Student Handbook Sensei Norm Robitza, 4th Dan 20 Park Street, Amherst, NS, B4H 2R1 (902) 660-2245 (902) 397-0037 norm.robitza@bellaliant.net
Leading the way in the 21st Century! http://www.internationalkaratedaigaku.com
Calling Mt. A home since 2002
Keeping the tradition alive!
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
WELCOME TO OUR CLUB You're probably wondering just what you got yourself into. This booklet should explain a few things and give you some idea what is required of you. It will also answer some commonly asked questions even before you ask. To begin with, this is a traditional shotokan karate school. Shotokan karate was developed in Okinawa, a group of islands to the south of Japan. Gichin Funakoshi introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1922. He's one of the men whose picture will be at the front of the training hall. It is important that we maintain the cultural aspects of karate both in the way we train and in the way we behave when at the dojo. Here are some of the things you will be asked to do: o Always bow when entering and leaving the dojo. o Always address the head instructor as sensei. Sensei simply means teacher. It is considered inappropriate to call the head instructor by his or her first name. o Never chew gum or wear jewellery when training. Long hair should be tied back and away from the face. o Ensure that your gi or karate uniform is clean and wrinkle free at the start of each class. Always tie the karate top left over right. Ask a higher belt for help tying your belt if you're unsure. o Keep your voice down while talking outside of the dojo area. There is no talking allowed inside the dojo during training. If you have a question about something in class, wait until the class is over, then ask one of the higher belt students to help you. o Avoid yawning, leaning against the walls, or standing with your arms crossed or hands on your hips while inside the dojo area. This kind of body language suggests possible disinterest and/or disrespect. o Try hard when training. Always try to set a good example to others training with you. o Try to train regularly. For best results, beginners are encouraged to train a minimum of two times a week. Of course you may train as often as you wish.
Karate is definitely not a crash course in self defence technique. Several of the people you will be training with have more than ten - some even twenty - years experience doing karate and yet they continue to learn and refine their technique. For the first couple of years you will be learning mostly what we call kihon or basics. These are the basic moves which form the foundation of everything that follows in karate so it is most important that they are mastered early on. Having good basics generally leads to doing great karate. In addition to the basic punching, kicking, and blocking techniques used in kumite or sparring, your training will include something called kata which involves performing a prescribed series of karate moves designed to fend off imaginary opponents. There are over twenty-five different kata to learn but you will be practising only the first five or so in your first couple years training. A good deal of your karate training will involve working with partners in class. The object of working with a partner is to learn and practice the application of the basic karate techniques. Since both partners stand to learn something from each and every exercise, it is important to work with your partner rather than against him/her. Never patronize your partner. Challenge both yourself and your partner but at the same time be sure to exercise control. Different body types lend themselves to different degrees of flexibility and it is important that you both recognize and challenge your own limitations. The first ten minutes of every class is committed to warm up and stretching exercises. You are advised to take advantage of this opportunity to increase your flexibility and reduce your chances of suffering muscle and joint injury. We are fortunate to have a large number of Black belts training in our organization. Part of their responsibility as a black belt is to set an example of good karate spirit and attitude. If you have any questions concerning your training or even just general questions about dojo protocol, do not be shy to ask any of them for assistance outside of class time. Here's hoping that you will enjoy training karate at the dojo and that you will train hard and benefit as a member of our club.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
MIND AND TECHNIQUE TOGETHER For the newcomer to the art of karate-do the physical aspect of training generally commands every bit of energy available. Persuading one's body to respond to one's will can be an amazingly tedious endeavour. Preoccupied with the coordination of his/her limbs, the beginner often compromises the art to the sport. But since the ideal is a perfectly balanced disposition of both the body and the mind, it is important that the individual makes a conscious effort not to favour one over the other in his/her training. The physical struggle to perfect technique must always be matched by that to maintain composure. Giving in to either compromises both. The onus for success in karate, as in life, falls entirely on the shoulders of the individual. The sensei [teacher] may provide instruction, support and inspiration but it is the
responsibility of the individual karate-ka [student] to make the most of each and every learning opportunity. The karate class provides a structured environment within which individuals are encouraged to push themselves beyond their physical and mental limitations. The karate dojo [training facility] itself, complete with its traditional karate protocol, represents a kind of sanctuary where the individual is encouraged to exercise humility as well as strength. The regimen of the opening and closing ceremonies [seiza] before and after each class, the bowing to the sensei, sempai, and sparring partners, the strict adherence to good personal hygiene and gi [karate uniform] presentation; each of these has its place in the overall scheme of training karate.
