Coventry%20Karate%20Club%20Student%20manual

STUDENT MANUAL

KARATE – DO : Empty Hand Way Shotokan : Shoto means “billowy pine trees” and was also the pen name of Master Funakoshi. Kan is a Japanese term for Hall. The name Shotokan was chosen by Master Funakoshi’s students as the name of the honbu dojo at the time. The “Shotokan” (Hall of Shoto) was completed in 1939, and was initially the name of the central dojo and not the name of the style.

HISTORY OF KARATE-DO From China to Okinawa After trade relationships were established with the Ming dynasty of China, some forms of Chinese martial arts were introduced to the Ryukyu Islands by the visitors from China to Okinawa. Karate began as a common fighting system known as "ti" (or "te") among the pechin class of the Ryukyuans. Early styles of karate are often generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te, and Tomari-te, named after the three cities from which they emerged.[11] Each area and its teachers had particular kata, techniques, and principles that distinguished their local version of ti from the others. In 1901 Itosu helped to get karate introduced into Okinawa's public schools. These forms were taught to children at the elementary school level. Itosu's influence in karate is broad. The forms he created are common across nearly all styles of karate. His students became some of the most well known karate masters, including Gichin Funakoshi, Kenwa Mabuni, and Motobu Chōki. Itosu is sometimes referred to as "the Grandfather of Modern Karate."

From Okinawa to Japan Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan karate, is generally credited with having introduced and popularized karate on the main islands of Japan. Funakoshi was a student of both Asato Ankō and Itosu Ankō (who had worked to introduce karate to the Okinawa Prefectural School System in 1902). During this time period, prominent teachers who also influenced the spread of karate in Japan included Kenwa Mabuni, Chōjun Miyagi, Motobu Chōki, Kanken Tōyama, and Kanbun Uechi. Japan was invading China at the time, and Funakoshi knew that the art of Tang/China hand would not be accepted; thus the change of the art's name to "way of the empty hand." The dō suffix implies that karatedō is a path to self knowledge, not just a study of the technical aspects of fighting. The "dō" in "karate-dō" sets it apart from karate "jutsu", as aikido is distinguished from aikijutsu, judo from jujutsu, kendo from kenjutsu and iaido from iaijutsu.

Funakoshi had trained in two of the popular branches of Okinawan karate of the time, Shorin-ryū and Shōrei-ryū. In Japan he was influenced by kendo, incorporating some ideas about distancing and timing into his style. He always referred to what he taught as simply karate, but in 1936 he built a dojo in Tokyo and the style he left behind was named Shotokan after this dojo.

Masters of karate in Tokyo (c. 1930s) Kanken Toyama, Hironori Ohtsuka, Takeshi Shimoda, Gichin Funakoshi, Motobu Chōki, Kenwa Mabuni, Genwa Nakasone, and Shinken Taira (from left to rightPRACTICE IN DOJO Karate training is commonly divided into kihon (basics or fundamentals), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

Kihon

Karate styles place varying importance on kihon. Typically this is performance in unison of a technique or a combination of techniques by a group of karateka (karate students). Kihon may also be prearranged drills in smaller groups or in pairs.

Kata

Kata (型:かた) means literally "shape" or "model." Kata is a formalized sequence of movements which represent various attack and defense postures. These postures are based on idealized combat applications.

Some kata use low and wide stances. This practice develops leg strength, correct posture, and gracefulness.

Vigorous arm movements enhance cardiovascular fitness and upper body strength. Physical routines were a logical way to preserve this type of knowledge. The various moves have multiple interpretations and applications. Because the applicability for actual self-defense is so flexible there is no definitively correct way to interpret all kata. Kata with the same name are often performed differently in other styles of karate. Kata are taught with minor variations among schools of the same style. Even the same instructor will teach a particular kata slightly differently as the years pass.

Kumite

Sparring in Karate is called kumite (組手:くみて). It literally means "meeting of hands." Kumite is practiced both as a sport and as self-defense training.Levels of physical contact during sparring vary considerably.

In structured kumite (Yakusoku - prearranged), two participants perform a choreographed series of techniques with one striking while the other blocks. The form ends with one devastating technique (Hito Tsuki).

