The core of BUTOKUKAN KARATE is its primary focus on the basic principles and knowledge of the working of the muscles and joints and the vital relationship between movement and balance; from the understanding and awareness of one's center and how technique and form has its foundation in this principle. Thus enabling students to best express their own physical and psychological abilities to: defend themselves successfully against would-be assailants, compete in related sports activities, practice for physical well being, or to practice the art for its character building aspects.

 BUTOKUKAN KARATE consists of techniques of blocking or thwarting an attack and counter-attacking the opponent by punching, striking, kicking, throwing, or grappling, including applications for weapons. The three physical elements of BUTOKUKAN KARATE . . . kata, free sparring, and self-defense . . . are all based on the use of these same fundamental techniques.