Table of Contents
Welcome to our Club
1
Mind and Technique Together
2
Class Protocol and Requirements
3
Karate Gi & Shotokan Tiger
4
Grading System
5
IKD Kyu & Dan Kata Overview
7
Shotokan Katas
8
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
9
Dojo Kun & Niju Kun
10
Suggested Reading & Viewing
13
Profiles & Lineage
14
Terminology
16
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
CLASS PROTOCOL AND REQUIREMENTS Sensei: The head instructor of each Dojo should always be E. Questioning: Do not question the Sensei/sempai referred to as sensei. during class unless asked. Save any questions for after class and discuss them with a senior belt. When Sempai: Senior instructors and any senior belt must be approaching a senior belt, sempai, or Sensei; bow and referred to as sempai. address him/her appropriately. When finished bow and thank them for their time. Senior Belts: All senior belts must set an example for the junior belts. Help them to learn and adhere to such F. Talking: When waiting for class to begin, talking standards and principles as: sincerity, effort, etiquette and must be quiet and kept to a minimum. When a class is self control. You must lead junior belts by example. saying the Dojo Kun there is to be no talking. Once in class and training, there is to be no talking unless called Conduct Within Dojo: upon by the Sensei/sempai. A. Training: Everyone must train both the body and mind. Always participate with complete concentration, determination, spirit, and sincerity. Never fidget, yawn, or look disinterested. B. Entering and Exiting the Dojo: When entering or exiting the Dojo one must always bow.
G. Bowing: When bowing, bring your heels together and point your toes in a 45 degree "V" position. Place the palms of your hands at the sides of your thighs. Bow to approximately 20 degrees, while keeping your back straight. As you bow, your eyes must follow you bow. Never stare into your partners eyes as you bow. This shows disrespect and distrust.
C. Waiting off to the Side During Class: If you are waiting off to the side, do not talk among yourselves or lean against the wall. Listen to what is being taught.
H. Line up: When lining up, each person is to stand shoulder to shoulder with the person to their left. The line is to be as straight as possible.
When sitting, drop to a kneeling position for a few seconds first; then relax and cross your legs. Again, always pay complete attention to the instructor and his/her teachings.
I. Late coming procedure: Since promptness is part of the self-discipline Karate encourages, arriving late for class should be avoided whenever possible. If you are late, you must kneel at the entrance of the dojo floor and bow to the front of the dojo. This demonstrates respect and signals to the instructor that you wish to enter. Wait until the instructor motions you in before entering. When you enter you walk behind the class and regardless of you belt level, position yourself at the far end to not disturb the rest of the class.
If you are standing off to the side and are called upon; quickly acknowledge yourself, bow and move to a ready position with purpose and confidence. Never wander aimlessly about. D. Conduct with Partner: Everyone must treat his/her partner courteously and with proper etiquette. Always challenge your partner to a degree that is beneficial to his/ her learning. Never patronize your partner but always remember you control.
J. Glasses: Any student that wears glasses is required to remove them for kumite. This is to ensure that your glasses are not broken if an accident occurs. It is recommended that you obtain contacts.
Purchase KARATE THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE for PC on DVD. Shotokan Karate history, Kata videos, karate books and feature films. Ask your instructor for information.
$2
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KARATE GI The belt, or obi in Japanese, is tied in a specific way around the waist. This too is an important part of the uniform. Not only does it signify rank, but tied with the proper tension allows one to feel the tightening of the stomach muscle during focus. During focus, the stomach should be pressed against the belt, making it difficult to slip one's hand between.
Upon the first visit, a potential student notices everyone moving across the floor in disciplined lines - a blur of white gis. The dojo walls are rather bare. This is definitely no fancy spa of carpet and chrome. Everything is just plain and simple. The students are all dressed the same, in a plain white gi. There are no fancy red, blue, or green satin uniforms with elastic waistbands. There are no names plastered across the back or sleeves. Just a small patch above the heart to signify the roots that all students have in common. It's not a boastful pride, but one of loyalty and humility for one's organization.
