DOJO MANUAL 17730 CR-143 / Suite C Pearland, TX 77584 (713) 818-9159 www.owleskarate.com
W E L C O M E 2 Dear Students, We would like to welcome your family to our dojo. It is a privilege for us to share our knowledge of karate with you. If you ever have any questions, comments, praises or concerns about our martial arts program, please feel free address them with one of our instructors. Your input and feedback is vital to the continued growth of our karate dojo. It is important that you attend class on a regular basis so that you can sharpen your skills and learn the necessary requirements to test for your next rank. Your training should start slowly. You will be using muscles that are rarely used. As you progress in skill and knowledge, you should demand more of yourself. Remember that there is no short cut to perfection in karate or in life. If you truly dedicate yourself to serious training, a vast wealth of knowledge, self-satisfaction and enlightenment awaits you. But it only comes through hard work and training. It comes as a direct result of your total effort. Please take your time to review the information contained in this booklet. It will help you get a better understanding for the history and traditions of karate and it will help you study and train as you progress through the ranks. Your servant in karate, Sensei Ray Owles
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 3 Table of Contents Welcome...2 Table of Contents...3 About Sensei...4 Dojo Rules... 5-7 About Shorin-Ryu Karate...8 Kata...9 Kumite & Kobudo... 10 Glossary... 11-16 Lineage... 17 Rank & Promotions... 18 How to Tie Your Obi... 19 Basic Stances... 20 Basic Blocks... 21 Basic Strikes... 22 Basic Kicks... 23-24 Rank Requirements... 25-29
A B O U T S E N S E I 4 RENSHI RAY OWLES Rokudan / 6 th Degree Okinawa Karate-Do Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Yondan / 4 th Degree Okinawa Kobudo Kokusai Rengokai Born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1977, Ray Owles grew up in North Stonington, Connecticut. He graduated from Wheeler High School in 1996 and then attended the University of Connecticut, where he graduated in 2000 with a B.A. in Communications. Today, Sensei Owles resides in Pearland, Texas with his wife LaDona, to whom he was married in 2005. Sensei Owles was first introduced to the martial arts in 1991. He attended a Buddy Day Class with his best friend and won 3 months of free karate lessons. By 1993, he was one of the top ranked martial arts competitors in New England for the highly competitive 13-17 year old division and he participated on Tournament, Demonstration and Student Teaching Teams. In 1994, while attending a training camp in Chico, CA, Ray was promoted to 1 st Kyu Brown Belt by Grandmaster Shugoro Nakazato of Okinawa, 10 th Degree Black Belt and head of the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate-do Association. In 1995, Sensei Owles achieved the rank of 1 st Degree Black Belt under Sensei David Ahrens of Hope Valley, RI. While attending the University of Connecticut, Sensei Owles taught Self-Defense Seminars on campus for students and also helped to form a Traditional Okinawan Karate Club for college students who had been displaced from their dojos. Every available weekend, Sensei Owles would travel home to continue his training with Sensei Ahrens, and in 1999 he was promoted to Nidan (2 nd Degree Black Belt). After graduating college in 2000, Sensei Owles relocated to Houston, Texas to continue his training under some of the top ranked traditional Okinawan Karate instructors in the country. In 2011, while attending a training camp hosted by Hanshi (9 th Dan) Doug Perry (Major, USMC Ret., former North American President Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Association, founder Shorin-Ryu Kensankai), Sensei Owles tested for and was awarded the rank of Godan (5 th Dan) by a panel of senior Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Instructors. In 2014, Sensei Owles travelled to Beijing, China and Okinawa, Japan with Kyoshi (8 th Dan) Pat Haley, Kyoshi (7 th Dan) David Ahrens and Kyoshi (7 th Dan) Clint Green. On that trip, Sensei Owles tested at the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Hombu Dojo in Naha, Okinawa and was promoted to 6 th Degree Black Belt (Renshi), by Hanshi (10 th Dan) Minoru Nakazato, President of the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Association. Sensei Owles is also a 4 th Degree Black Belt in the art of Kobudo (Ancient Okinawan Weapons). The weapons he teaches include Bo, Sai, Nunchauku, Tonfa, Eku, Kama, Tanbo and Tekko. Sensei Owles travels around the country several times a year in order to teach alongside, and train under, some of the world s top ranked Okinawan Karate Masters. He currently operates a small dojo in Pearland, Texas under the guidance of his instructor, Kyoshi (7 th Dan) Charlie Dean.
