British Wadokai Karate-do Federation

Transcription

1 British Wadokai Karate-do Federation 英国 和道会空手道連盟本部道場 The Wado Karate Dojo A FREE Guide for Parents & Children A Founder Member of the British Wado Federation The National Governing Body for British Wadokai Karate An Introduction for Parents and Children

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3 This article is designed to help introduce children and parents to the Wado-ryu Karate Dojo. Karate is ideal for children because it teaches them awareness, concentration, coordination, physical as well as mental health & discipline, self-defence, team work, and numerous other positive benefits. At first sight it can prove to be a little confusing and without help you could waste a lot of time, money, and possibly risk long or short term injury. The following information will give you some history of Wado Karate, translate some of the names, show how to wear your karate suit, give information on some of the hygiene and safety, warming-up and cooling-down procedures, basic techniques, etiquette, stances. History. Martial-arts are as old as mankind himself, as all through time man has always fought with another. While in England there were the 'Knights' with their Code of Chivalry, in Japan there were the Samurai with their Code of 'Bushido. 3

4 3000 years ago, Buddha ( bc) was born in India a Warrior Prince to the Sakyu Warrior Cast. His name was Prince Gautama Siddharta. At 29 Siddharta renounced all his worldly goods and went on a quest for truth & enlightenment. At 35, after intense study, he became enlightened. He taught others for the next 45 years spreading his wisdom throughout the Eastern World. The essence of his teachings morality, wisdom, and concentration (a must for any Karate-ka). A disciple of Buddhism, called Bodhidharma (known in Chinese as Ta-mo), spread this teaching from India to China in AD527. This Indian holy man also brought into China Zen Buddhism. He was also responsible for bringing the special health giving exercises based on breathing and Yoga to the Shaolin Temple. The special breathing and exercising became known as the '18 hands of Lo-Han'. These exercises became the basis of the Shaolin Temple Boxing. These Martial-arts spread throughout all regions of China from this first temple. Okinawa is part of the Ryukyu Islands, and lies between Japan and China. The Okinawans learned their Martial-arts from visitors, traders and sailors from Chinese mainland. Meanwhile in Japan, the warrior arts consisted mainly of the sword, linked to the Samurai Warrior code of Bushido. Unarmed fighting was called Ju-jutsu and was mainly for when the warrior lost his sword during combat. An Okinawan, by the name of Gichin Funikoshi, was well trained in the Martial-art known as Okinawa-te. He introduced this to Japan in 1917, and renamed it Karate, Way of the Empty Hand in One of Funakoshi s best students, at this time, was Ohtsuka Hironori, who was already a master of Ju-jutsu. Ohtsuka Hironori Meijin ( ) blended his knowledge of Ju-Jutsu and Okinawan Karate and called his style Wado-ryu, meaning Harmony & Peace Way School. In 1964 Ohtsuka Hironori's most senior instructor in Wado-ryu, named Tatsuo Suzuki (8th Dan Hanshi), introduced Karate into the UK. Since this introduction British Karate has dominated the world for many years. The original spirit, or way of Karate, is still as important today as it was back in these early years, and is the basis for all Wado-ryu Karate. Correct behaviour, selfdiscipline, serious concentration remains the prime importance in training. 4

5 Karate-ni-sentenashi - There is no first strike in Karate. Meaning that all Karate techniques should be used for self-defence only. All schools of Wado follow this principle. What do you need to know when attending Karate? The Names. Basic terms 5

6 To line up in rank order is Seiretsu (attention position). The command to kneel is Seiza. The command to sit is Soru. To stand is Kiritsu. To do a standing bow is known as Tachi-rei. To bow to the front (towards the Kamiza) is Shomen-ni-rei. An Instructor is called Sensei. To bow to the Sensei is Sensei-ni-rei. To bow to other students in the Dojo is Otaga-ni-rei. To start is Hadjime. To stop is Yamae. Warmups are called Junbi-undo. The left is Hidari and the right is Migi. Head level is Jodan. Middle level is Chudan. Lower level is Gedan. The knee is Hiza. A punch is known as Tsuki. A strike is known as Uchi. A kick is Keri. A block is Uke. A senior grade (brown or lower graded black-belt) is known as a Senpai. A student is known as a Deshi. A junior grade is also known as Kohai. A black-belt member is known as a Yudansha. A junior-pass (11-17) 1st Dan black-belt is known as a Jido- Dan or Shodan-ho. 6

7 Gi Bottoms (Zubon). Put the trousers on and (if you have traditional trousers) pull the drawstrings tight from both sides (this will not be necessary for elasticised trousers). Feed the strings through the loop in the front, and tie in a bow. Make sure the legs are not too long; if they are they should be turned up and hemmed to fit you. Make sure you can move comfortably wearing your trousers. Gi Top (Uwa-gi). Put your jacket on and wrap it over with the left side over the right. Tie the strings together that meet at the bottom of your jacket at both sides. If your sleeves are not too long they should be turned up over the wrist. Traditionally, your British Wadokai (Association) Badge should be sewn on the left breast and if you obtain, or are issued, a club badge this should be sewn onto your left arm. Check that your Gi allows you to do your Karate movements unhindered. 7

