Our Goal at Central Valley Shotokan Fresno is to promote the Art of Karate through the Philosophies of Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan Karate).    20 Principles of Master Funakoshi.

Central Valley Shotokan Fresno was started in 1989 By Mr. Matthew Thomas; Japan Karate Association (JKA) registered 4^th degree black belt. Central Valley Shotokan Fresno is now run by Mr. Thomas' student Mr. Mark Vargas, JKA registered Nidan (2nd degree black belt).

The Southwest Region chief instructor is Sensei James Field located in Santa Monica, California. Sensei James Field is an internationally famous competitor. He was captain of the US International Karate Team, two time National Grand Champion, two-time Pan American Champion, US Representative to the Olympic Games in Mexico and Medallist in the 1976 World Tournament.

As an affiliate of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and International Shotokan Karate Federation (I.S.K.F.), We adhere to the highest teaching and ranking standards. Because of the international uniformity and standardization, Students affiliated with the I.S.K.F. or JKA receive the same training throughout the World.

The major thrust of our training is oriented to self-defense (as opposed to competition, for example). For this reason, we practice on a hard surface without protective equipment to create a realistic environment similar to a street situation. The long, low stances (for stability) and quick, linear, thrusting actions (which focus on power) are identifying characteristics of Shotokan Karate. Technical principals such as these are studied to develop the maximum amount of power necessary to stop an opponent with one blow. With these characteristics, Shotokan is considered a "hard" style rather than a "soft" style such as Kung Fu, Which is typified by fluid, circular type motions.

During Kumite (sparring), we practice without protective equipment and without making contact. Kumite is practiced at various levels, from prearranged attacks and blocks to free attack and free defense; students progress to more advanced levels of sparring as their skills increase. Because serious injury is possible with contact, beginners are carefully supervised to prevent any mishaps. As students progress, they begin to understand the distance or range of techniques, and are able to develop a very fine degree of skill in controlling their technique, even with maximum speed and power. Understanding this principle is important in improving technical proficiency as well as psychological control.

Basically Karate is a martial art for the development of character through training, so that the karate-ka can surmount any obstacle, tangible or intangible. It is an empty-hand art of self-defense in which the body itself is used as a weapon though techniques of punching, kicking, striking, and blocking. Of primary importance in the study of karate are forms, balance, "centeredness", power, speed, kime, rhythm and timing. Training transforms various parts of the body into weapons to be used freely and effectively. The quality to accomplish this is self-control. To become a victor, one must first overcome his own self.