We are a traditional Shotokan karate academy commited to teaching the shotokan syllabus. In addition to our karate training we hold to the fundemental belief that those who practice karate must develop personally in both character and spirit.

Adults & Children are welcome to train at the Matsumura Karate Academy.  We recommend younger students start training at seven years of age, however we have on occasions accepted students younger but this very much depends on the child concerned.

The benefits and rewards of training in the martial arts are often life changing, and are experienced both by the young and old alike, not only in the Dojo but in home life as well. Martial Arts training introduces children to discipline and respect for themselves and others, creating a real sense of integrity. A child that grows up with a good self-image makes good life choices.

The constant achievement of short-term goals is ever present in martial arts training resulting in a deep feeling of self-confidence.  The pursuit of the long term goal of the black belt creates commitment and dedication.

We have named our academy in honour of Bushi Sokon Matsumura

Matsumura was recruited into the service of the Sho family (Royal family of Okinawa) and eventually became the chief martial arts instructor and bodyguard for the Okinawan King. At some point in his career, approximately 1830, he went to China and studied the Shaolin style of Chinese Kenpo (fist method) and weaponry. It is also known that he traveled to Foochow in Fukien province China on numerous occasions as an envoy for the Okinawan King. After his return from China he organized and refined the Shorin Ryu system of Okinawan Karate.

Matsumura is credited with passing on the kata or formal exercises of Shorin Ryu Karate known as Naifanchi I & II, Bassai Dai, Seisan, Chinto, Gojushiho (fifty-four steps of the Black Tiger), Kusanku (the embodiment of Kusanku's teaching as passed on to Tode Sakugawa) and Hakutsuru (white crane).

The Hakutsuru kata contains the elements of the white crane system taught within the Shaolin system of Chinese Kenpo. Another set of kata, known as Chanan in Matsumura's time, is said to have been devised by Matsumura himself and was the basis for Pinan I and II. Matsumura's Ryu has endured to the present day and the above mentioned kata are the core of Shorin Ryu Karate today.

Matsumura was given the title "Bushi" meaning warrior by the Okinawan King in recognition of his abilities and accomplishments in the martial arts. In fact, Matsumura fought many times but was never defeated. His martial arts endeavors has been the progenitor of many contemporary karate styles, Shorin Ryu, Shotokan Ryu, and Shito Ryu, for example. Ultimately all modern styles of karate that evolved from the Shuri-Te lineage can be traced back to the teachings of Bushi Matsumura.

We at the Matsumura Karate Academy call attributes such as commitment, dedication, respect, determination, loyalty, trust, perseverance, gained through martial arts training as life skills, skills we believe essential for success in life.

Self confidence, self respect, courage, commitment, dedication, the power to set goals and achieve them, are just some of the attributes guaranteed when your child trains in the martial arts, combine these with a strong body, good balance, fitness, agility, and the skills of self defence and you have a child whose future is assured.

Through enrolling yourself or your child now you are providing the foundation for life!  The greatest gift you could ever give to your child.
 
We welcome parents to bring along children who are interested in training with us to watch our training classes and to meet with other students and parents to see and experience first hand.

Family groups are welcome at the academy. We have several already who train together. Training together is a real bonding experience for many families and an opportunity to explore an interest together.

Self Defence:
Shotokan karate is the ultimate method of self defence however our endeavour is to ensure that all techniques learned are taught in such a way as to guarantee their absolute effectiveness in any confrontation. Specialised self defence classes are provided to all sections of the community and vulnerable groups. please see the self defence page.

Those who practice Karate must always be polite and not be selfish.
Of course behave properly towards Senseis and Seniors, but also towards colleagues and juniors.

When training in Kata or Kumite, always bow in the beginning and at the end.

Kata is the base of Karate. Do not rush to a hasty conclusion. Train hard and study the Kata and the Kumite.

Waza (technique) will be ever changing, so you must give a spirited effort and strive to advance your own abilities.

When you train, you must concentrate your mind for making the waza, faster, stronger, and more correct, but do not become emotional (excited).

Do not lose the concentration of your mind and effort. Keep learning and studying the main thread of Karate. Karate training has no limits.

Always conduct yourself correctly, and always swallow your hot blood (temper).

Those who train Karate should not be conceited. It leads to easy falls and loss of correct thinking. If you become conceited, you should be conscious that progress of techniques and personal virtue will be lost. You must keep a beginner’s fresh spirit forever.

Karate is a way to discipline both the mind and body, and to keep humanitarianism for a complete character to build a great person.

The way of Karate is Budo (Martial Art). You cannot achieve the culmination of it without training properly according to these directions.

To master the way do not race against others. Race against yourself.