8 Wearing your belt (Obi). The correct and traditional method of tying your Obi. Fold your Obi in half and place the centre fold to the middle of your tummy. Wrap it around your back crossing it over to give your lower back extra support. Bring the two ends back around to the front. Cross them over (right over left and under) and tuck the outside length under all the others so you are left with one at the top and one at the bottom. Take the one at the top, in your left hand, (left over right and through) around the one at the bottom, in your right hand, and pull tight to the sides. 8

9 Hygiene, Health & Safety. Always keep yourself clean & tidy. If you have long hair keep it tied back tidily. No jewellery of any kind should be worn. Keep finger and toe nails clipped short. Always wash or shower before and after training. Keep all your equipment clean and in good condition. Always ensure that your Sensei knows if you have any special needs, if you have any disability or on any medication. Also if you are injured in any way, or do not feel well, make sure that the Sensei is aware of this. 9

10 Make sure that you visit the toilet before you start training and also make use of the breaks. If you need to go during training, always ask permission and then only walk around the edge of the training area when the Sensei has given you permission to leave. Always concentrate and pay attention to the Sensei when you are training. Also, always know where your technique is going so as not to injure yourself or others. 10

11 Make sure you have enough space around you when you are performing your movements. Have respect for the age, size, and ability of the people that you are training with. Take care of any students junior to you. Train properly with your partner and in the true Karate spirit. Warm Ups & Downs! Cardiovascular, strength and flexibility. Warm up exercises are designed to speed your heart rate and prepare your mind & body for training. The exercises should be well within your natural range of movement and be smaller versions of the range of movement that you will use in class. You should not exhaust yourself in the warm up, or put any undue strain on your joints, muscles, or ligaments. 11

12 The cool down is to get rid of any waste (toxins) that may be left in the muscles. The movements should be calm and slow and include some light stretching and flexibility training still within your natural range of movement. Do not copy strength and flexibility exercises that you see on television and in the movies, as these could injure or damage your body for life! The hand in Karate is used for punching, grappling, pushing, pulling, locking, throwing, deflecting, and striking. If used properly, you will strengthen and learn how to use your whole body in the most effective and efficient way. The Karate Fist. First, open your hand. Fold in your fingers, paying particular attention to 12

13 your smallest finger as this activates the most powerful group of muscles in the forearm. Take your thumb around the outside of forefinger and slide it beneath the fore-finger knuckle, whilst pulling the forefinger tightly into the fist. Angle your wrist until the first two knuckles (known as Seiken) are in line with the arm. Move your fist at arms length into the centre of your body at Chudan level so that the Seiken is in line with the solar-plexus (Singetsu). Bring the other fist back (called Hikite) palm upwards, so that you can feel the fist touch the side of your body (above the belt). To punch, pull the extended fist back (Hikite) and push the other fist forwards at the exact same time. They should begin to rotate as they pass each other and you should feel the side of each arm rub against the body from fist to elbow as it moves. The focus (Ki-me) should be applied by using the grip, altering the angle of the wrist and closing the armpits as you rotate the arms. Never lock or over extend your joints in Karate, as this can cause serious, long term damage. Another common open-hand technique is the sword-hand (Shuto). Open your hand as long and as wide as you can, draw your fingers together and leave the thumb extended (tuck the top joint of the thumb in). Ensure that the striking edge and back of your hand is in line with your arm. Another open hand technique is to strike with the fingertips (Nukite). Position your hand in a similar way as the Shuto. However, make sure that the fingers are slightly angled inwards so that if you strike something too hard, they will collapse into a fist. 13

14 The Foot. The basic Karate front-kick (Maegeri) uses the ball of the ball of the foot just behind the toes (Jo-sokutei). When kicking, you have to pull the toes back and point the foot so that you kick in a straight line. It is important in front directional kicks to raise your knee high enough to focus the technique correctly. Never extend your technique unless you know exactly where and how you are kicking. Always keep the supporting leg bent and make sure that the foot is in the correct position. When performing the round-house kick (Mawashigeri) use the high-instep (Heisoku). When performing the side kick we use the side-edge of the foot (Sokuto). On some kicks we use the sole of the foot (Sokutei). And sometimes we use the heel of the foot (Kakato). Always remember when performing any technique, never over extend the force on the strike, as this may be very painful and could cause permanent damage to the joints. 14

15 Stances. There are many different stances in Wado-ryu Karate. We will deal with the most popular ones. If done correctly, the power generated from your stances will greatly add to the power and stability of your technique. The power from your stances will come from the way that you push and twist your feet against the floor. It is vital that when making your stances that you place your feet at the correct position and ensure that the angles enable you to push the technique in the correct way. Check to see if you have your knees, hips, spine, head, shoulders, and arms in the correct position so that you have good form. At the beginning of the training session you will be asked to go into the attention stance (Musubi-dachi), when called for Seiretsu. Musubi-dachi requires your heels to be together and the feet open. Yohi, ready position, Shizen Hontai natural posture. This stance is called Hachiji-dachi. Junzuki-dachi means leading arm, or meridian-line, punch stance. Hanmi-gamae is fighting position. 15