The white gi is a symbol of purity of spirit, modesty and cleanliness. Modesty and humility, that is what is taught and that is what is practised. (This article was written by Del Phillips)
The practical side of the gi is that it is loose to allow freedom of movement. Its interwoven cotton is strong enough to allow grappling, yet not overly heavy.
SHOTOKAN TIGER Gichin Funakoshi's pen name "Shoto" literally means 'pine waves', and today is synonymous with the tiger symbol and Shotokan Karate do. But few people understand the relationship of Shoto to what is commonly known as the "Shotokan Tiger". When Gichin Funakoshi was a young man, he enjoyed walking in solitude among the pine trees which surrounded his home town of Shuri. After a hard day of teaching in the local school and several more hours of strenuous karate practice, he would often walk up Mount Torao and meditate among the pine trees. Mount Torao is a very narrow, heavily wooded mountain which, when viewed from a distance, resembles a tiger's tail. The name "Torao" in
fact literally means "tiger's tail". In later life, Funakoshi explained that the cool breezes which blew among the pines made the trees whisper like waves breaking on the shore. Thus, since he gained his greatest poetic inspirations while walking there, he chose the pen name of Shoto, "pine waves". The tiger which is commonly used as the symbol for Shotokan karate is a traditional Chinese design which implies that "the tiger never sleeps". Symbolized in the Shotokan tiger, therefore, is the keen alertness of the wakeful tiger and the serenity of the peaceful mind which Gichin Funakoshi experienced while listening to the pine waves on Tiger's Tail Mountain.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
THE GRADING SYSTEM One of the first things you will probably notice when looking in on karate class in that there are several different colored belts adorning the white uniforms. The color of each belt corresponds to the level of experience and ability of the individual wearing it. Everyone begins wearing a white belt. From white they progress Belt Color
Rank
White
10th Kyu
Yellow Stripe
9th Kyu
Yellow
through the respective levels of yellow, orange, green, purple, brown, and black. We use the Japanese term kyu to refer to the colored belts and dan to refer to black belts. Examinations are held three times per year and may or may not require some travelling. They are always scheduled to fall on a weekend. An examiner Training Time*
will travel to the site of the grading. The examiners have to complete a course and maintain their examination license to be able to award ranks. At each grading there will also be a special clinic held just prior to the grading. Everyone that plans on grading must attend this clinic.
Black Belt Ranks
Training Years
1st Dan
1 year after 1st Kyu
3-4 months (Youth)
2nd Dan
1-2 years after Shodan
8th Kyu
3-4 months
3rd Dan
2-3 years after Nidan
Orange
7th Kyu
6 months or more
4th Dan
3 years after Sandan
Green
6th Kyu
9 months or more
5th Dan
4 years after Yondan
Blue
5th Kyu
12 months or more
6th Dan
5 years after Godan
Purple
4th Kyu
15 months or more
7th Dan**
6 years after Rokudan
Brown (1st)
3rd Kyu
18 months or more
8th Dan
7 years after Shichidan
Brown (2nd)
2nd Kyu
21 months or more
9th Dan***
9 years after Hachidan
Browm (3rd)
1st Kyu
24 months or more
10th Dan****
10 years after Kyudan
* - Min. of 24 classes (30 for brown belts) ** - Comes with the title of Shihan (Master) *** - IKD Vice Chief Instructors only. **** - IKD Chief Instructor only. NOTE: In kyu exams there are “a” and “b” grades. Both represent a passing mark but a “b” grade signifies that a little more preparation was required.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
