
4. Kicking Techniques
5. Combination Techniques - e.g. combining blocks and punches
6. Kata - a series of karate movements based on offence and defence
7. Self Defence - self protection and awareness
8. Sparing Techniques - we have 2 styles of fighting; dojo and competition.

It is important that a karate student understands that achievement depends
on the effort and commitment that is placed into each lesson, a student will
not become a black belt over night, but with dedication and hard
work you will achieve as a great martial artist.  Students need to remember
that a blackbelt student is really a whitebelt that never gave up.

 20 Lessons of Master Funakoshi

• Karate begins and ends with courtesy.
• There is no first attack in karate.
• Karate must only be used for justice.
• Know yourself first, and then know others.
• The mind comes before the body.
• Set the mind free.
• Carelessness comes before accidents.
• Karate is not only for the dojo.
• Karate training is for a lifetime.
• Put karate in everything you do.
• Karate is like hot water turning cold.Do not think that you have to win, but think that you do
  not have to lose.
• Understand the difference between vulnerable and
  invulnerable points.
• Move according to your opponent.
• Think of your opponent's hands and feet as swords.
• Once you leave home you have 1,000,000 enemies.
• Kamae is for the beginner, Shizentai is for the advanced.
• Kata done correctly will be different than combat.
• Remember the light and heavy elements of kata.
• Always think creatively.