Sun Country Sports Center

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	Shotokan Karate \| Shotokan History \| Tests & Ranks

Sun Country Shotokan Karate
(Ages 6 - Adult)

•	Develops strong character
•	Increases discipline
•	Promotes the self-assurance that helps young people reject peer pressure
•	Enhances physical strength, endurance and coordination
•	Teaches self-defense and awareness for a safer life
•	Teaches courtesy and politeness
•	Coached fitness classes help increase physical limits

Karate Ranking Test - July 28th, 2006

Karate-Do is a martial art who's roots come from India and China. It is believed that is was in the 1600's that the Okinawans began to develop it in secrecy as a form of self defense. Grand Master Gishin Funakoshi founder of Shotokan Karate was born in Okinawa in the mid 1800's , there he received his Karate training. He held the first Karate exhibition in Tokyo in the year 1922. This contributed a few years later to it's introduction to western civilizations. He dedicated most of his life to the innovation and development of the martial art into a sport. His goal was that Karate-Do could be practiced by anyone who wished to do so regardless of age or sex.

We are a certified Shotokan Karate school that has its roots in Japan. We are members of the Kenkojuku Karate-Do Federation with schools throughout the U.S. and abroad. Shihan K. Sugimoto is the Senior Instructor of our Association. Shihan Sugimoto is a well known International Karate figure who certifies our students ranking. Accredited certification allows our students to be recognized worldwide by other Shotokan schools. Why certification is important? Certification guides the ranking standards and thus enables relocation without loss of ranking status.

Our mission is to maintain high standards by motivating students to generate a high level of interest and effort during training. Ranking promotions is the reward for such. We do not promote a false sense of accomplishment for it is not conducive to character strength. We preserve the standards of traditional Japanese Karate. We are devoted to develop strong characters and to give our students achievements they can be proud of. Endeavor, respect, motivation, discipline, behavior and performance are all requirements for promotion. We do not rank strictly based on a time table as we are committed to preserve the ranking standards and integrity of traditional Karate-Do.

Ranks and its fees are not included in the fee charged for classes.

The following are the requirements for test participation:
The Instructor approves of the student being ready for testing. The student must own an approved Karate uniform (solid white). All students who hold rank or wish to do so must be members of the Shotokan Kenkojuku Karate-Do Federation ($20.00 yearly membership). A certificate is issued for each Belt promotion. All fees must be paid prior to examination, in order to gather the information necessary as to prepare in advance for the day of the test. Ranking fees are very reasonable and you may request information on our raking procedures.

Our Shotokan Karate lineage:
Master Gishin Funakoshi: Founder of Shotokan Karate

Shihan Tomasaburu Okano: Student of Gishin Funakoshi

Shihan Koji Sugimoto (eighth degree): Student of Tomasaburu Okano

Pedro Alfonso (Sandan): Student of Koji Sugimoto and Sun Country Shotokan Instructor. Twenty one years of teaching experience: Eight years at Sun Country and thirteen at Miami Dade Community College (Dade County).

NOTE: Must be a Member to participate in this program