GRADING RESULTS It seems that there is some confusion surrounding the issue of grading results. The question often arises "why did I get a B grade?" or "why did I not pass my shodan exam?". To understand this fully, we must look at what karate really is. The fact that it is excellent exercise and useful as a method of self defence are secondary to its purpose of character development. Karate is a continual challenge. Karate will never come easily, regardless of your body type or physical potential. Westerners are used to being successful. The schooling system in North America is such that the majority of individuals can graduate from high school and yet some graduates are functionally illiterate. This results in a false sense of security and capability and ultimately leads to complacency. If we look at the issue of self defence in karate, this complacency could result in a very dangerous situation. Surely it is better to realize ones real capabilities and work for real improvement. I remember back in the mid-seventies attempting my shodan exam under Kawasoe Sensei in London. There were 51 applicants, 3 passed and I certainly was not one of the 3. It almost seemed that we were being tested for our tenacity. Would we try again? I was very disappointed as I felt that I had prepared well for the exam. It was nearly two years later that I re-tested. By that time I had prepared twice as well. There was something different in my attitude. The first time I tested, I was a little disappointed in my performance during the test. I was nervous before the exam and was keeping my fingers crossed, hoping I would not stumble, hoping I could do my best. The second time, I knew I could perform well. I was calm, not necessarily confident in passing, but certainly confident in doing the best I could at that time. After the exam, before the results were given, I really didn't care whether I passed or failed. I could not have done better. I had prepared
to the best of my ability. Fortunately I passed. My point is that unless you are pushed and sometimes fail you will not have the opportunity to experience real improvement. So if you receive a 'B' grade or are asked to re-examine for a dan test, take it as an opportunity to prepare better and turn it into a positive experience. You will become a better person and a better karate-ka because of it. By the way, examinations are getting more difficult. More 'B' grades, especially at 6 kyu to 1 kyu levels, are being given. It seems that a full pass is more the exception than the rule. Many people do not pass dan exams the first time. My advice is to train harder and train smarter. Attend as many classes and seminars as you can from senior instructors. Remember it is not enough to be fast and strong. Subtleties in technique and precision in movement are just as important to be successful in examinations. (This article was written by Sensei David Jones of ISKF Alberta. It originally appeared in the Focus Journal, Volume 5, Number 2.)
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
IKD GRADING REQUIREMENTS The IKD has released a manual containing information on grading requirements. Each official IKD instructor has a copy of this manual. If you wish to view the manual, there is a digital copy available in the
Information section on the IKD website at www.internationalkaratedaigaku.com or you may ask your instructor to view the hard copy of the manual.
IKD KYU AND DAN KATA OVERVIEW Kyu Ranks
Shodan
Nidan
Sandan
Yondan
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Heian Shodan Heian Nidan Heian Sandan Heian Yondan Heian Godan Tekki Shodan (Bassai-Dai)
Tekki Nidan Bassai-Dai Kanku-Dai Enpi Jion
Tekki Sandan Jutte Gankaku Kanku-sho Nijushiho
Hangetsu Bassai-Sho Chinte Sochin Unsu
Gojushiho-Sho Gojushiho-Dai Meikyo Wankan Jiin
9th to 1st Kyu:
One kata from Group 1 as determined by rank.
Shodan:
One kata from Group 2, plus one kata from group 1.
Nidan:
One kata from Group 3, plus one kata from group 2.
Sandan:
One kata from Group 4, plus one kata from group 3.
Yondan:
One kata from Group 5, plus one kata from group 4.
Godan:
Two kata: One major kata from Group 2 to 5, and one minor kata from Group 1 to 5. Not necessary shorin and shorei. However, bunkai must be applied to one kata in 'real time' with only slight deviation from the actual kata technique.
Examination point: Ability to use kata techniques effectively with a high level of distance, power, speed and sharpness. This syllabus allows learning and development of all kata, not just one kata. It may encourage shodan(s) and above to continue their training by provide additional kata learning between exams.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