In free sparring (Jiyu Kumite), the two participants have a free choice of scoring techniques. The allowed techniques and contact level are primarily determined by sport or style organization policy, but might be modified according to the age, rank and sex of the participants. Depending upon style, take-downs, sweeps and in some rare cases even time-limited grappling on the ground are also allowed.

DOJO ETIQUETTE •

• • •

All classes start and end on time - Please try to be on time for class. Classes will start promptly at their scheduled time and end promptly at their scheduled time. Students need to arrive prior to the bow in to attend class.

Students must focus throughout the class – Do your best to focus throughout class. Be attentive and respectful towards the instructor at all times. If you have a question, raise your hand to get the instructors attention.

Uniforms should be put away after class – If you leave your gi at the dojo, it should be folded and stored neatly in your locker / cubby. Uniforms should be brought home weekly and washed.

Uniforms should be Hemmed above the ankles and folded back to the forearms.

Dojo Terms & Commands Dojo : Training Hall Sensei: Instructor

Sempai: One’s senior Seiretsu: Line Up !

Mokuso Yame: End Meditation Kaimoku: Open your eyes

Shihan: Senior Instructor Deshi: Student DOJO KUN

Seiza: Sit Straight / kneel Mokuso: Meditation

Rei: Bow/ Salutation Shomen ni rei: Bow to front

Shinza ni rei: Bow to alter Otagai ni rei: Bow to each other Kiritsu : Stand up / Rise

Dojo kun is a Japanese martial arts term literally meaning dojo (training hall) rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to training halls or at the "front" of the dojo (shomen) and outline behavior expected and disallowed. In some styles of martial arts they are recited at the end of a class.

Japanese – English Translation Hitotsu. Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomeru koto.

Seek perfection of character.

Hitotsu. Makoto no michi o mamoru koto.

Be faithful.

Hitotsu. Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto.

Endeavor to excel.

Hitotsu. Reigi o omonjiru koto.

Respect others.

Hitotsu. Kekki no yuu o imashimeru koto.

Refrain from violent behavior

RANKING SYSTEM In 1924 Gichin Funakoshi, founder of Shotokan Karate, adopted the Dan system from judo founder Jigoro Kano using a rank scheme with a limited set of belt colors. Other Okinawan teachers also adopted this practice. In the Kyū/Dan system the beginner grades start with a higher numbered kyū and progress toward a lower numbered kyū . (typically 10th kyu to 1st kyu) The Dan progression continues from 1st Dan (Shodan, or 'beginning dan') to the higher dan grades (typically up to 10th Dan) Coventry Shotokan Karate Club Ranking System and testing requirements (10th Kyu through 1st Dan) RANK 10TH Kyu White Belt

KIHON Fundamental

9th Kyu Yellow Belt 8th Kyu Orange Belt 7th Kyu Green Belt 6th Kyu Green Belt 5th Kyu Purple Belt 4th Kyu Purple Belt 3rd Kyu Brown Belt 2nd Kyu Brown Belt 1st Kyu Brown belt Shodan Black Belt

Fundamental Fundamental Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Advanced Advanced Advanced Advanced

KATA Taikyoku Shodan, Taikyoku Nidan, Taikyoku Sandan Heian Shodan, Heian Nidan Heian Sandan Heian Yondan Heian Godan Tekki Shodan Tekki Nidan Bassai-Dai, Kenku Dai Bassai-Sho, KenkuSho Jion, Enpi, Tekki Sandan

KUMITE None

Typical Training Time

None Ippon Kumite Sanban Kumite

3 Months of Training 6 Months of Training 1 Year of Training

Jiyu Ippon Kumite

2 Years of Training 3 Years of Training 4 Years of Training 5 Years of Training 6 Years of Training 7 Years of Training

Jiyu Kumite

Note: Training times may vary based on an individual student’s dedication and perseverance

JAPANESE IN THE DOJO We frequently use Japanese commands in the dojo. Many Shotokan instructors are from countries located throughout the world such as Japan, England, Italy, Germany, Spain, America, South America, and many more. By understanding the Japanese commands in class, you will be able to participate in a Shotokan class taught by any instructor throughout the world.