D O J O R U L E S 5 GENERAL RULES Attend class on a regular basis. Check in for class as soon as you arrive. DO NOT disturb the class in session. o Warmup or sit quietly on the side when you arrive. o NO HORSEPLAY before class. Students must be respectful and courteous at all times. Never leave your Gi or Obi lying around on the dojo floor. All Students must have the association patch on their uniform. Food and chewing gum are not allowed in the dojo. Help keep the dojo clean and care for the equipment. Always ask permission before using or touching any equipment. All equipment must be returned to its proper place after use. All equipment and weapons should be handled with care to avoid injury. Instructor s permission is required before engaging in any type of training. We reserve the right to refuse admittance or membership to anyone for any reason. The use of karate must be restricted. Students are limited to practice karate only o In the dojo during class. o Outside the dojo with an instructor present. o At home with parent s permission. If you are in danger, a situation may warrant the prudent use of karate for self-defense. If there are ever any questions about dojo rules or protocol, go straight to Sensei Ray. HYGIENE RULES Keep uniforms neat, clean and odor free. Keep toenails and fingernails trimmed to avoid injury. Always wear your shoes in the restroom. If you are sick, PLEASE STAY HOME! SPARRING RULES Prior to engaging in Freestyle Sparring you must be at least an Orange Belt, have all the necessary Safety Equipment and have permission from Sensei. Required Safety Equipment: Hand Pads, Foot Pads, Head Gear, Mouthpiece, Chest Guards and Groin Protector for males. Shin Pads are recommended. Only controlled contact is allowed when free sparring. Excessive contact or uncontrolled techniques are not permitted. Legal scoring areas are controlled techniques to the chest, ribs and side of the head. Illegal contact areas are face, top and back of the head, back, spine, knees and groin. Failure to follow rules or have proper safety equipment while sparring causes risk of injury to you and your partner and will result in immediate loss of sparring privileges.
D O J O R U L E S 6 KOBUDO RULES Prior to engaging in Kobudo (Weapons) Training you must be at least a Blue Belt and have permission from Sensei. Weapons must be handled with care and respect at all times in order to avoid injury to yourself or your classmates. Kobudo Training may only occur during designated Kobudo classes, with permission and in the presence of a qualified instructor. Failure to follow rules or horseplay while using weapons causes risk of injury to you and your classmates and will result in immediate loss of Kobudo privileges. DOJO PROTOCOL Always bow when entering and exiting the dojo floor. Always greet and bow to seniors when seeing them for the first time that day. Always address fellow students and instructors with respect. o Black belts are "Sensei" o Non-black belt seniors are "Sempai" There will be no talking in class. All questions concerning specific techniques should be asked only when the Instructor asks for questions. o Questions of personal interest or other matters of personal concern should be directed to the Instructor either before or after class. Always raise your hand and bow before asking a question. Never correct anyone senior to you. When lining up for class, students will be in descending rank order from right to left. At the beginning and end of class, the Sensei will call the class to attention. The senior student will direct the class to bow to the Shomei and then (s)he will direct the class to bow to the instructor. Never wear shoes or jewelry on the dojo floor. Keep long hair tied back or up with a soft cloth tie. When sitting, always use kneeling position or sit cross-legged. When standing, do not slouch or lean on walls or equipment. If arriving late, wait to be acknowledged by the instructor before joining class. When adjusting your uniform or belt, always turn away from the front of the dojo. Do not excuse yourself from class without first obtaining permission from the Instructor. Give 100% effort EVERY TIME you come to class. STUDENT CREED 1. I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or physical health. 2. I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others. 3. I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and others, and never to be abusive or offensive. 4. I am a Black Belt Student. I am motivated, I am dedicated. I am on a quest to be my best!
D O J O R U L E S 7 PRINCIPLES OF KARATE -Modesty do not be vain or boastful. -Courtesy always display an excellence of manners. -Integrity obey laws and rules and always be honest. -Perseverance set goals and attain them, regardless of the obstacles you may face. -Self Control restrain your actions; do not fight, even when dared. -Indomitable Spirit develop will power and courage that cannot be overcome. KARATE DEVELOPS Concentration skills for all aspects of life. Respect for parents, teachers, authority figures and yourself. Self-discipline to know what to do without being told (homework, chores, etc ). Confidence to excel in the face of adversity. Confidence to say NO to unhealthy peer pressure. Leadership skills. Physical fitness and coordination. Self-defense skills (including how to avoid fights). DOJO LIFE IN OKINAWA In Okinawa, the karate dojo is a highly respected place. It is where the art of selfdefense is raised to a way of life. The student of karate is strengthened both physically and mentally while their character is polished through training in the art s moral principles. The dojo is held in such high regard that even cleaning and maintenance tasks are handled exclusively by its members. The following principles and guidelines have been handed down by karate masters for the practitioners to train and live by. Read them carefully and think about them deeply. THE DOJO KUN The Dojo Kun is a set of principles to guide the karate student in their daily conduct. It was written by Tode Sakugawa (1733-1815). 1. STRIVE FOR A GOOD MORAL CHARACTER. 2. KEEP AN HONEST AND SINCERE WAY. 3. CULTIVATE PERSEVERANCE OR WILL FOR STRIVING. 4. DEVELOP A RESPECTFUL ATTITUDE. 5. RESTRAIN AGGRESSION THROUGH SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENT. MORALITY OF KARATE The following set of principles is displayed at the Shorinkan Hombu Dojo in Okinawa: 1. The ideal of karate is to cultivate noble character and conduct, and the virtues of modesty and courtesy. 2. "No forestalling in Karate." Karate is the military art for self-defense to protect and preserve your life, and never to attack others on your own initiative. 3. Perseverance is the root of all conduct. True patience lies in bearing what is unbearable! 4. Put back your hands when you are full of fight and retract your fight when your hands itch to deal a blow. 5. "Softness is unity." "Strength is unity." The ultimate object of human beings should be coexistence and co-prosperity in peace. 6. Avoid fights and quarrels, even when dared.