SHOTOKAN KATAS Kata
Meaning
School*
Moves Time
Heian Shodan
Peaceful Mind
Shorin
21
0:30
Heian Nidan
Peaceful Mind
Shorin
28
0:30
Heian Sandan
Peaceful Mind
Shorin
24
0:30
Heian Yondan
Peaceful Mind
Shorin
26
0:45
Heian Godan
Peaceful Mind
Shorin
27
0:40
Tekki Shodan
Iron Horse/Sideways Fighting
Shorei
25
0:35
Tekki Nidan
Iron Horse/Sideways Fighting
Shorei
24
0:40
Tekki Sandan
Iron Horse/Sideways Fighting
Shorei
33
0:30
Jion
Temple Sound
Shorei
46
1:15
Empi
Flying Swallow
Shorin
39
1:15
Kanku-Dai
To View the Sky (Major)
Shorin
65
1:35
Bassai-Dai
To Penetrate a Fortress (Major)
Shorin
42
1:10
Jitte
10 Hands/Temple Hands
Shorei
27
0:50
Hangetsu
Half Moon
Shorei
32
1:35
Gankaku
Crane on a Rock
Shorin
37
1:10
Kanku-Sho
To View the Sky (Minor)
Shorin
39
1:15
Bassai-Sho
To Penetrate a Fortress (Minor)
Shorin
28
1:00
Ji'in
Temple Ground
Shorei
36
0:55
Wankan
Crown of a King
Shorin
16
0:35
Meiyko
Polished Mirror/Mirror of the Soul
Shorei
34
1:10
Nijushiho
The 24 Steps
Shorin
24
1:00
Sochin
Immovable/To Preserve Peace
Shorei
36
1:05
Chinte
Winning Hand/Strange Hand
Shorin
34
1:25
Unsu
Parting Clouds
Shorin
37
1:15
Gojushiho-Dai
The 54 Steps (Major)
Shorin
54
1:55
Gojushiho-Sho
The 54 Steps (Minor)
Shorin
54
1:55
* Shotokan katas come from either the Shorin-ryu (Shorin School) or the Shorei-ryu (Shorei School). The Shorin School emphasizes very light, quick movements, with rapid motions to the front and the back. The Shorei School emphasizes development of physical strength and muscular power. It is vital to know which school a kata comes from; otherwise the kata cannot be performed properly.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES Bow Out
Bow In 1.
Shugo - line up.
1.
Shugo - line up.
2.
Sensei kneels.
2.
Sensei kneels.
3.
Seiza - called by sempai - everyone kneels.
3.
Seiza - called by sempai - everyone kneels.
4.
Mokuso - meditate, clear one's mind and prepare for the karate class.
4.
Mokuso - meditate, clear one's mind and prepare for the karate class.
5.
Yame - called after a brief period of meditation.
5.
Yame - called after a brief period of meditation.
6.
Shomen Ni-Rei - Bow to front of class.
6.
Dojo Kun - called by sempai and repeated by all students.
7.
Sensei turns around and faces class. 7.
Shomen Ni-Rei - Bow to front of class.
8.
Sensei turns around and faces class.
9.
Sensei Ni-Rei* - Bow to Sensei.
10.
Thank you, Sensei - class thanks together.
11.
Sensei will signal student to rise, everyone bows, and announcements, if any, will be made.
12.
After announcements, everyone bows to the front and stands still until higher belts levels walk away from the line up. Belt levels leave in order of rank.
8. 9.
Sensei Ni-Rei* - Bow to Sensei. Sensei will signal student to rise and class will begin.
(* The use of the term “Sensei� in Sensei Ni-Rei may change depending on who is teaching the class. If an assistant is teaching the class, Sempai Ni-Rei will be used or if a Master is teaching the class, Shihan Ni-Rei will be used. When Master Frank Woon-A-Tai is teaching, Shuseki Shihan Ni-Rei is required.)
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
DOJO KUN On the wall of virtually all karate training halls in Japan hangs a set of precepts known as the Dojo Kun, said to have originated with an Okinawan Karate Master known as Karate Sakugawa (1733-1815). They state the following Maxims: (1) Seek perfection of character, (2) Be faithful, (3) Endeavour, (4) Respect others, and (5) Refrain from violent behaviour. According to karate tradition these are the rules by which a karate-ka is supposed to live. The first, Seek perfection of character, indicates that the art is more than just physical. Through rigorous training, the spirit to fight ans succeed will be developed. Along with this fierce competitive spirit should come the realization that ones strength is great, and to use it and Karate against the uninitiated is unfair. The practitioner should seek to subdue his mind as well as conquer the intricacies of body movement. Forging the spirit in the face of adversity will provide lifetime benefits. Even in old age when the body is no longer able to perform as well, the spirit can continue to grow. To Be faithful, evidences a strong Samurai tradition and by extension a confucianist strain in the Martial Arts. In this sense, the faith to be shown is faith in one's instructors and seniors. The student must always be faithful to them and follow in much the same way as a Medieval Samurai was bound to follow his Feudal Lord. While this may seem unusual in the present day, it is unreasonable to expect an instructor to extend himself fully and teach all he knows to one who is likely to leave for the slightest