COUNTING 1. Ichi 2. Ni 3. San 4. Shi or yon 5. Go 6. Roku 7. Shichi or nana 8. Hachi 9. Kyu or ku 10. Ju 11. Ju-ichi 12. Ju-ni

13. Ju-san 14. Ju-shi 15. Ju-go 16. Ju-roku 17. Ju-shichi 18. Ju-hachi 19. Ju-ku 20. Ni-ju 30. San-ju 40. Yon-ju 100.hyaku 1000. sen

DIRECTIONS Jodan Chudan Gedan Hidari Migi Mae Yoko Ushiro Uchi Soto

Upper Level Middle Level Lower level Left Right Forward or Front Side Backward Inside Outside

FUNDAMENTAL STANCES & POSITIONS Japanese Pron.

Heisoku dachi

English Translation FRONT VIEW Feet Together – Attention Stance

Musubi dachi

United Stance : Toes pointing out

Kiba dachi

Horse / Straddle Stance Feet are pointing straight ahead shoulder width apart, knees pushing outward, back is straight. Weight distributed 50% / 50% between legs.

Hachi dachi - Yoi

Natural Stance

Zenkutsu dachi

Forward Stance Feet are shoulder width apart, front foot points forward (slightly inward), back foot at 45 degrees outward, slight bend in back leg, bend front knee forward. Weight distributed 60% on front leg and 40% on the back leg.

Kokutsu dachi

Back Stance Feet along one line, front foot points forward, back foot points at 90 degrees to the side. Both knees are bent, 70% weight on back leg 30% on the front leg.

Neko ashi dachi

Cat Stance Rear foot at 45 degree angle outward, while the front foot is drawn back towards the rear foot with only the ball of the foot touching ground. 90% weight on rear foot.

SIDE VIEW

Tei no ji dachi

T Stance

Sanchin dachi

Three Wars / Hour Glass Stance Tense knees inward and point toes inward. Rear toes and front heel should be on one line.

Shiko dachi

Square Stance

Sochin dachi

Strong-Calm Stance Horse stand twisted forward.

Weight is 50% on each leg.

Hangetsu dachi

Half-moon Stance This is a wider hour-glass stance

Gyaku Kokutsu dachi

Reverse Back Stance

Kamae

Fighting position

Chudan gamae

Fighting position – Hands Middle

Gedan gamae

Fighting position – Hands Lower

Jodan gamae

Fighting position – Hands Upper

Ryo yoko gedan barai gamae

Double lower block fighting stance

TECHNIQUE - WAZA FUNDMENTAL BLOCKING TECHNIQUES (UKE WAZA) Japanese Pron.

Age Uke

English Translation Rising Block Raise blocking arm vertically initially, then twist arm somewhat horizontally to block an upper strike to the head. Hips twist in opposite direction of blocking arm.

Uchi uke

Inside out block Crossing your blocking arm from underneath your opposite elbow, and twisting your blocking arm to block a mid-level attack from the inside blocking out (Palm facing inward at end of block). Hips twist in opposite direction of blocking arm.

Soto uke

Outside in block Blocking hand should reach out initially (fist down) and twist arm (fist up) to block a mid-section attack.

Defense Against Strike to head and upper area (Jodan) of body

Strike or grab to midsection (chudan) area of body

Strike or grab to midsection (chudan) area of body

VIEW

Shuto Uke

Sword hand block

Strike or grab to midsection (chudan) and upper area of body

Shuto awase uke

Double sword hand block

Strike to mid-section (chudan) and upper area of body

Ryo sho koko bo uke

Tiger mouth stick block

Gedan Barai

Downward block

Morote uke

Double arm block

Haito uke

Sword ridge block

Te nagashi uke

Open hand flowing block

Te osae uke

Pressing block down with hand

Teisho uke

palm heel block

Juji uke

X-block

Hiji uke / barai

Elbow block / sweep

Gaiwan kakiwake uke

Push aside block, outside of forearm

Kakuto uke

Crane block

Keito uke

Chicken wrist block

Manji uke

Vortex block

Otoshi uke

Dropping Block (hammer fist)

FUNDMENTAL KICKING TECHNIQUES (KERI WAZA) Japanese Pron.

Mae geri

English Translation Front Kick First raise you knee up towards your chest. Kick forward using the ball of your foot. After the kick, bring the knee back up towards your chest before lowering leg.

There are two types of forward kicks: Keage – snap kick Kekomi – thrust kick

Mawashi geri

Roundhouse Kick Lift the knee up from the rear, drawing your heel towards the back of your leg. Rotate your hips and simultaneously extend your kick using the ball of your foot. The heel of your supporting foot should shift .