16 Shizentai, 'natural standing', this stance is called Renoji-dachi. Shiko-ashi-dachi means four-point foot stance, and resembles someone riding a horse. Neko-ashi-dachi means cat-foot stance. Promotion. Belts are achieved through dedicated practise and training. Once a student understands all that is required for the next grade, plus time-served (minimum 3-months for Kyu gradings) for each level has been completed, then the student may be put forward for his grading to the next belt level. Once the student has achieved green-belt training should be practised at least twice a week, along with continual home-training. 16

17 Introduction to Karate How much will it cost? Initially Karate may seem quite expensive, for example the purchase of the Student's Karate Licence - the most important aspect of any Martial-arts training. The Student Karate Licence will cost 30 (per year) and includes insurance, karate passport, grade-record, awards, titles, injury log, membership to the National & International Governing Bodies, etc. Due to the importance of the Licence, this must be obtained at the earliest convenience (usually after no more than two training sessions). As club insurances cover only students who are 'members', you need to be aware that the Club's Insurance facility may be limited for the unlicensed period of the student hence the importance of the Karate Licence. The next most important purchase must be the Karate-gi (suit); the cost will depend on the size, please see the size chart & following price list (sizes are based on height). Size cm Size Imperial Beginner (light-weight) Age years 0 = " (4'3") = " (4'6") = = to = Teen/Adult 5 = " Adult 6 = Adult 7 = Adult 8 = Adult Prices may vary slightly between clubs and suppliers. As the student progresses, after a few months, he will be introduced to Jiyu-gumite (freesparring). For this he would require the correct protection and padding. The hand-mitts will cost 5.95 and the shin & instep guards These can be purchased as a full set at a discount price of Prices may vary slightly between clubs and suppliers. Training sessions vary from 5 per session, depending on the club, and based on a 1-hour training session (charges may vary for longer training session periods). Accessories include the Wadokai Mon (badge); this can be purchased from any Club and Club Secretary at NB: British Wadokai Southwest issue the club badge free of charge upon purchase of the first karategi (suit). Every three months, if the student is competent for his next rank, there are grade assessments. These normally cost 15 and include the student's new colour belt and Certificate. History of the British Wadokai Karate-do Federation The first Club in British Wadokai was opened in Cranleigh, Surrey in April 1976 and British Wadokai has produced over 100 Yudansha (Black-Belts) in its history. The style of Karate practised is known as Wado-ryu (Way of Peace School), and is one of the most popular, and fastest, styles of traditional Karate practised today with over 1,500,000 practitioners. British Wadokai Black-Belt Registered Club Instructors are CRB checked, Insured, and 1st Aid trained. British Wadokai organise many Wadoryu Karate Courses throughout the year, including weapon defences (against knife and sword) and other specialist training sessions, etc. 17

18 Upon acceptance, the student is issued with his Karate Licence, which must be applied for as soon as possible. The licence is the student s Karate passport, Record-book, Insurance (up to 5,000, Public & Person to Person Liability cover), and training history record throughout his Karate career. British Wadokai Karate In 1963 Wado Karate was introduced into the UK by Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi 8th Dan. British Wadokai has always practised and preserved this first form of Wado-ryu and traditionally teaches this system throughout all the membership. In 1982, after the founder passed away, the style of Wado-ryu has remained unchanged within the British Wadokai, unlike many other Wado Schools, as our belief is that this is how the founder left the style, and there would be no other qualified to modify it. The Chief Instructor of British Wadokai Founder & President: Gary E Swift (7th Dan) Kyoshi. Gary Swift was born in Plymouth (Devon) on the 6th April 1956 and has been active in Martialarts since He started Wado Karate under Sensei Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi's United Kingdom Karate-do Wadokai (formerly the United Kingdom Karate-do Federation) in 1973, until the second 'wado divide' in 1989 (the first of the political Wado splits occurred in the UK in 1982). He started teaching Wado Karate in 1976 in Horsham Sussex (Horsham Karate Club), a club he inherited when the original instructor retired, and opened up his first club (the Cranleigh Karate Club) in the same year, again under affiliation of the United Kingdom Karate-do Wadokai (UKKW). Joined Wadokai England under Kuniaki Sakagami 7th Dan, where he became General Secretary of the JKF-Wadokai England until 2008, and holds a Life Membership within the JKF-Wadokai in Japan. He is now President and Chief Instructor of British Wadokai (BWK) and Founder-President of the British Wado Federation (BWF) and the International Wado Federation (IWF). Holder of numerous titles and ranks within martial-arts including 7th Dan in Wado-ryu Karate, 2nd Dan in Korean HoSinsul Hapkido and a 1st Dan in Malaysian Taekwondo (Thoi-kuen-do). Gary Swift has also had the honour of training and being graded under the Founder of Wado-ryu, Ohtsuka Hironori Meijin 10th Dan, in Wado instructors include/d: Ohtsuka Hironori Meijin 10th Dan, Ohtsuka (Jiro) Hironori Saiko- Shihan 10th Dan, Tatsuo Suzuki 8th Dan Hanshi, Katsumi Kobayashi Sensei, Masafumi Shiomitsu 8th Dan Hanshi, Yoshitsugu Shinohara 8th Dan Shihan, Tadayuki Maeda Sensei, Kuniaki Sakagami 7th Dan, Masahiro Yanagawa 8th Dan, Kengo Sugiura 8th Dan, Toru Arakawa 9th Dan, Shingo Ohgami 7th Dan, Koji Okumachi 7th Dan, Katsumi Hakoishi 8th Dan, Mizuho Ashihara 8th Dan. During the closing ceremony of the 2007 WadoEXL Gary was awarded the prestigious Commemorative Award for the 'Promotion and Preservation of Wadokai and Wado-ryu Karate'; an honour he will always be proud of. 18

