Although the term “Karate” is frequently heard, very few know about its aim and richness as a Cultural Physical Education engaging people of all ages, gender, physical ability, and different walks of life, in an art, a discipline, and a sport. Furthermore, even fewer can differentiate between “Karate” and “Karate-Do”. “Karate” is linked only to the physical aspect, whereas “Karate-Do” is linked t
o the physical and the philosophical, social, and moral code of conduct for human beings. Training in Karate-Do leads practitioners towards achieving a peaceful and harmonious coexistence within themselves and their communities. This method of teaching Karate-Do is due to the efforts of Mr. Funakoshi, an elementary school educator, who introduced Karate-Do from Okinawa, Japan, to the rest of the world at the turn of the 20th century. His method came to be known as Shotokan, hence the full system known as Shotokan Karate-Do, which entails a rigorous physical, mental, and spiritual training in the techniques of Karate-Do, with the aim of improving Awareness, Self-Control, and Self-Defense. Kyle Kamal Helou is a Philosophy graduate from Villanova University (’93), Pennsylvania, USA. He continues his daily training in Shotokan Karate-Do, now going on 17 years under the direct tutelage of Mr. Funakoshi’s disciples and their lineage. He is a graduate of the Instructor Training System from the Headquarters of the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS). Funakoshi created this system back in 1957. After training in Japan for nearly 10 years and graduating as a Shotokan Karate-Do Instructor in 2008, Kyle was appointed by the JKS to teach Shotokan Karate-Do in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East. He has been in Lebanon since 2009 teaching at his JKS Centers throughout Lebanon. This includes a full time school program at Adma International School, in Fatqa, Lebanon, where he integrated Shotokan Karate-Do as part of the Physical Education Curriculum. In July 2013, Kyle, along with several trainees from JKS Lebanon, represented Lebanon at the JKS World Karate-Do Championships, which were held in Tokyo, Japan. Kyle won 2nd place, a silver medal for Lebanon, placing Lebanon in the 6th position among the 53 participating nations. Also, while in Japan, Kyle tested and passed the examination for 5th DAN Black Belt. Adults, Cadets, and Children. No previous experience is necessary to join! The ongoing training in Shotokan Karate-Do is certified from Japan, where trainees can apply and test at various stages throughout their training and development. Certificates and Licenses are registered in Japan at the Headquarters of the JKS as well as the Middle East division of the JKS. We look forward to seeing you for your training in Shotokan Karate-Do with JKS Instructor Kyle Kamal Helou at our various locations throughout Lebanon. Sincerely yours,
JKS Lebanon