S H O R I N - R Y U S H O R I N K A N 8 KARATE TRAINING By J. Doug Perry-Hanshi / Founder Shorin-Ryu Kensankai Association Karate is a fighting art. You must train with deep seriousness from the first day. Each punch, block or kick must be delivered with the power of your entire body in unison. No matter how much time you devote to training, months or years, if your training consists of no more than moving your arms and legs, you may as well be dancing; you will never understand the true meaning of karate. When your instructor tells you to do something, do it exactly as you are taught without complaining. Only those students unwilling to face up to themselves resort to complaining. Cultivate a deep respect for courtesy, tradition and discipline. These elements are not confined to the dojo. At home one is respectful and obedient to parents; at school to teachers; at work to superiors and in the military to officers...so it is true in Karate-Do and life. Think of everyday life as karate training. Do not think of karate as belonging only in the dojo or only as a method of fighting. The spirit of karate training is applicable to each and every aspect of our daily lives. The indomitable spirit born of bearing down and gritting your teeth against the pain of a thousand kicks, or blinking sweat from your eyes from doing kata over and over will serve you well in everyday life. One whose spiritual and mental strength have been forged by hard training will face any challenge with a Can Do attitude. One who has undergone long hours of hard physical training and mental agony to learn one technique can face any task...and carry it through to a successful conclusion. When you have done this, you can truly say that you have begun to understand the True Way. "Hear and Forget...See and Remember...Do and Understand. GRANDMASTER SHUGORO NAKAZATO Shugoro Nakazato was born in Naha, Okinawa, on August 14, 1919. He began his lifelong study of Karate at the age of 16 under the direction of Ishu Seiichi. Nakazato studied under Sensei Ishu for six years, until World War II. During the war, he served in the in the Japanese cavalry. Following the war, Nakazato returned home to find his family a casualty of the Battle of Okinawa. In June 1946, he began to study karate under Chosin Chibana. In 1948, Chibana's dojo closed, but Nakazato continued his study with Master Chibana, being personally tutored for over a year in Chibana's own home. In 1951, Nakazato was instrumental in helping Chibana open his new Dai Ichi Dojo in Naha. In 1955, Nakazato Sensei formed the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Kyokai and served as its President until retiring in 2013. In 1960, the Okinawan Karate Federation promoted Nakazato Sensei to Eighth Degree Black Belt and titled him "Kyoshi." Seven years later, Master Chibana and the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate Do Kyokai promoted him to Ninth Degree Black Belt and bestowed the title "Hanshi" on him. Before passing away in 2016 at the age of 97, Nakazato Sensei was one of the most influential karate Masters in Okinawa. He travelled the world to promote and spread Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan. Upon his passing, his son, Minoru Nakazato, officially assumed leadership of the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Association.
K A T A 9 SHORIN-RYU SHORINKAN KATA Kata is a formal prearranged exercise. A karate kata consists of movements which can be applied as kicks, punches, blocks, strikes, leg sweeps, throws, holds chokes and joint locking techniques. Kata is the heart of Karate-do. All techniques, principles and strategies are derived from kata. Its practice makes the body stronger, more flexible and better coordinated. Kata should be practiced with the following points in mind. 1. Form Each move should be done exactly as taught with correct body positioning. 2. Speed Each move should be executed quickly. 3. Eyes The eyes should look straight in the direction of each technique. Never look out of the corners of the eye sockets. 4. Kiai Every kata has two Kiai, each in a prescribed place. The Kiai should be executed forcefully from the abdomen. 5. Concentration The mind should stay focused on each move of the kata from the beginning to the end. 6. Breathing Breathing should be natural with an exhalation where strength is applied. 7. Expansion and Contraction The body should be relaxed (expanded) during movement to gain speed and should contract at the end of the movement to apply strength. 8. Commitment Each movement should be executed as if it were real. Master Itotsu said, Kata should be practiced as if you were on a battlefield. We teach the following traditional Okinawan Kata at Ray Owles' Shorin-Ryu Karate: KIHON IPPON PINAN SHODAN KUSANKU SHO KIHON NIHON PINAN NIDAN KUSANKU DAI KIHON SANBON PINAN SANDAN PINAN YONDAN CHINTO FUKYU NO KATA PINAN GODAN GOJUSHIHO NAIHANCHI SHODAN PASSAI SHO GORIN KATA NAIHANCHI NIDAN PASSAI DAI NAIHANCHI SANDAN