19 The founder of Wado-ryu Karate Ohtsuka-Hironori 10th Dan Meijin (AD ). Hironori-Ohtsuka was born in Shimodate City, Ibiragi, Japan on the 1st June He was the first son of Tokujiro-Ohtsuka, who was a doctor of medicine. He started training under Chojiro- Ebashi, an uncle of his mother, in April 1897 at the age of four, a style of training he would continue with, even at Waseda University in Tokyo. In 1905 Ohtsuka-Hironori entered the Shimozuma middle school, where he started Shindo-Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu under Tatsusaburo- Nakayama. In 1910 Ohtsuka-Hironori entered Waseda University to learn commerce. In 1917 he started work at the Kawasaki bank; at this stage he was learning numerous styles of Ju-jutsu. Ohtsuka-Hironori met, and became good friends, with the founder of Aikido, Morihei-Ueshiba. In May 1919 he became master of 'bone-setting technique'. On the 1st of July 1921 he received his Shindo-Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu licence from Tatsusaburo-Nakayama, and so became the Highest Authority. He started his Karate training with the famous Gichin-Funikoshi in July 1922, a style known as Karate-jutsu. Ohtsuka-Hironori met Funikoshi Sensei during a martial-arts demonstration at the Sports Festival organised by the Japanese Educational Department. Funikoshi Sensei agreed to teach Ohtsuka-Hironori all he knew about Okinawan Karate-jutsu, the lessons started that same day. Within one year Ohtsuka-Hironori had studied all the Kata within the system. Even after this time Ohtsuka-Hironori could see the 'shortfall' in the Kata-only system. It was explained to him that all of the concepts of 'Budo' was within Kata, and that was the only aspect to train. In 1924 Ohtsuka-Hironori introduced Yakusoku-gumite to the system, this concept of 'partner-work' revolutionised Karate-jutsu. He also developed Idori-no-kata, Tachiai-no-kata, and Shirahatori-no-kata. In 1928 he was 'Shindo-Yoshin-ryu Shihan', the Chief Instructor of his Shindo-Yoshin-ryu; he also set up a 'bone-setting' practice at this time. In 1929 he registered with the 'Nippon-Kobudo-Shinko-Kai', the Japanese Martial-arts Federation. In 1934 Ohtsuka-Hironori was recognised as an independent style, and started teaching full-time. Due to his dedication to Karate he had to close his 'bone-setting' business. In 1938 Ohtsuka-Hironori registered his new style as Shin-Shu-Wado-ryu. In 1939 all Karate styles were asked to register their systems with the 'Dai-Nippon-Butoku-Kai', Ohtsuka-Hironori named his style Wado-ryu. Other styles that registered were Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Shoto-ryu (Shotokan-ryu). In 1940 on May the 5th the 'All Styles Karate Demonstrations' took place at Butoku-Den in Kyoto. All the major styles took part, these included Goju-ryu, Keishi-Kempo, Nippon-Kempo-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shoto-ryu, and Wado-ryu. In 1944 Ohtsuka-Hironori was promoted to Chief Instructor of all Karate under the Dai-Nippon-Butoku-kai. In 1955 the first Karate tournament took place, organised by Ohtsuka-Hironori, it was called the 'First All Japan Wado-ryu Karate Championships'. In 1964 'The All Japan Karate-do Federation' (JKF) was established. This same year Suzuki- Tatsuo, Arakawa-Toru, and Takashima-Hajime introduced Wado-ryu to Great Britain, Europe, and the United States of America. In 1966 Ohtsuka-Hironori was awarded 'Kun-Goto-Soukuo-Kyo- Kuju-jutsu-Sho' (similar to the OBE in Great Britain) from Emperor Hirohito for his dedication to Karate. In 1972 he was awarded the title of Meijin from Higashino-Kunino-Miya (a member of the Japanese royal family) President of the International Martial-arts Federation the 'Kokusai-Budo- Renmei'. Ohtsuka-Hironori was the first man in history to receive the highest honour in martialarts. For his services to Japanese martial-arts, and to honour his new position as the highest Karate Authority in Japan, he was awarded the Shiju-Hoosho medal from the Japanese Government, the only man in the history of Karate to be so honoured. Below is an adaptation from an open letter written by Ohtsuka Hironori (10th Dan) Meijin to all Wado-Ryu students, sent out two-years prior to his death, explaining the origins of Wado-ryu. "At the age of five years old, I was in very poor health. It was then that I began my training in Ju-jutsu at the school of my uncle, Sensei Chojiro-Ehashi, the official martial arts instructor of the Tsuchiura Clan. Since this time I have trained continuously until my present age of eighty-eight years. For this, I can heartily thank the traditional Samurai education, which was both gentle and strict. I also thank and pray for my dear mother without whom I could never have succeeded in my deepest aims; I thank her sincerely for always being near. On my thirtieth birthday, Master Nakayama, the third Grandmaster of Shinto Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu, allowed me to learn the deepest 19

