mount allison karate handbook 2014/15

Student Handbook

Sensei Norm Robitza, 4th Dan

20 Park Street, Amherst, NS, B4H 2R1

(902) 660-2245

(902) 397-0037

[email protected]

Leading the way in the 21st Century!

http://www.internationalkaratedaigaku.com

Calling Mt. A home since 2002

Keeping the tradition alive!

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.

WELCOME TO OUR CLUB

Page 1

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.

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

Table of Contents

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CLASS PROTOCOL AND REQUIREMENTS

Sensei: The head instructor of each Dojo should always be

referred to as sensei.

Sempai: Senior instructors and any senior belt must be

referred to as sempai.

Senior Belts: All senior belts must set an example for the

junior belts. Help them to learn and adhere to such

standards and principles as: sincerity, effort, etiquette and

self control. You must lead junior belts by example.

Conduct Within Dojo:

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.

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.

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.

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.

E. Questioning: Do not question the Sensei/sempai

during class unless asked. Save any questions for after

class and discuss them with a senior belt. When

approaching a senior belt, sempai, or Sensei; bow and

address him/her appropriately. When finished bow and

thank them for their time.

F. Talking: When waiting for class to begin, talking

must be quiet and kept to a minimum. When a class is

saying the Dojo Kun there is to be no talking. Once in

class and training, there is to be no talking unless called

upon by the Sensei/sempai.

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.

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.

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.

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


S IGNIF ICANCE OF THE KARATE GI

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 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.

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.

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)

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.


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

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

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.

Belt Color Rank Training Time* Black Belt Ranks Training Years

White 10th Kyu 1st Dan 1 year after 1st Kyu

Yellow Stripe 9th Kyu 3-4 months (Youth) 2nd Dan 1-2 years after Shodan

Yellow 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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GRADING RESULTS

Page 6


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.)


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.


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.


OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

Bow In

1. Shugo - line up.

2. Sensei kneels.

3. Seiza - called by sempai - everyone kneels.

4. Mokuso - meditate, clear one's mind and

prepare for the karate class.

5. Yame - called after a brief period of meditation.

6. Shomen Ni-Rei - Bow to front of class.

7. Sensei turns around and faces class.

8. Sensei Ni-Rei* - Bow to Sensei.

9. Sensei will signal student to rise and class will

begin.

Bow Out

1. Shugo - line up.

2. Sensei kneels.

3. Seiza - called by sempai - everyone kneels.

4. Mokuso - meditate, clear one's mind and

prepare for the karate class.

5. Yame - called after a brief period of meditation.

6. Dojo Kun - called by sempai and repeated by all

students.

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.

(* 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.)


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 self-

mastery, including mastery of one's

behaviour. In situations where it is

necessary to defend oneself, no non-

violent 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.)


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!


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

2. In karate, never attack first

— Karate ni sente nashi

3. One who practices karate must follow the way

of justice

— Karate wa gi no tasuke

4. Know yourself first, then you can know others

— Mazu jiko o shire, shikoshite ta o shire

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

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

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

13. Move according to your opponent

— Teki ni yotte tenka seyo

14. In conflict, you must discern the vulnerable

from the invulnerable points — Tatakai wa kyo-jitsu no soju ikan ni ari

15. Consider your opponent's legs and arms as

you would lethal swords

— Hito no te-ashi o ken to omoe

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

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/


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.

PROFILES & LINEAGE

Page 14


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.

JAPANESE TERMINALOGY

Page 15


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

Strikes:

Maete-zusuki - Jab

Gyaku-zuki - Reverse Punch

Oizuki - Stepping Punch

Uraken - Back Fist

Nukite - Piercing Hand

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

- bunkai - The application of the

technique, a description of the real-

world scenario around which the

kata is formed.

- Dan - Black Belts from 1 to 10

- 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

increasing the speed through the

strike, then letting the intensity

slow again.

- keiko-gi - the jacket (top half) of

the uniform

- Ki - spirit or presence

- Kumite - sparring

- 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

- mokuso - meditate

- Otagai ni rei - bow to each other

- rei - bow

- reigi - etiquette

- reiho - etiquette, method of

bowing

- ritsu rei - standing bow

- seiza - kneeling

- 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

- tatte - to stand up from the

kneeling position (seiza)

- yame - stop

- yudansha - members with dan

grades

- zanshin - remaining spirit/heart

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)

Ask your instructor about

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CLOTHING LINE

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Visit http://mountallison.maritimeikd.com for more details.

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