K U M I T E & K O B U D O 10 KUMITE Kumi (coming together) Te (hands) is a very important part of karate training. Kumite utilizes the skills developed in kata and allows the student to use them spontaneously. By practicing kumite, timing and speed are increased. It is imperative that students practice using light contact with extreme self-control. Kata training readies the student for contact kumite. Kumite sharpens punching, kicking and blocking skills, while developing control, timing, speed and efficiency of movement. There are two major levels of kumite in Shorin Ryu karate: Yakusoku Kumite, or prearranged fighting and Jiyu Kumite, or free sparring. Yakusoku Kumite is practiced with a partner and allows the student to react to offensive techniques while improving timing. In Jiyu Kumite, movements are not pre-set, but are determined spontaneously by the sparring partners. The practice of reacting to an attack makes jiyu kumite valuable. Kata and kumite are both critical in karate. If the student fails to develop kata, he/she does not learn the necessary basic skills and understanding of karate. Without kumite, the student cannot learn combative skills. For the safety and protection of all students, sparring guidelines will be strictly adhered to. Any malicious or intended violation will be cause for immediate dismissal from the dojo. KOBUDO Kobudo, which literally translated means Ancient Martial Way, is a separate martial art, but closely related to karate. Kobudo training is vitally important for many reasons. Not only does Kobudo preserve an ancient Okinawan fighting art, it also enhances the practitioner s karate technique. By training in weapons the individual develops a strong mental attitude, power, speed, focus and experiences the realness of combat through Kobudo kumite. We teach the following traditional Okinawan Weapons at Ray Owles' Shorin-Ryu Karate: BO SAI NUNCHAKU TONFA KAMA EAKU TANBO TEKKO NUINTE BO JO
G L O S S A R Y 11 PRONUNCIATION GUIDE The following set of Japanese words is provided to give the Karate student a working vocabulary in the dojo. The brief definitions are given as they would be used in relation to Karate and not necessarily in general conversation. Many Japanese words do not have an exact English counterpart so more than one definition may be listed. An example of this is the word ãtsukiä which literally means to thrust but is generally given in English as punch. The beginning Karate student should not feel overwhelmed at having to learn these terms. You will learn them through constant usage in the dojo, not just by memorizing these lists. The serious Karate student will find that knowledge of the language, culture and history of the people who created this art is invaluable to their study. VOWELS The key to correct pronunciation of Japanese lies in the vowel sounds. There are five and they are always pronounced the same way. A as in father E as in set I as in unique O as in go U as in rude CONSONANTS Consonants are pronounced the same as in English with the following exceptions: G is always hard as in Go R is half way between the English R and T sounding something like L. LONG VOWELS Careful attention must be given to the long vowels, which have a macron over them like this: Karate-Dō. They are pronounced the same only held longer. DOUBLE CONSONANTS Double consonants are both pronounced. An example of this is the word tettsui which is pronounced tet-tsui with both t s enunciated. MUTING Vowels are frequently muted after a soft consonant. Examples are: Mokuso --- mok so Renshi ---Rensh Desu ka --- des ka BASIC VOCABULARY COLORS IRO NUMBERS BANJO Shiroi White Midori Green 1 - Ichi 6 Roku Kiiroi Yellow Chairo Brown 2 Ni 7 - Shichi Orenji Orange Kuroi Black 3 San 8 - Hachi Murasaki Purple Akai Red 4 Chi 9 - Ku Aoi Blue 5 Go 10 - Ju