20 and most secret doctrines of our school. It was then that I succeeded him as the fourth Grandmaster. Karate was becoming increasingly popular around this time, and I began to study its techniques from several eminent Okinawan masters who had begun to teach in Tokyo. It occurred to me that there were many fine attributes in the Okinawan systems, and so decided to blend these with the finest elements of Shinto Yoshin-ryu Ju-jutsu to create a genuine and original Japanese martial-art. Through this process I developed Kumite, Gyaku-nage, I-dori, Tachi-iai, Tanken-dori, and Shinken-Shirai-dori. Every year, for purposes of promoting the Japanese martial-arts, the Butokuden in Kyoto held a national festival. In 1938, the festival focused on the originators of each martial-art; however, no originator of Japanese Karate had been identified. I named the originator of the first true Japanese style of Karate-Do as ShiroYoshitoki-Akiyama (the founder of Shinto Yoshin-ryu Jujitsu) and named this new style of KarateDo, 'Wado-Ryu' meaning: 'Japanese-way school' or also 'Peaceful-way school' since the Kanji lettering for 'Wa' can mean both. The fundamental meaning and original aims of martial-arts is the promotion of Peace. To bring peace to society and to guard against its loss so that human beings can enjoy a happy life. We must strive for peace in a world where it is increasingly difficult to achieve. We must not simply rely on God's mercy to achieve it but must strive as individuals, with all our will, to attain it. Immense spiritual and physical power is required so we will not surrender to the difficulties and barriers which lie before us on this journey. The hard training in martial-arts aims to foster this dauntless, indefatigable strength which is why the beauty of martial-arts training is beyond the vicissitudes of mundane affairs." On the 29th of January 1982 Ohtsuka-Hironori Meijin died at the age 89, he had practised martial-arts for 85 years. "Bunomichi-wa Tada-aragoto-na-to-omohiso Wa-no-michi-kiwa-me Wa-o-motomu-michi: The way to practise martial-arts is not for fighting. Always look for your own inner peace and harmony, search for it." Ohtsuka-Hironori. The Coat of Arms of British Wadokai Symbols of the Coat of Arms of the British Wadokai. Crane: The symbol of Cranleigh (Crane-Leigh), Surrey, where the foundations of British Wadokai were established. On the Coat of Arms the crane is shown in black; as the black crane is the Chinese symbol of longevity, wisdom and nobility. Helmet: Strength and Protection. Red Lion: The symbol of Devon (Honbu Southwest), representing 'Dauntless Courage'. Crown: Denotes the Kingdoms of Great Britain (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). Motto: (Latin) Reservo Exemplar Quod Institutio Preserving the Original and Traditional. RULES OF THE DOJO 1. Students must always arrive BEFORE the class starts. If you are unavoidably late for the bow-on : a. Bow to enter the Dojo (as usual). b. Kneel at the Dojo entrance and recite 20