reason. The faith extended to the instructor will be rewarded in that a greater amount of knowledge will be transmitted to the student. This bond between teacher and student is extremely valuable and is the basis of he learning relationship. The Endeavour mentioned in the Dojo Kun refers to the complete dedication to the effort necessary to achieve Mastery of the Martial Art. In no cases is Mastery possible without strenuous effort on the part of the practitioner. This Endeavour must be of sincere nature and not just superficial. Serious endeavour on the part of the student will be recognized by the instructor, who will in turn spend more time with him. Respect for others is common to the Japanese Fighting Systems in particular. It is frequently said that the Martial Arts begin and end with etiquette. This is a reflection of the formal nature of the Japanese people and may be observed in the manner in which they conduct themselves in training sessions and generally in the presence of one another. Dojo etiquette is particularly well defined, requiring that all who enter the training hall pause and bow to the memory of the past Masters, usually memorialized in photographs or paintings in the front of the practice area. Prior to the beginning of class, students and instructors line up before the photographs, kneel, and meditate. They bow to the memory of past Masters and then to one another from the kneeling position. This courtesy continues throughout the training session. Whenever an exercise, drill or kata
that uses two people or more is performed, it always begins and ends with a bow. Additionally, the bowing ceremony is repeated at the end of training after a closing period of meditation. It is the responsibility of all trained practitioners to Refrain from violent behaviour since a trained fighter can inflict serious injury upon other. The goal of Karate training is selfmastery, including mastery of one's behaviour. In situations where it is necessary to defend oneself, no nonviolent alternative may be possible. However, the tradition handed down by great teachers indicates that after a life of training, they felt that they had failed if they were forced to resort to violent action against their fellow man, no matter how justified such actions might have been. In the present day, refraining from violence is hard to explain to Westerners. Many people take up the art of Karate with the purpose in mind of hurting others and they wish to learn how to do so as quickly as possible. It is therefore necessary for instructors to remember the Dojo Kun and to impress it upon their students. The Japan Karate Association has shortened the Dojo Kun and labelled it as their Five Guiding Maxims. In abbreviated form they are Character, Sincerity, Effort, Etiquette, and Self Control. (The Dojo Kun that you have read is an excerpt from a book written by Robin L. Reilly and published by the Charles E. Tuttle Company. The book is titled Karate Training: The Samurai Legacy and Modern Practice.)
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
Calligraphy by T. Okazaki
Japanese
English
HITOTSU! JINKAKU KANSEI NI TSUTOMURU KOTO!
SEEK PERFECTION OF CHARACTER!
HITOTSU! MAKOTO NO MICHI O MAMORU KOTO!
BE FAITHFUL!
HITOTSU! DORYOKU NO SEICHIN O YASHINAU KOTO!
ENDEAVOUR!
HITOTSU! REIGI O OMONZURU KOTO!
RESPECT OTHERS!
HITOTSU! KEKKI NO YU O IMASHIMURU KOTO!
REFRAIN FROM VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR!
Perfection of Character by Teruyuki Okazaki Perfection of Character is an in depth look at Master Funakoshi’s Dojo and Niju Kun. Teruyuki Okazaki is the Chief Instructor of the International Shotokan Karate Federation and trained directly with Gichin Funakoshi. This is a great book!
