Karate Classes
Saint Mary's University Shotokan Karate Club
"The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants. "
The SMU Karate club has been active on campus since 2005 and is currently a member dojo of Karate Nova Scotia which adheres to the standards of Sport Nova Scotia.
Check out the SMU Karate Club Website for more information and details on the club.
Beginners/New Members
The beginner class is for people who have never practiced karate before as well as for people just starting out in the Shotokan, but may have experience in other styles of karate. This class requires registration with the Homburg Centre.
Two beginner programs are held each year.
- September - December
- January - April
Class Times
Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
(Community room of the Homburg Centre)
Register Online: athletics.smu.ca
For start date details and or to register over the phone call the Homburg Center Front Desk: 902-420-5555
Please note: For beginners when you come to class wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in such as sweatpants and a t-shirt. We also practice in bare feet and do not allow watches or jewelry of any sort to be worn during classes (this includes finger rings, ear rings, facial piercings of any sort etc.)
Intermediate / Advanced Members:
This class is for members who have completed the beginner class, or for those who have past experience in Shotokan karate and have permission to join directly into the intermediate/advanced class. This class requires registration with the Homburg Centre.
Three intermediate / advanced terms are held each year.
- September - December
- January - April
- May - June.
Tuesday:
- 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (Community room of the Homburg Centre)
Thursday
- 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Community room of the Homburg Centre)
*New* Competition Kata Class
The SMU Karate Club is pleased to offer a new Competition Kata class starting this September 2024. This class is geared toward the karateka/athlete who wishes to advance their kata performance for either competition, or gradings. Those who wish to participate in this class should already know at least one full kata from their style of karate that they are comfortable working on to improve. The basic fundamentals of kata will be worked on in this class, including speed, power, stances, transitions, balance, timing and techniques. This class is geared towards improving kata.
This class is open to members of the SMU karate club and any member of Karate Nova Scotia in good standing. This is a drop-in class with the option to register for the term.
Tuesdays:
- 8:00pm - 9:00pm
For start date details and to register call the Homburg Center Front Desk: 902-420-5555
Fee's Per Term (4 months):
Must be 14+ years of age to register
- Students & SMUfit members: $65 + tax.
Students may be from any school / university / college and must show valid student ID when signing up. - Non-members: $110 + tax
* Please note: Karate NS and Shotokan Karate dues may vary and are not included in fee's
Uniforms (gis) and grading fees.
- Uniforms (gis): $85 (taxes included) for beginner level gi and includes your white belt and color belt exchanges. Students may purchase a gi outside of the club as long as it is an approved, white karate uniform.
** Please note: Uniforms are required to graduate into the intermediate/advanced class and to participate in karate activities such as belt tests, clinics etc. - Grading / Clinic / Tournament fees are dependent upon the event.
Healthy Start at the Park with the SMU Karate Club - 2017
Contact Us
In its most simplistic definition, karate is a Japanese martial art that was developed to facilitate unarmed self-defense and combat where the arms and legs are used to perform strikes, punches and blocks. At its heart though karate is much more than a simple form of self-defense or fighting, and many of its practitioners come to view it as a way of life. The founder of modern karate, Master Funakoshi, said that karate “should be simple enough to be practiced without undue difficulty by everybody, young and old, boys and girls, men and women.”
We practice the "Shotokan" style of karate developed by Master Gichin Funakoshi and Master Masatoshi Nakayama, the founders of modern day karate.
Class Structure:
Shotokan karate classes are varied and interesting and are generally comprised of three parts:
Basics (kihon)
Basics or kihon are where a student learns the basic strikes, punches, blocks, stances and kicks that make up karate practice.
Kata
Kata are pre-arranged combinations of movements against potential opponents that may be performed slowly in a relaxed state, or with speed and intensity allowing for a complete physical workout. Kata help develop balance, strength, speed and coordination.
Kumite (Sparring)
Kumite (sparring) in karate ranges from beginner level pre-arranged combinations designed to teach the student control and accuracy, to free sparring where students are able to perform any number of combinations of attack and defense against their opponent. Sparring at all levels is non-contact where discipline and control are exercised at all times.
