Princeton Shotokan Sankukai
Teaching traditional Shotokan Karate
in Central New Jersey and online everywhere
about us
We are an independent organization dedicated to teaching Shotokan karate, the most popular type of traditional Japanese martial arts in the world today. Shotokan is an art form that comes from
The instructor, Takeshi Kitagawa, has a 7th-degree black belt and a wealth of experience teaching students of all ages, from the very young to the young at heart. Takeshi has taught full time in both Japan and the United
GOALS
We take pride in being the one of the only traditional Japanese karate school in central New Jersey. Our children’s program is designed to teach Shotokan karate in a safe environment while incorporating balance and coordination games, a little bit of strength training, and basic karate skills. In our teen and adult program, we teach proper stretching techniques, strength training, basic movements, kata (forms), and basic sparring. With the help of our highly qualified instructors, we train students to be strong both mentally and physically, all while having fun!
HISTORY
Shotokan karate is the most popular form of traditional Japanese karate practiced throughout the world today. Beginning in Okinawa in the late 1800s, Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) became the first person to standardize and teach karate throughout mainland Japan. For this reason he is often called the father of modern karate. The word “Shotokan” comes from the name of the building in Tokyo where Funakoshi taught. “Shoto,” or wind in the pines, was Funakoshi’s pen name and the character “kan” means hall.
Shotokan karate is characterized by long, low stances and powerful, dynamic techniques.
Our Instructors
We are an independent organization dedicated to teaching Shotokan karate.
Takeshi Kitagawa
Takeshi Kitagawa is a 9th degree black and has been teaching karate for over twenty years in both Japan and the United States. He has given numerous seminars across the United States, India, Europe, and South America. In Japan, he trained with Asai Tetsuhiko sensei
Yoshitomo Hamuro
Yoshitomo Hamuro is a 5th degree black belt and has been teaching with Princeton Shotokan for over ten years. In Japan, he was a member of the Kyoto University karate team and was instrumental in its competitive rise. He received numerous awards including being the MVP of the team
Jorgen Hansen
Jorgen Hansen is a 4th degree black belt and loves sparring. You can see him around especially during exams!
Matthew Hoover
Matthew Hoover, originally from West Virginia, is a 2nd degree black belt and has been living in New Jersey for 15 years. He is a certified English teacher and has been teaching for more than two decades. Matthew has been part of the Sankukai family since 2016.