21 the Dojo-kun in your mind. c. Perform the bow-on sequence (three kneeling bows). d. Stand, then bow towards the Sensei (Tachi-rei). e. Wait for the Sensei to acknowledge you presence BEFORE joining the class. 2. Tachi-rei (standing bow). Always bow upon: a. Entering and leaving the Dojo. b. Before and after addressing your Sensei, or, if your Sensei is addressing you. c. Before and after performing various techniques with each other. 3. If the Sensei is not present, the Senpai (most Senior) will start the class. All students must follow the Senpai as though he were the Sensei. 4. During the session, students must work with an attitude of seriousness and complete concentration. Laughing and talking cannot be permitted. Silence and seriousness during the session are the two rules that must be followed if a high level of training is to be sustained. 5. Unless training has commenced, all students must bow to Yudansha upon their arrival to the Dojo. 6. Rapid movement is an essential part of the training, even as it pertains to lining up on command. This habit of moving quickly, without wasted motion and effort, will also help keep the class working smoothly. 7. When not training, i.e. during breaks etc. Students must sit crossed-legged against the wall in the Shimoza (lower-house) area of the Dojo, or in the designated resting area/s. 8. You must always wear a clean & pressed white Gi. With the exception of females, there must be no T-Shirts, or other garments, worn under the Gi-top. Only females, and students with special medical conditions, may be permitted to wear a T-shirt (white) under their Gi top. Badges must be worn on the left-side of your Gi. The British Wadokai Federation badge should be worn on the left breast and your club badge (if applicable) should be worn on your left arm. 9. No student should leave the Dojo during the session; unless he has prior permission from a Sensei or Senpai to do so (this is for reasons of good etiquette as well as for Health & Safety). 10. On the command of Seiretsu students must line-up quickly and quietly in the proper grade/rank order in the Kiritsu (informal attention) position (Musubi-dachi). You must not pass in front of higher graded ranks to do so, filter in from the rear and side of your own line. 11. If a student must stop work, for any reason, then he must obtain permission from his Sensei. 12. All students must reply Hai-Sensei after a command has been given. During training, if you are approached by a Sensei for any reason, i.e. adjusting your technique etc., you must acknowledge the Sensei with Hai-Sensei. 13. Each student must report when temporarily discontinuing lessons, this is good etiquette. 14. If at any-time during training the student requires to adjust his Obi or Gi, he must go down on one knee to do the adjustment. On serious adjustments the student may require to leave the ranks to go to the side of the Dojo, again, drop onto one knee for the adjustment/s. 15. Seniority system: All students must be aware that a higher ranked member to you is your senior, and must be obeyed as such while in the Dojo. Brown-Belts and lower graded Black-Belts must be referred to as SENPAI at all times. They are the Dojo Police-force and are responsible for the discipline in the Dojo, so 'ongoing' knowledge of the Dojo rules is of paramount importance (every Senpai must have a copy of the Dojo rules to 'hand'). Young as well as older Senpai MUST show a good example. Examples are always followed. Black-belts of 3 rd Dan & above, and/or any Black-belt who is teaching, is referred to as SENSEI at all times. During practise no student should go directly to the Sensei without first attempting to gain the necessary knowledge from the next grade up. Each student, however, should make the necessary endeavours to learn the answers 21

22 from continued practise and observations. The Sensei should be consulted ONLY as a final option. 16. The motto of the Dojo. Practise hard in order to master the techniques of true Karate-do. 17. Finger and toe-nails are to be kept short and clean. No drinking, eating, and no jewellery to be worn in the Dojo. Any jewellery, i.e. a bracelet/ring etc., that is difficult or impossible to remove MUST be safely covered. 18. A student who has undergone surgery, or who suffers from any kind of serious medical condition or injury, will not be permitted into Jiyu-gumite, or any form of stamina training. Your Sensei, as well as your working partner/s, must also be made aware of any condition. 19. Respect and revere your parents and elders, respect other people. Respect property and all life. Also, respect yourself. 20. A Sensei is always a Sensei, not just while he wears a Gi. He must be respected inside as well as outside the Dojo. If he is your friend, do not take advantage of his friendship. 21. Never use Karate outside the Dojo, unless for self-defence. Understand the concepts & principles of Karate-ni-Sentenashi. British Wadokai Kyu Gradings What do I need to bring? Your grading, especially the first grading, is probably one of your biggest steps in your Martialarts career. For most, it s probably the first one they remember the most. To make life a little easier for you we have compiled some information below that may help on your first step on the grade ladder. On the day you will need to bring: 1. Licence. 2. Normal training fee plus 15 for Grading & Registration (If you fail, your next grading attempt will be free of charge). 3. Clean white Karate-gi. Badge/s should be on the left breast. 4. Grade syllabus book (good for that extra last minute revision, etc.). 5. Bogu (fighting protection). Required for gradings of 6 th Kyu & above. For your 1 st grading you will be allowed a certain amount of flexibility with your test. For example: With the reciting of the Dojo-kun, you will not be expected to be word perfect in the pronunciation and reciting. Your belt knot may not be retied 100%. Technically you may experience some nerves and make a few errors. This is all quite normal. Your examiners are there to help you, and will give some guidance and pointers if things are getting a bit difficult. Upon a pass or fail, you will be informed of your results during formal line-up after the grading. Awards night (Reishiki) will normally be the following training session after the grading; this is where you will be awarded your certificate and new belt. These will be awarded & presented to you free of charge. The official grade structure of British Wadokai Karate. Mukyu 9 th Kyu 8 th Kyu 7 th Kyu 6 th Kyu 5 th Kyu 4 th Kyu 3 rd Kyu 2 nd Kyu 1 st Kyu Yudansha (awarded to black-belts, 11 years & over) 22