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
NIJU KUN 1. Do not forget that Karate begins with a bow and finishes with a bow — Karate-do wa rei ni hajimari rei ni owaru koto o wasureruna
12. Do not cling to the idea of winning; it is the idea of not losing that is necessary — Katsu kangae wa motsuna; makenu kangae wa hitsuyo
2. In karate, never attack first — Karate ni sente nashi
13. Move according to your opponent — Teki ni yotte tenka seyo
3. One who practices karate must follow the way of justice — Karate wa gi no tasuke
14. In conflict, you must discern the vulnerable from the invulnerable points — Tatakai wa kyo-jitsu no soju ikan ni ari
4. Know yourself first, then you can know others — Mazu jiko o shire, shikoshite ta o shire
15. Consider your opponent's legs and arms as you would lethal swords — Hito no te-ashi o ken to omoe
5. Spirit and mind are more important than technique — Gijutsu yori shinjutsu 6. Be ready to release your mind — Kokoro wa hanatan koto o yosu 7. Misfortune comes out of idleness — Waza wai ketai ni seizu 8. Don't think that what you learn in karate can't be used outside the dojo — Dojo nomino karate to omouna 9. It will take all of your life to learn karate — Karate no shugyo wa issho 10. Put karate into your everyday living; that is how to see its true beauty — Ara yuru mono o karateka seyo; soko ni myomi ari
16. Be aware at all times that you have milliions of potential opponents — Danshi mon o izureba hyakuman no teki ari 17. Postured stance is for beginners; later comes naturalness - Kamae wa shoshinsha ni atowa shizen-tai 18. Kata is about correct and proper form; engaging in a real fight is something else — Kata wa tadashiku, jisen wa betsumono 19. Do not forget: 1) strength and weakness of power; 2) contraction and expansion of body; and 3) rhythm of techniques — Chikara no kyojaku, tai no shinshuku, waza no kankyu o wasureruna 20. Always create and devise — Tsune ni shinen kufu seyo
11. Karate is just like hot water; if you do not give it continuous heat, it will become cold — Karate wa yu no gotoshi taezu netsu o ataezareba moto no mizu ni kaeru Visit Senshin: The Enlightened Mind. This martial arts blog is written by Sensei Robitza. Sensei talks about everything from health, history, philosophy and training. He also does martial arts book and film reviews. http://mountallison.maritimeikd.com/senshin/
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
SUGGESTED READING & VIEWING Suggested Reading List Karate-Do Kyohan - Gichin Funakoshi Karate-Do Nyumon - Gichin Funakoshi Karate-Do: My Way of Life - Gichin Funakoshi The Essence of Karate - Gichin Funakoshi Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate - Gichin Funakoshi Dynamic Karate - Masatoshi Nakayama Best Karate series - Masatoshi Nakayama Practical Karate series - Masatoshi Nakayama Textbook of Modern Karate - Teruyuki Okazaki Perfection of Character - Teruyuki Okazaki Mind and Body Like Bullet - Yaguchi Karate: The Art of Empty Hand Fighting - Hidetaka Nishiyama Moving Zen: Karate as a Way to Gentleness - CW Nicol Shotokan Myths - Kousaku Yokota Living the Martial Way - Forrest Morgan Complete Shotokan Karate - Robin Reilly Shotokan Secrets - Bruce Clayton Against All Odds: My Story - Chuck Norris
Suggested Video List Nakayama’s Legacy series - Masatoshi Nakayama The Eclipse of Life - Frank Woon-A-Tai The Soul of Kata - Frank Woon-A-Tai MasterClass Shotokan: The Legacy of a Master - Teruyuki Okazaki Budo No Mushin (Empty Mind) - Multiple styles and Masters Empty Hand: The Real Karate Kids - follows teens preparing for the USA Nationals
Featured Film List Original Karate Kid series - Not Shotokan Karate but the very inspirational. High Kick Girl - Shotokan Karate experts star in film Karate Girl - Shotokan Karate experts star in film Kuro Obi (Black Belt) - Shotokan Karate experts star in film
Mind and Body Like Bullet by Yutaka Yaguchi Mind and Body Like Bullet is look at a great karate master’s life. Read about the difficulties a Japanese Master went through when they came to North America. Ask your instructor about purchasing a copy.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
PROFILES & LINEAGE Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi founder of modern karate-do, was born in 1868 in Okinawa. In 1922 he introduced karate to Japan where he remained until his death in 1957. Master Funakoshi chose the character Kara (empty) and Te (hand) for its meaning in Zen philosophy, rendering oneself empty of selfish or negative thought; for only with a clear mind, free from the emotions of fear or anxiety can the karate student achieve what he desires. To Master Funakoshi karate-do was not just a fighting art. It was a way of building character. Indeed, it was a way of life.
Grand Master M. Nakayama was born in Japan in 1913 and began training under Master Funakoshi in 1937. In 1955 he was appointed Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association. In addition to serving as both Professor and Director of Physical Education at Tokushoku University, Master Nakayama authored over twenty karate books and has also directed several karate training videos. As the world's highest authority on Shotokan Karate, Master Nakayama pioneered the introduction of karate all over the world and fostered its development as a sport along scientific lines. Master Nakayama passed away in 1987.
