SHOTOKAN KARATE RICHMOND
Traditional Karate Training
Welcome to our school. Richmond Dojo was established by Sensei Con Sklavounos in 1983 who continues today to teach and develop students of all ages.
Our schools, Richmond and Coburg Dojos boast a high standard of karate and competition success. Our dedication is to the development of our students through hard training and focus on an excellent standard.
Join us, and come along to try our classes.
CLASS TIMES
Richmond Dojo
Mondays and Thursdays
5 pm - 6 pm Junior & 6 pm - 8 pm Senior
Coburg Dojo
Monday to Friday 5 pm - 7 pm Junior & 7 pm to 9 pm Senior
Saturdays - special training including squad training
TRADITIONAL KARATE
Our focus and hard work in development of correct technique; long low stances; strength, posture and knowledge, through constant practice is of paramount importance to us.
This high standard is evident in the three components of karate training demonstrated by our students in Kihon (basics), Kata (forms) & Kumite (fighting) and the continual success at competition.
FIGHTING & SELF DEFENCE
Students build and develop skills through set fighting sequences. Developing set attack & defence routines to improve accuracy; hand-eye co-ordination; power; and speed.
This development of set fighting leads onto set free fighting routines which then progress to free fighting including, self defence and competition karate.
CONDITIONING
Conditioning and strength is an integral part of our training as it supports the high standard of karate practised at our school.
More importantly, conditioning and fitness training helps our students lead fit and healthy lives with strong minds and bodies.
RICHMOND DOJO
Teaching Traditional Karate in Richmond (Vic) since 1983
The Richmond Dojo was established by Sensei Con Sklavounos who has practised and taught karate from a very young age and continues his dedication and love for the sport today.
Our school is not a business, hence our long lasting presence in Richmond. We intentionally keep student numbers low focusing on student development and excellence unlike other schools who compromise quality for numbers to maintain their business.
We are passionate about the art of karate and passing on our knowledge to loyal students who want to work hard.
We take great satisfaction and pride in our student's achievements.
INSTRUCTOR'S PROFILE
INSTRUCTORS RICHMOND SHOTOKAN KARATE
Sensei Con Sklavounos 6th Dan/Rokudan
Sensei Con Sklavounos began karate training in 1975. At age 16 opened the Richmond dojo in 1983. He has successfully competed, and continues to coach students at State, National and International level.
Sensei Con's training background:
Japan Karate Association (JKA)
Shotokan Karate Association of Australia (SKAA) under Australasian Chief Instructor Sensei Frank Nowak
Shotokan Karate International (SKI) under Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa
World Shotokan Karate Federation (WSKF) under Sensei Hitoshi Kasuya
World Shotokan Karate-Do Australia (WSKA) under Sensei John Haitidis
Con was awarded his Shodan (1st dan black belt) at age 15 by Sensei Frank Nowak and opened the Richmond School the following year making him one of, if not the youngest independent instructors in Australia.
Sensei Con and Chief Instructor Sensei John Haitidis (who established the WSKA) have had a long and loyal relationship spanning over 40 years, and continue to be passionate practitioners and coaches in the art of karate.
SHOTOKAN HISTORY
Founded by Gichin Funakoshi (the father of modern karate)
Shotokan is a “hard” style of karate with emphasis on strength, speed, agility, powerful sharp techniques and long low stances.
Shotokan was the name of the first official dojo built by Funakoshi in 1936 at Meiro. Shoto (松濤, Shōtō) meaning "pine-waves" (the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them) was Funakoshi's pen-name which he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. The Japanese kan (館, kan) means "house" or "hall". In honour of their sensei, Funakoshi's students created a sign reading shōtō-kan which was placed above the entrance of the hall where Funakoshi taught. Gichin Funakoshi never gave his style a name. He simply called it "karate".
Funakoshi awarded the first 1st dan Shotokan to Tokuda, Otsuka, Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Gima, and Kasuya on 10 April 1924. His Korean students founded schools of Shotokan that eventually became Taekwondo.
Shotokan training is divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of techniques), and kumite (sparring/fighting). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is often regarded as a 'hard' martial art.
Funakoshi laid out the Twenty Precepts of Karate, (or niju kun) which form the foundations of the art. Within these twenty principles lies the philosophy of Shotokan. The principles allude to notions of humility, respect, compassion, patience, and both an inward and outward calmness.
Funakoshi also wrote: "The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of the participant.”
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR'S PROFILE
Sensei John Haitidis 8th Dan/Hachidan
Sensei John Haitidis commenced his training with the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in the early 70's. He was then associated with SKA, SKI and WSKF before establishing the World Shotokan Karate-Do of Australia. He has maintained his passion and dedication to karate continually passing on his experiences to those willing to learn.
Sensei John is the Chief Instructor of World Shotokan Karate-Do Australia (WSKA).
He is the current AKF State Head Kata Coach and has maintained his elite coaching and mentoring roles for decades with both State and National squads travelling all over the world. Sensei John doesn't only support his own organisation's students but students from other karate styles and organisations seeking his guidance and development.
His extensive experience in both traditional and competition karate is next to none. He is one of the most experienced instructors/coaches in Australia, if not the world today.
He is highly sought after by many organisations and instructors of different styles of karate in order to learn his methods of training and teaching, and to build their own organisation's syllabus and management models.
KARATE HISTORY
Kyoto Butokuden - where it all began
Butokuden Kyoto Japan as it still stands today.
'The Great Martial Virtues Association of Japan' founded in 1895 and the Butokuden built 1899 served as headquarters for all Japan's famous martial arts. It is where Kendo, Iaido, Judo, Aikido, and Karate all took their modern forms.
Interior Butokuden Kyoto today during the Japan national anthem.
The Butokuden is used by all Japanese martial arts for their training, competitions and exhibitions.
Opening with the national anthem prior to an Iaido tournament.
Inside the Butokuden during an Iaido tournament.
Butokuden Kyoto is where Gichin Funakoshi first demonstrated toudi-jutsu the Okinawan martial art with Chinese roots. The practice was then standardised to what is now karate.
Butokuden interior - it is easy to imagine Funakoshi's demonstration.
The Okinawan martial art introduced by Funakoshi which developed into modern karate was named Shoto-kan due to Funakoshi's students having named his dojo as such, hence he is famous as being the founder of Shotokan Karate.
CONTACT US
For inquiries please contact us:
Richmond Dojo
310-314 Church Street Richmond Victoria 3121
(Clifton Hall, behind the Art Gallery)
0407-467-577
Coburg Dojo HQ
403 Sydney Road Coburg Victoria 3058
(1st Floor - access from Sydney Rd & rear car park)
johnhaitidis@worldshotokan.com.au
(03) 9354-1793
SUPPORTERS & SUPPLIERS
CHIROPRACTIC CARE SPECIALISING IN SPORT CHIRO
Richmond Chiropractic Centre
For your chiropractic care Richmond Chiropractic Centre has over 18 years experience and specialises in sport chiro working with many football, soccer and martial arts clubs in and around Victoria.
Call +61 03 9428 5720
or visit 388 Burnley Street Richmond Vic AU
MORGAN SPORTS
Martial Arts Uniforms, Apparel & Equipment Suppliers
Morgan Sports are a leading supplier of uniforms & equipment for all martial arts & combat sports including all types of fitness.
We use Morgan Sports for all our club's needs.
We can supply you with your uniforms & equipment.
Please select what you would like from the site below and contact us via email for a quote.
We will provide free shipping within Australia for you.