After completing kick, fold your foot back in to your leg, while still keeping your knee up high.

Rotate your hips back to starting position.

Yoko geri

Side kick Draw you foot up to a position inside your thigh. Rotate your hips, and simultaneously extend your kick out to the side. Focus with your heel and the blade of your foot. After completing kick, keep knee up high before retuning kicking foot to the ground.

Ushiro geri

Back kick

Front View

Side View

Fumikomi

Stamping kick

Fumikiri

Cutting kick

Hiza ate / geri

Knee hit / geri

Kakato geri Kin geri

Heel kick (axe kick) Groin kick (instep)

Mikazuki geri Ushiro mawashi geri Tobi yoko geri Ashi barai

Crescent kick backward roundhouse kick Jumping side kick Foot sweep

FUNDAMENTAL SMASHING TECHNIQUES (ATE WAZA) Japanese Pron.

Mae empi

English Translation Forward elbow smash Turn forward punch in to strike with forearm / elbow. Used to defend close quarter attacker.

Mawashi empi

Roundhouse elbow smash Twist hips to execute a roundhouse elbow strike to the head. Used to defend close quarter attacker

Otoshi empi

Downward elbow smash Used to defend someone wrapping up your waist. Reach up (open fist) and strike down with a downward elbow strike (closed fist)

Yoko empi

Side elbow smash Slide into your opponent with a side elbow strike to the chest.

Used to defend close quarter attacker

Tate (Jodan) empi

Vertical / Rising elbow smash Move forward to strike your opponent with a rising elbow strike to the jaw. Used to defend close quarter attacker

Ushiro empi

Backwards elbow smash Goo defense for someone grabbing your shoulder from behind. Look first, and strike to your opponents head as you turn with a back elbow strike.

Soete yoko empi

Added hand side elbow strike

Front View

Side View

Soete mawashi empi

Added hand side elbow strike

Soete ushiro empi

Added hand backward elbow

Ryo hiji harai age

Both elbows sweep upward With fists close to chest, suddenly raise both elbows upward. Used to defend bear hug from behind.

FUNDAMENTAL STRIKING & PUNCHING TECHNIQUES (UCHI & TSUKI WAZA) Japanese Pron.

Gyaku zuki

English Translation Reverse Punch

Oi zuki

Lunge punch

Kizami zuki

Jab

Awase zuki

Combined U-Punch

Hasami zuki

Scissors punch

Heiko ura zuki

Parallel back punch

Front View

Side View

Mawashi zuki

Roundhouse punch

Tate zuki

Vertical punch

Haito uchi

Sword ridge hand

Shuto uchi

Sword hand strike

Teisho uchi

Palm heel strike

Uraken uchi

Backhand strike

KATA Kata should be practiced regularly. Students should practice one specific Kata until they have a thorough understanding of it. Student’s should not move on to learn new Kata until they have practice their current kata minimally one hundred times. It may take one thousand practices to actually master a specific kata. Kata should also be practiced in bunkai to understand the meaning of each movement.

The Heian Kata : These are the first basic kata to be practiced by a new karateka. Heian stands for “peace and stability”. All Heian kata start with a block to demonstrate their peaceful character.

The video’s of all the heian kata can be found on the Coventry Shotokan Karate Club web site at www.mastudiomanager.com/webpages/riskcov.aspx The primary kata we practice at Coventry Shotokan Karate Club are (click hyperlink below to see video, Hold the control key and click on the link).

NEW JKA VERSION

OLD JKA VERSION

Heian Shodan

Heian Shodan

Heian Nidan

Heian Nidan

Heian Sandan

Heian Sandan

Heian Yondan

Heian Yondan

Heian Godan

Heian Godan

Bassai Dai

Bassai Dai

Bassai Sho

Bassai Sho

Kanku Dai

Kenku Dai

Kenku Sho

Kenku Sho

Tekki Shodan

Tekki Shodan

Tekki Nidan

Tekki Nidan

Tekki Sandan

Tekki Sandan

Hangetsu

Hangetsu

Jion

Jion

Jitte

Jitte

Chinte

Chinte

Empi

Enpi

Gankaku

Gankaku

NijuShiho

Nijushiho

Sochin

Sochin

Unsu

Unsu