G L O S S A R Y 12 KARATE RANKS & TITLES Mudansha Kyu Ranks Yudansha Dan Ranks Jukyū 10 th Kyu-Yellow Belt Shodan 1 st Dan Kukyū 9 th Kyu-Orange Belt Nidan 2 nd Dan Hachikyū 8 th Kyu-Purple Belt Sandan 3 rd Dan Nanakyū 7 th Kyu-Blue Belt Yondan 4 th Dan Rokyū 6 th Kyu-Green/White Belt Godan 5 th Dan Gokyū 5 th Kyu-Green Belt Rokudan 6 th Dan Yonkyū 4 th Kyu-Green/Black Belt Nanadan 7 th Dan Sankyū 3 rd Kyu-Brown/White Belt Hachidan 8 th Dan Nikyū 2 nd Kyu-Brown Belt Kudan 9 th Dan Ikkyū 1 st Kyu-Brown/Black Judan 10 th Dan Kyu The 10 ranks before black belt; the mudansha grades. Dan The 10 grades or steps of black belt level; the yudansha ranks. Mudansha A person who holds a kyu rank. Yudansha A person who holds a dan rank. Karateka A student of Karate. Sempai One s senior student; a form of address to your senior. Sensei A teacher; a title of respect for someone older and wiser. Shihan A licensed instructor. Must be at least Yondan to hold this title. Renshi An honorary title usually given to Godan and Rokudan. Kyoshi An honorary title usually given to Nanadan and Hachidan. Hanshi A master instructor; an honorary title given to Kudan and Judan DOJO COMMANDS Narande Line up Ki o tsuke Attention Rei Bow Yoi Ready Hajime Begin Yame Stop Yasume Rest Moichi do One more time Hayaku Hurry up, quickly Matte Wait Mawatte - Turn Mokusō hajime Meditation begins Mokusō yame Meditation ends Shōmen ni rei Bow to the front Sensei ni rei Bow to the teacher O-tagai ni rei Bow to each other Suware - Sit Tate Sit up Naotte Return to the ready position
G L O S S A R Y 13 GLOSSARY Age-uke Rising block Antei Balance Ashi-barai Foot sweep Ashi-uke Leg block Ate Smash; strike to a specific point Atemi Strike to a vital point Bō (Rokushaku-bō) A wooden staff approximately six feet in length Bōjutsu Art of the bō Budō Martial way Bujutsu Martial arts Bunkai To break something down; the meaning or application of a move from kata. Bushi Warrior (in Okinawa this referred to one who studied karate) Bushi-no-te Warrior s hand; old name for the fighting art of Okinawa Bushidō The way of the warrior Chiisai Small, little Chikama Close interval (a distance at which you can strike without stepping) Choku-zuki Straight or direct punch; leading hand punch Chūdan Middle level of the body (from the waist to the neck) Chūdan-uke Middle level block Dai A prefix for numbers (e.g. Daiichi) Dai Large or major (e.g. Passai Dai) Dai Sempai The most senior student Deisahi-barai Front leg sweep (of an opponent) Dekimasen I cannot do it Dekimashita I have done it Dekimasu I can do it Dō The way; a suffix for an art that is practiced as a way of life Dōjō Way place, training hall for a martial way (Budō) Dōjō kun The guiding rules of a dōjō; Eaku A boat oar used as a weapon Empi-uchi An elbow strike Fudōshin An immovable mind (which cannot be distracted) Fukyū Fundamental Fumikomi-geri Stomping kick Gedan Lower level of the body (from the waist down) Gedan-barai Downward sweeping block (from the inside out) Gedan-uke Lower level block Gi Abbreviation for Karate uniform. The proper term would be Karategi, or keikogi for practice uniform or dōgi for the way uniform Gi Art, skill or technique Giri A sense of obligation or duty Go - Hard Gokui The inner meaning of an art. The technique best suited to any given situation Gyaku-zuki Reverse punch Hachiji-dachi Open foot stance Hai Yes; signifies agreement or understanding Haitō-uchi Ridge hand strike Hantai Opposite Hantai ni In the opposite direction Hara Abdomen; seat of the soul; spiritual strength Harai To sweep Heisoku-dachi Feet together stance Hidari Left (direction) Hiji-ate Elbow strike or smash Hiragana The Japanese phonetic alphabet. It is used to write words with complex or non-existent kanji Hiza-geri A kick with the knee; a kick to the knee Iie No; signifies disagreement with a question Ippon-ashi-dachi One-legged stance Ippon-ken One knuckle fist Jiyū-kumite Freestyle kumite Jo Four foot wooden staff Jōdan Upper level of the body (from the neck up) Jōdan-uke Upper level block Ju Soft Jutsu Art; science Kaku-zuki Square punch; a punch across the front (Naihanchi kata) Kakushide Hidden techniques
G L O S S A R Y 14 Kakutō Bent wrist technique used for blocking or striking Kama Sickle; a bladed weapon with a wooden handle Kamae Combative posture; refers to both body position and mental attitude Kamidana The small wooden house on the shelf in the front of a dōjō Kamiza Spirit seat (same as Shinden) Kanji An ideograph. Japanese kanji are borrowed from the Chinese and each one represents an idea Kansetsu Joints of the body Kansetsu-geri Joint kick (to dislocate it) Karate Empty hand Karate-Dō The way of the empty hand Karate Gakusei Karate student Karate ni sente nashi There is no first attack in karate Kari A reaping technique in which the opponents legs are hooked from under them Kata Forms; a pre-arranged exercise for individual practice Katakana The Japanese phonetic alphabet, used primarily for writing foreign words Keage Kicking upward; a snap kick Keiko Practice, study Kekomi Kicking outward; a thrust kick Kempō Fist method. The Japanese pronunciation of Chinese Chuan Fa Keri - Kick Ki Life force Kiai A focus of ki; a shouting spirit Kiba-dachi Horse-riding stance Kihon Basic Kime Focus (of physical or mental