23 Dan Grade Ranks. Shodan = Black belt, normally awarded to qualified members 11 years and above. Nidan = Black belt, normally awarded to qualified members 14 years and above seniors. Sandan = Black belt, normally awarded to qualified members 18 years and above. DOJO-KUN REISETSU-O-MAMORI: Stick to the rules of the Dojo. (See page 23). SHINGI-O-OMANJI: Be loyal to your Instructor. JOJITSU-NI-OBERESU: Students and Instructors are not all one, never take advantage of his friendship. SHINKENMI-NI-TESSEYO: Be serious in your efforts. Frequently Asked Questions There are certain questions which come up repeatedly, so we thought it would be helpful for you to have this section to glance through before deciding to call! What are the age limits for Karate? The minimum age at most British Wadokai clubs is 7 years old, but this may vary from club to club so be sure to check details on the websites/pages and Club Lists (some of our clubs allow 5- year olds). There is no maximum age limit provided you are of a suitable level of fitness. I have never trained in Karate - can I try before deciding to commit? Yes. The first lesson is free at most British Wadokai Clubs. Subsequent lessons are chargeable and you are required to purchase a licence, which is your club membership, club passport, grade record book and your insurance. We ask that you take away your licence application on the first lesson to complete and return. Most people know after a couple of lessons if Karate is for them. I am joining from another club, and am already a green belt, can I keep my grade? If you already possess a grade from another organisation, and want to change clubs/style, your present grade will be automatically recognised and transferred. All you need to do is then get 'updated' with the requirements and standards for your next grade within British Wadokai. All present grades will be recognised, as long as there is legitimate proof (licence/certificate, etc.). Once you have attained the necessary standards and proficiency of your present grade you will be encouraged to move forward. How much does a licence cost? This is an annual charge, which also covers your insurance premiums to indemnify you against injuring others, and being injured yourself, whilst practising Karate in a Dojo either in training classes or regulated competitions. I have a disability - can I still learn Karate? Yes. Our first priority is the safety of all class members. Our second priority is to ensure all students are getting the most out of their tuition; therefore there may be situations where we 23

24 can only offer private tuition. However, we have a track record of ensuring we accommodate people of all abilities and helping them to achieve their best in Karate. How much does a lesson cost? Training sessions are 5.00 each. A session lasts for 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the club. The fee is payable on the night. We don't operate a monthly charge system because it can get complicated to account for missed lessons, plus we believe you should only pay if you attend. Additionally, if you train more than once a week, at any of our Plymouth Karate Schools, your subsequent training session/s fee/s for that week will be just 3 per session. How do I know the instructor is legitimate? First check the safety factors. Items he can/should show you: Does he have an Enhanced CRB? Does he have a 1st Aid Certificate? Can he show you his Instructor Insurance Certificate? Can he show you his Club Liability insurance? Does he have an Instructor/Coach Certificate signed by a National Governing Body? Can he show you his Licence with his grades? If he is reluctant to show you any of these, or hasn't got any credentials at all, the best advice would be to leave the premises for your own safety. What is commercial karate? Commercial karate refers to the commercially-motivated karate clubs that are only out there to make money. Glitzy advertising, quick-result promises, big posters with a 'something for everyone' theme, this is usually the first indication of a commercially-motivated karate club. Commercial clubs tend to be run by individuals and instructors who move from area to area to start clubs then close them down when memberships start to drop then move on to more lucrative areas. Beware of clubs that only display mobile-phone numbers and address, as opposed to the inclusion of a landline contact. Many of these clubs may also tend to ask for monthly payments by direct debit, charge exorbitant membership fees, expect you to purchase totally through them for all your equipment and services (without giving you a choice), charge expensive grade fees, charge for belts and certificates, etc. Additionally, commercial clubs will rarely have legitimate National Governing Body membership of any kind (due to the expected membership criteria and operating procedures and standards required by National Governing Bodies). They will tend to go 'cold-calling' and 'door-knocking' to get you to sign up on a 'trainingprogramme' of some sort and tie you up financially. If you join a commercial club, then decided you wanted to leave the area (or, more likely, if the club closed), the likelihood of being able to continue in the 'style' of karate you have been introduced to anywhere else may be virtually impossible. Before trying ANY karate style you must first 'investigate' to see if the club has 'validation' and is a member of a legitimate National and International Governing Body for your own protection. Also, check to make sure that the style of karate is practised nation-wide. And, if someone knocks on your door to sign you up for karate classes, ask them for their National Governing Body membership! Also, if you want traditional and/or authentic karate, can they prove their authenticity and lineage? Additionally, although much of the clever advertising may try and convince you otherwise, Kick-Boxing IS NOT KARATE. Dishonest practise. Due to the popularity of martial arts, both in mass media and reality, a large number of disreputable, fraudulent, or misguided teachers and schools have arisen over the last 40 years. Commonly referred to as a "McDojo", Black Belt Factory or a "Black Belt Mill," these schools are commonly headed by martial artists of either dubious skill or unscrupulous business ethics. What are traditional karate styles? Karate styles refer to the classical type of system being taught; and are not 'mixed' with anything else, such as weapons and kick-boxing, etc. 24

