VEBO DO

Honbu Dojo ATHENS

In Japanese Dojo means "the place where the way is studied". Although for beginners Dojo is nothing more then the place for physical exercise, it should not be considered as a gym.  Spirituality is supposed to pervade the atmosphere in the Dojo, because it links spiritual and physical elements of selected martial art. In Dojo cleanliness and order always predominate. Besides styles insignias Dojo must not contain anything ostentatious to distract the mind. 

Honbu Dojo, or central dojo, of the Kase Ha Shotokan Ryu Karate-Do in Greece is in Athens, in the area of Paleo Psychico inside the "Panayotopoulos High School". The "Panayotopoulos High School" was founded in 1891 and since then is offering high-quality education to the Greek students. The school is under directorship of Mr.Alkis Panayotopoulos, holder of a Doctorate degree in History from the University of Oxford.  Being karateka himself Mr.Panayotopoulos was aware of the positive effects of karate practice.  In order to improve students' physical and mental development he included karate practice in the school's curriculum.

Soon upon arriving in Greece sensei Dimitrijevic met Mr.Panayotopoulos and their friendship resulted in the establishment of the Shotokan Club "Ippon" within the "Athletic Association of the school".  The club adopted the main idea of the Kase's approach, i.e. that Karate-Do should have a profound meaning to one's life.  In 1992 Kase Taiji sensei came first time to teach in Greece.  Ever since he was coming every year until his death in 2004.  Honbu Dojo Athens is the sole representative of the Kase Ha Shotokan Ryu Karate-Do in Greece.

Practice in Honbu Dojo Athens is carried out  in three levels, three times a week (Mon, Wed,Fri):

BEGINNERS CLASS

Each September new members are accepted in the Beginners class.  Their basic education lasts one year.  Once the class is formed no new members are accepted.  Beginners learn basic karate techniques, kata and prearrnged kumite.  At the same time great emphasis is given to their proper mental and self-disciplined attitudes.  Important information about the poositive impact that karate practice has to the vital body function is also given.  The principles and the historical background of the Kase Ha Shotokan Ryu Karate-Do and other martial arts based on ancient Budo concept are explaiend.  

INTERMEDIATE CLASS

All those who successfully pass the "Beginners course" go to Intermediate class.  There, the experience in karate training is achieved.  The training program in this class is scheduled to lead to the black belt level.  Besides the continuous improvements of basic techniques, more advanced kata are learned, along with the practical meaning of their elements and strategies.  Some forms of prearranged and semi free kumite are also often practiced.  Great emphasis is given to the vital importance of proper breathing from the lower abdomen, and its influence on the further mental and spiritual development. Several years of diligent practice in this class is required in order to extend the basic physiological body abilities and to achieve more genuine karate experience.

ADVANCED CLASS. 

Mostly black belt holders and very advanced brown belt holders practice in this class. More than five to seven years of serious practice is required in order to be able to follow training in this class.

Actually, the real Karate-Do practice begins when this group level is achieved.  Most of those who come to that level had accepted Karate-Do practice as their life philosophy, and they are determined to continue karate practice all their life. 

That is why  the importance of inner strenght, effectiveness, breathing, concentration and adequate mental attitude is strongly emphasized in this class.  The most advanced kata and their application are analyzed and all forms of prearranged and free kumite are practiced.  It is here that gradually everyone begins to understand that human body has physical and physiological limits.  The only way to go beyond these limits is to search for an inner energy as a highest form of human physical and mental harmony, as well as spiritual development.  Fianlly, it is in this class that everyone begins to look for thier own, uniqu approach to the Karate-Do, trying to express and improve their own character through this Budo Martial Art.

                                                                    Sensei Taiji Kase last time  in Greece. 

                                                                       Athens International Course 2001.