Our classes always start and end with quiet meditation
to clear and focus the mind and relax the body. Physical fitness development
is the first part of the class to help the body strengthen itself and stay
healthy. After the warm-up, stretching allows the student to maintain and
extend their flexibility and keep the body loose so the chance of pulling
a muscle is greatly reduced and it helps to allow the ability to accomplish
techniques that require flexability. Once the warm-up time is completed,
the students will begin their Karate training. Class training will be broken
into different focuses such as basic drills, kicking and hand techniques,
kata, sparring etc.
Each belt level has preset requirements that the student will need to know
and a minimum amount of classes that have to be met before testing. Each
set of requirements will be given to the student so he or she has a guide
to follow and a checklist to go by so they can reach the goals that have
been set.
An integral part of our training is Language. We use japanese
and Okinawan terms on a regular basis in class and each test will have
a set of terms as part of the requirements. Learning the language of the
people helps to understand a special part of their society and helps to
gain personal insight into the people and the culture of the Karate founders
There are a number of rules of conduct that must be abided by in the Dojo
both by students and visitors. Silence is golden…
distractions during training are counter productive to everyone. The Sensei
has the responsibility to teach and not have to compete for the students
complete focus and attention during class.
General Rules of Conduct
1. You should follow all the rules of
the dojo, and avoid self-righteousness.
2. You
should observe decorum towards your instructors and senior students,
as well as your equals. Members
should always be courteous to each other, and strive to cultivate the virtue
of modesty.
3. You
should attempt to develop perseverance, a sound body, and an indomitable
spirit through training; and should not be satisfied to learn only the "tricks" of
Karate.
4. You should always seek:
- The elevation of your soul.
- The formation of your character.
- A peaceful means of self-defense.
5. You should always conduct yourself
with prudence and should never provoke a quarrel because you are conceited
about Karate training.
6. When training in Karate you should practice the forms
(katas) and techniques in their proper order "one by one", and "step
by step". You
should increase your training time, and strength gradually, rather than
attempting to carry out a rigorous training program from the beginning.
7. You should use the makiwara (punching
board), and other training aids habitually in order to condition the fists,
and other parts of your body. You should practice each kata, and Ippon
kumite (the forms of Karate) repeatedly.
8. Practice each, and every kata orderly,
and evenly in order to avoid becoming too strong, or too weak in any one
area.
9. Never become conceited of your ability.
Conceit will hinder your progress, and will make you a detriment to society.
10. Ask your instructors and senior students
whatever questions you may have, and resolve your problems when they arise.
It has been said from old times that it takes at least three years to master a single form (kata) completely. Consequently, unlimited time is required to master all the kata and variations of the techniques of Karate. You should therefore practice patience and perseverance, and should not expect to learn the Art in only a few years.
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