25 In Japan the traditional styles were originally created by famous Karate Masters who taught their systems with individual specific functions and tactics. The creator of Wadoryu, Hironori Ohtsuka ( ), for example, was a man of small stature who was also a master of Yoshin-Ryu Ju- Jutsu. He combined Shuri-te Karate with Ju-jutsu and created the system of Wadoryu in 1938, which he stated should be suitable for all ages and genders. The most popular styles of karate include Wadoryu, Shitoryu, Gojuryu, Shorinryu, Kyokushinkai, Shotokan, etc. Each style has its own methods and merits, so check the club out to see if the style will suit you. How long will it take to get a black-belt? This is probably the most asked question by many people, and our usual reply would be "how long is a piece of string?" To get what traditionalists consider an 'authentic' black-belt level takes many years of practise. Also, the minimum age to attain this level would be around 11 years of age; although very few at this age accomplish this due to the demanding requirements. However, if you train twice or more a week, pass all the progression (coloured belt) grades, it is possible to be able to attain black-belt level after three years dedicated practise. Realistically though, if you are there to only achieve a black-belt then 'traditional' karate may not be for you. As the traditionalist trains he focuses on what's in front of him and attempts to overcome the immediate challenges ahead. We have had students who have achieved black-belt after three years of dedicated training and we have those who have taken longer, but this is all down to the individual and choice along the way. For example, the Chief Instructor of British Wadokai, Gary Swift Kyoshi, started Martial-arts in 1966 and achieved his 1st Dan Black-belt in 1978 (taking 12- years) as the training was more important to him than the achievement of grades. Do I need to be fit to start Karate? You don't need to be super fit - flexibility and speed come with training - it's one of the objects of doing Karate. All we ask is that if you are 40 years old or above and have not been physically active for some time then you should consider a medical check-up before starting training. This is in keeping with advice given by all active pastimes & sports. I am over 65 and very fit - will the licence insurance cover me? Yes, our insurance liability covers all ages. How much do Kyu (student) Grading Examinations cost? As you reach progressively higher standards you will be offered the chance to 'grade' - this is process of moving up through the belt colour system until you reach Black Belt. Kyu gradings cost and include your new belt, your certificate and registration with British Wadokai. What equipment do I need to buy? Initially you can train in track pants and t-shirts; however once you decide to formally join you will need a Gi (a white Karate Uniform) to train in. We can provide these from around (club price), though you are not restricted to purchasing from us. After about 3 months when you progress onto sparing (fighting or Kumite) you will need mitts and leg/foot protectors which we can supply for around for the full-set. Again, you are not restricted to buying from us. You will also need a gum-shield, which are around 2.00 to If you move into the Wadoryu competition circuit you may need a heavier grade approved Gi - one for Kata (forms) and one for Kumite (fighting). These are not particularly expensive. Compared with most sports and other activities Karate is not expensive for kit. Even at national competition level the quality of equipment is standardised so there are no run-away costs in this area; and most 'club level' equipment would be accepted within many national competitions, so what you already posses for club use would be just as adequate for competition. Finally. 25

26 Remember that you have started on a lifetime journey within the Martial-arts. Make sure that you have respect, patience, tolerance, and compassion toward your art, other people, and yourself at all times. As soon as you start training you become a representative of the Wado School you have chosen to belong to - please behave accordingly. If you develop these qualities above all else you should enjoy many years of good martial-arts study and forge lifetime friendships with people all over the world. Take care of your environment, and take care of yourself, then you can be called a real Karateka. Clubs and Instructors are registered within the British Wado Federation, the National Governing Body for traditional Wadoryu under the IWF All British Wadokai Instructors are Licensed, Registered, Certified, Insured, and have Enhanced CRB Certification. All Students & Instructors are covered by a 5m Person to Person & Public Liability Insurance Policy included in their British Wadokai Licence. A polite reminder JUNIOR STUDENTS Although children are allowed to attend many of the British Wadokai training sessions, they must understand that they will be training with (and will be expected to behave like) adults at all times. PARENTS & VISITORS TO THE DOJO Parents, visitors and guests are always welcome to visit the Dojo and watch, if there are facilities to do so. However, small children, babies, and other noises, such as talking, etc., can be both distracting and offputting to both instructors and students alike. Please keep all children/babies under control (do not allow them to wander around the Dojo) and please keep talking and other noises to an absolute minimum; or you will be politely asked to leave the Dojo and wait in the rest-area/reception. Parents and Guardians are also reminded that the Instructor of the Dojo is the Sensei - NOT YOU - you are not qualified or insured to teach, so please refrain from influencing students (including your own child) within the Dojo. If you want to teach your own child Karate, take him home and let him benefit from your own instruction. CHILD PROTECTION AND HEALTH & SAFETY All junior students must arrive at the Dojo ready to train (wearing their Gi). If a child is unable to change prior to arriving then the parent is asked to assist their own child within the changing room/facilities. All parents are asked to bring their child into the Dojo and collect from the Dojo - Please do not simply drop them off or collect them from the car-park, etc. All juniors must remain in the Dojo until collected. Mobile phones to be switched off. No photographic equipment to be allowed in the Dojo (unless previously permitted). Thank you for your support. 26