energy) Kimochi Attitude Kin-geri Groin kick Kōhai One s junior in a dōjō (not used as a form of address) Kōsa-dachi Cross-legged stance (also referred to as kake-dachi) Kobudō Ancient martial ways; the old weapons arts of Okinawa Kobujutsu Ancient martial arts Kogeki Attacker Kokoro Mind, heart, spirit, heart, will, intention, mood Kokyū Breath Kokyū-chikara Internal power; generating power by inhaling Kote-kitae Arm conditioning exercises Kumite To cross hands; an exercise in Karate between two or more people Kundoku The native Japanese word associated with a kanji Kuzushi To destroy the balance of an opponent prior to throwing Kyūsho-jutsu Vital point art; an advanced level of knowledge in Karate that uses weak points of the body to one s best advantage Ma Distance Ma-ai Combat engagement distance for any given technique Mae Front Mae-geri Front kick Mae-ni To the front Makiwara A striking post that is padded with straw and wrapped with rice rope Mawashi-geri Roundhouse kick Migi Right (direction) Mikazuki-geri Crescent moon kick Mitsu-tomoe The crest of the Hachiman (Shinto god of war) which was adopted as the family crest of Okinawa s ruling dynasty Mizu-no-kokoro Mind like water, deep and calm Morote-uke Two-handed or augmented block Mushin Without thought; no mind Musubi-dachi Attention stance Nage waza Throwing technique Naha-te A type of Karate that developed around Naha city under Kanryo Higonna. It has a much more noticeable Chinese influence in its kata. Naihanchi-dachi Iron-horse stance Naka Center Naka-ni To the center Nekoashi-dachi Cat-foot stance Nidan-geri Double jumping front kick done with the back leg kicking first Nihongo Japanese language Nintai Perseverance
G L O S S A R Y 15 Nukite-zuki A spear hand thrust Nunchaku A wooden flail; an Okinawan Weapon Ōkii Big, large Obi A belt Oi-zuki Lunge punch; step punch On A favor (When someone does you a favor, you are said to be carrying on their on and giri forces you to repay it.) Ondoku The Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word associated with a kanji Onna Female Osoto gari Major outside reap Otoko Male Otoshi A drop; lifting and dropping a person Reigi Etiquette; proper form with the emphasis on the underlying spirit of courtesy Reishiki Etiquette, proper form, external Form Renshū Training; forging lessons Romanji The system of writing Japanese words with the English alphabet Ryū A style of an art. A method of transmitting information from generation to generation Ryūkyū The chain of islands of which Okinawa is the largest. The name of the ancient kingdom of Okinawa Ryūkyū-Kempō An old name for Karate; it means fist method of Okinawa Sai A trident shaped weapon made of steel Seika-tanden Lower abdomen Seiken-tsuki Fore-fist punch Seiza Formal sitting posture with both feet tucked under the hips Shiai A contest Shiko-dachi Straddle stance Shime A choke Shin- Same as kokoro Shinden Spirit seat; the shrine area in the front of the dōjō Shita - Down Shita-ni Downward, under Shitahara The lower abdomen; the seat of the soul Shizentai-dachi Natural stance Sho Small, minor Shomei Front area of the dōjō Shorin-Ryū A later name used for Shuri-te and Tomari-te. Shorin is the Japanese word for Shaolin. It means small forest Shugyō Austere training Shugyōsha A person undergoing intense training Shuri-te The type of Karate that developed around Shuri city under Sakugawa Shutō-uchi Knife-hand strike Shutō-uke Knife-hand block Sōji Cleaning up the dōjō (before and after class) Soto-uke Outside block (from outside to center) Suburitō - A heavy wooden training sword for developing strength Suki A momentary gap in concentration; an opening Sukoshi A few, a little bit Sukui Scooping Sune-uke Shin block Tachi Stance (position of the lower body) Tachirei A standing bow (also referred to as ritsurei) Tai The physical body Tai-chikara External power; physica strength Taisabaki Body motion of an evasive nature Taiso Exercise; special exercise for a specific martial art Takusan A lot Tameshiware A test of strength in which boards, bricks and other objects are broken Tanden The abdomen Tanren Spiritual forging Tatami Straw floor mat Tate tsuki Vertical-fist punch Te Hand; old name for Karate. Refers to the original fighting art that developed in Okinawa Teisho-uchi Palm-heel strike Tettsui-uchi Hammer-fist strike Tōde China hand; old name for Karate. Refers to the art that developed from the blending of Te and Chinese arts. Tōma A distance interval (more than one step from an opponent)