Shuseki Shihan F. Woon-A-Tai, 9th Dan, was born in Guyana in 1950. He began training when he was 14 years old. Master Woon-A-Tai has trained under some of the greatest instructors in Shotokan karate. He listed Nakayama, Nishiyama, Okazaki, and Yaguchi among his instructors. Master Woon-A-Tai has served as the Chairman of the ISKF Canada and as the Co-Vice Chair of the ISKF Technical Committee. Master Woon-A-Tai left the International Shotokan Karate Federation in 2011 to start the International Karate Daigaku. Shihan David Pyke, 7th Dan, started training in 1980 at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB. He along with his wife, Janice 6th Dan, operate the Amherst Shotokan Karate Academy in Amherst, NS. Shihan Pyke has competed at several events around the World and is a very accomplished martial artist. Shihan Pyke is the Chief Instructor of the Maritime IKD and a member of the Shihan-Kai of the IKD.
Sensei Norman Robitza, 4th Dan, was born in Halifax, NS in 1973. Sensei Robitza brought Shotokan back to Mount Allison after a ten year absence in 2002. Much like Shihan Pyke and Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai, Sensei Robitza's family is involved in the Shotokan Karate. His wife, Jolene and daughter, Katilyn are Shodans. Sensei Robitza is on the Maritime IKD Board of Directors and is the Webmaster for the International Karate Daigaku, the Maritime IKD, the Mount Allison IKD and writes a martial arts blog, Senshin: The Enlightened Mind. In 2013, Sensei Robitza achieved his 4th Dan at the Canada Cup held in Dieppe, NB. He also earned a National Level Referee License and won a Bronze Medal in Team Kumite. Sensei Robitza is a former Maritime IKD Karate Champion in kata and kumite.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
JAPANESE TERMINALOGY This section outlines some of the Japanese terms heard during class and when discussing topics related to Shotokan Karate and other martial arts. Stances: Shizen-tai - Natural Stance Heisoku-dachi - Closed Stance Zenkutsu-dachi - Forward Stance Kokutsu-dachi - Back Stance Kiba-dachi - Horse Riding Stance Fudo-dachi - Ready Stance Neko-ashi-dachi - Cat Stance
increasing the speed through the strike, then letting the intensity slow again.
Strikes: Maete-zusuki - Jab Gyaku-zuki - Reverse Punch Oizuki - Stepping Punch Uraken - Back Fist Nukite - Piercing Hand
- Kumite - sparring
- tatte - to stand up from the kneeling position (seiza) - yame - stop
- keiko-gi - the jacket (top half) of the uniform
- yudansha - members with dan grades
- Ki - spirit or presence - zanshin - remaining spirit/heart
Blocks: Gedan-barai - Down Block Uchi-uke - Inside Block Soto-uke- Outside Block Age-uke- Rising Block Shuto-uke - Knife Hand Block Kicks: Mae-geri - Front Kick Yoko-geri - Side Kick Mawashi-geri - Round House Kick
- Kyu - student grade, from 10 up to 1 where 1 is the highest - ma-ai - the distance between combatants - metsuke - one's gaze or look. - mo ichido - one more time
Counting: 1. Ichi (eech) 2. Ni (nee) 3. San (sahn) 4. Shi (she) 5. Go (go) 6. Roku (rook) 7. Shichi (sheech) 8. Hachi (hach) 9. Kyu (kyu) 10. Ju (joo)
- mokuso - meditate - Otagai ni rei - bow to each other - rei - bow - reigi - etiquette
- bunkai - The application of the technique, a description of the realworld scenario around which the kata is formed.
- reiho - etiquette, method of bowing - ritsu rei - standing bow
- Dan - Black Belts from 1 to 10 - seiza - kneeling - hajime - start - jo-ha-kyu - the concept of rhythm within the kata. Jo-ha-kyu is expressed as slow-to-fast-to-slow movement. Strikes should exhibit a build up of intensity and speed, slowly starting the technique and
- shomen - the front of the dojo, also the front of the head, as in shomen uchi - shomen ni rei - bow to front of the dojo
Ask your instructor about more information on these great Health and Wellness products.
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MTA SHOTOKAN KARATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
CLOTHING LINE We have two different clothing accounts. One is for the Old Style logo, the one on the left. The other is for more recent logos and other designs. Here are samples of the designs. Some of the newer designs may not yet be available. Visit http://mountallison.maritimeikd.com for more details.
T-Shirts, Hats, hoodies and much more.