G L O S S A R Y 16 Tobi-geri Jump kick Tomari-te A type of Karate that developed around Tomari city under Kosaku Matsumora. A blend of Shuri-te and Tomari-te Tomoe Comma-shaped Tomoe-zuki A circular block and punch (Passai kata) Tonfa (Tuifa) A wooden weapon shaped from a handle Tsuki Punch; thrust Tsuki-no-kokoro Mind like the moon, perceives everything Tsuyoki Strong spirit Tuite Grappling or joint punishment. An ancient method of grappling found in Karate. Tuite waza Grappling hand technique Uchi Strike Uchi-uke Inside block (from the center outward) Uchikomi Step forward and strike Uchima Striking distance (the distance at which one can strike by taking a single step forward) Ude-uke Forearm block Ue The top; the upper part Ue-ni Upward Uke Block, to receive a technique; the receiver of a technique Ukemi The art of falling Ukemi waza Falling Techniques Uki-ashi A floating foot (that steps lightly) Undō A movement; an exercise Ura-zuki A close punch delivered with the palm upward Uraken-uchi Back-fist strike Ushiro Back; rear Ushiro-geri Back kick Ushiro-ni To the rear Wakarimasuka? Do you understand? Wakarimasen I do not understand Wakarimasu I understand Waza Technique Yakusoku Promise or prearrange Yakusoku-kumite Prearranged kumite Yōi-dachi Ready stance (also referred to as Hachiji-dachi) Yoko Side Yoko-geri Sidekick Yoko-ni To the side Yotsu kado no renshū Four corner turning drill Yowaki - Weak spirit Yukkuri Slowly Zanshin Remaining mind; perfect finish; continuing concentration after a technique Zarei Seated bow Zenkutsu-dachi Forward leaning stance
L I N E A G E 17 J. DOUG PERRY Founder of Shorin-Ryu Kensankai Hanshi 9 th Dan SHORIN-RYU SHORINKAN LINEAGE KUSANKU TAKAHARA (CHINA) (OKINAWA) \ / "TODE" SAKUGAWA (1733-1815) "BUSHI" MATSUMURA (1797-1889) "ANKO" ITOTSU (1830-1915) CHOSIN CHIBANA (1886-1969) Founder of Kobayashi Shorin-Ryu SHUGORO NAKAZATO (1919-2016) Founder of Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Hanshi 10 th Dan MINORU NAKAZATO President Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Hanshi 10 th Dan / \ PAT HALEY EDDIE BETHEA Kyoshi 8 th Dan Kyoshi 8 th Dan Senior US Shorinkan Instructors DAVE AHRENS CHARLIE DEAN Kyoshi 7 th Dan Kyoshi 7 th Dan \ / RAY OWLES Renshi 6 th Dan NABE MATSUMURA (1860-1930) HOHAN SOKEN (1889-1982) Founder of Matsumura Seito FUSE KISE / \ SEIZAN KINJO YUICHI KUDA \ / RON LINDSEY Matsumura Seito Shorin-Ryu Hanshi 10 th Dan YOUR NAME HERE
R A N K & P R O M O T I O N 18 STRIPE SYSTEM At the end of each month, students will be evaluated on attendance and curriculum. If the student has successfully completed rank and attendance requirements for the month, they will receive a stripe on their belt. Students will be eligible for promotion once they receive 3 stripes on their belt. Students who attend school (K-12) will be required to submit an Intent to Promote form signed by their parent and teacher prior to their promotion. BELT PROMOTION In Shorin-Ryu Karate, we use the following 10 Rank Belt System. All Students start at White Belt and progress through the Kyu Ranks until they reach Black Belt. Once achieving the rank of 1 st Dan Black Belt, their rank will count back up from 1, with 10 being the highest degree of black belt that one can achieve. White 10 th Kyu Yellow 9 th Kyu Orange* 8 th Kyu Purple 7 th Kyu Blue** 6 th Kyu Green 3 rd Kyu Brown 1 st Dan Black 5 th Kyu Green 2 nd Kyu Brown 2 nd Dan Black 4 th Kyu Green 1 st Kyu Brown 3 rd Dan Black 4 th Dan Black Renshi Kyoshi Hanshi 5 th Dan Black 7 th Dan Black 9 th Dan Black 6 th Dan Black 8 th Dan Black 10 th Dan Black * at the rank of 9 th Kyu Orange, students will be permitted to participate in freestyle sparring. ** at the rank of 7 th Kyu Blue, students will be permitted to participate in weapons training.
H O W T O T I E Y O U R O B I 19
B A S I C S T A N C E S 20 Stance 1 Musubi-dachi (Attention) Heels together, Toes out Stance 2 Hachiji-dachi (Ready) One shoulder width wide, Toes Out Stance 3 Shiko-dachi (Horse) Stance 4 Zenkutsu-dachi (Forward) Two shoulder widths wide, Knees bent, One shoulder width wide, Two shoulder Toes out, Weight evenly distributed widths long, Front knee bent, Back knee Straight, Lean onto front leg Stance 5 Nekoashi-dachi (Cat) Stance 6 Shizentai-dachi (Natural) One shoulder width wide, One shoulder One shoulder width wide, One shoulder width long, 90% of weight on back leg width long, Weight evenly distributed
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B A S I C K I C K S 24
R A N K R E Q U I R E M E N T S 25 10 th KYU YELLOW Minimum 25 classes STANCES - TACHI Musubi Dachi Attention Stance Hachiji Dachi Ready Stance Shiko Dachi Horse Stance Zenkutsu Dachi Forward Stance Nekoashi Dachi Cat Stance Shizentai Dachi- Natural Stance BLOCKS UKE Jodan Uke High Block Chudan Uke Middle Block Soto-Chudan Uke Outside Block Geidan Uke Low Block Shuto Uke Knife-hand Block HAND TECHNIQUES TE WAZA Seiken Tsuki Fore-fist Punch Uraken Uchi Back-fist Strike Shuto Uchi Knife-hand Strike KICKS KERI Mae Geri Front Kick (snap & thrust) Yoko Geri Side Kick (snap & thrust) COMBINATIONS High Block / High Punch Middle Block / Middle Punch Outside Block / Middle Punch Low Block / Low Punch Knife-hand Block / Knife-hand Strike KATA Kihon Ippon Kihon Nihon Kihon Sanbon YAKUSOKU KUMITE Minoru (Kihon) 1-2 CALISTHENICS Jumping Jacks - 25 Crunches - 20 Push Ups - 10 Joint Loosening -Head/Neck/Trunk Twists -Arm/Shoulder Twists -Hips -Legs TERMINOLOGY KOTOBA Do The way or path Dojo Training facility ( Way Place ) Gi Karate uniform Hantai Opposite Karate Empty Hand Kiai Union of the spirit Kyu Rank under black belt Te Hand Sempai Senior student Sensei Instructor Renshi Title given to 5th and 6th Dan Kyoshi Title given to 7th and 8th Dan Hanshi - Title given to 9th and 10th Dan
R A N K R E Q U I R E M E N T S 26 9 th KYU ORANGE Minimum 25 classes STANCES - TACHI Naihanchi Dachi Iron Horse Stance Kosa Dachi Cross-legged Stance HAND TECHNIQUES TE WAZA Teisho Uchi Palm-heel Strike Haito Uchi Ridge-hand Strike Nukite Uchi Spear-hand Strike KICKS KERI Ushiro Geri Back Kick (snap & thrust) Mawashi Geri Roundhouse Kick COMBINATIONS Back-fist Strike / Reverse Punch High Block / Palm-heel Strike Middle Block / Ridge-hand Strike Outside Block / Spear-hand Strike Knife-hand Block / Knife-hand Strike KATA Fukyu No Kata YAKUSOKU KUMITE Minoru (Kihon) 3-4 CALISTHENICS Jumping Jacks - 30 Crunches - 30 Push Ups -15 Squat Thrusts - 10 TERMINOLOGY KOTOBA Ohayo Gozaimasu Good Morning Konnichi Wa Good Afternoon Konbon Wa Good Evening Oyasum Nasai Good Night Sayonara Good-bye Gomen Nasai Excuse me or sorry Arrigato Gozaimasu Thank You Do Itashimashite You Are Welcome Kudasai Please (give me) Dozo Please Mawatte Turn 8 TH KYU PURPLE Minimum 25 classes STANCES - TACHI Ippon Ashi Dachi Crane Stance HAND TECHNIQUES TE WAZA Empi Uchi Elbow Strike KICKS KERI Mikazuki Geri Crescent Kick Tobi Geri Jump Kick (front & side) COMBINATIONS All Yellow & Orange Belt Combos w/ Front Kick CALISTHENICS Crunches 40 Push Ups 20 Squat Thrusts 15 KATA Naihanchi Shodan YAKUSOKU KUMITE Minoru (Kihon) 5-7 TERMINOLOGY KOTOBA Antei Balance Budo Martial way Bujutsu Military arts Kobudo - Ancient martial ways Kobujutsu Art of ancient weapons Kuzushi Leverage Ma Distance Ma-ai An Individual s distance Mokuso Quiet meditation Ryu System, method or school
R A N K R E Q U I R E M E N T S 27 7 TH KYU BLUE Minimum 25 classes HAND TECHNIQUES TE WAZA Tettsui Uchi Hammer-fist Strike CALISTHENICS Crunches 50 Push Ups 25 Squat Thrusts 20 COMBINATIONS Empi Waza KATA Naihanchi Nidan YAKUSOKU KUMITE Minoru (1) Dai Ichi TERMINOLOGY KOTOBA Atama Head Ashi Leg Haisoku Instep Kakato Heel Kao Face Keiko Practice or study Koshi Ball of the foot Kyobu Chest Renshu Training Drill Senaka Back Sokuto edge of the foot Taiso Renshu Exercise Ude Arm Yakusoku Promise or pre-arranged 6 TH KYU GREEN Minimum 25 classes KATA Naihanchi Sandan YAKUSOKU Shugoro Dai Ni Minoru (1) Dai Ni CALISTHENICS Sit Ups 60 Push Ups 30 KOBUDO (Teen&Adult) Bo Taiso Renshu Shushi No Kun 5 TH KYU GREEN Minimum 25 classes KATA Pinan Shodan YAKUSOKU Shugoro Dai San Minoru(1) Dai San CALISTHENICS Knuckle Push Ups 10 KOBUDO (Teen&Adult) Nunchaku Dai Ichi 4 TH KYU GREEN Minimum 25 classes KATA Pinan Nidan Pinan Sandan YAKUSOKU Shugoro Dai Ichi CALISTENHICS Fingertip Push Ups 10 KOBUDO (Teen&Adult) Sai Dai Ichi
R A N K R E Q U I R E M E N T S 28 3 RD KYU BROWN Minimum 25 classes KATA Pinan Yondan Pinan Godan YAKUSOKU KUMITE Shugoro Dai Yon Minoru (1) Dai Yon KOBUDO (Teen & Adult) Shorinkan No Tonfa Sakugawa No Kun KATA Passai Sho 2 ND KYU BROWN Minimum 25 classes YAKUSOKU KUMITE Shugoro Dai Go Minoru(1) Dai Go KOBUDO (Teen & Adult) Sai Dai Ni Kubo No Kun KATA Kusanku Sho 1 ST KYU BROWN Minimum 25 classes YAKUSOKU KUMITE Shugoro Dai Roku Minoru (1) Dai Roku KOBUDO (Teen & Adult) Kama Dai Ichi Bo Sai Kumite SHODAN - 1 ST DEGREE BLACK Minimum 3 years training & 14 y/o KATA Passai Dai Kusanku Dai YAKUSOKU KUMITE Shugoro Dai Nana KOBUDO (Teen & Adult) Nunchaku Dai Ni Shorinkan No Eaku KATA Chinto Gojushiho NIDAN - 2 ND DEGREE BLACK Minimum 2 years after Shodan & 16 y/o YAKUSOKU KUMITE Minoru (1) Dai Nana KOBUDO (Teen & Adult) Sakugawa Dai Ni Sai Dai San
R A N K R E Q U I R E M E N T S 29 SANDAN 3 RD DEGREE BLACK Minimum 2 years after Nidan & 18 y/o KATA Gorin Kata Matsumura Hakutsuru Sho YAKUSOKU KUMITE Minoru (2) 1-4 KOBUDO (Teen & Adult) Tuifa Dai San Miyazato No Tekko - 1 YONDAN 4 TH DEGREE BLACK Minimum 22 years old KATA Nijuken So Hakutsuru Sho YAKUSOKU KUMITE Minoru (2) 5-7 KOBUDO (Teen & Adult) Tanbo Dai Ichi Takemyoshi No Nuinte Bo