Reccomended Reading Update

Here are some additions to the recommended reading on the sidebar:

• The Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate:  The Spiritual Legacy of the Master by Gichin Funakoshi
• Break the Box of Karate by Jesse Enkamp
• Dynamic Stretching and Kicking by Bill "Superfoot" Wallace

Thanks, Tim.

Masters of Okinawan Karate, vol. 2: Yoshitsune Senega

Okinawan Diet

From Karate by Jesse, a.k.a, The Karate Nerd.

If you want to maintain good health into old age, be more Okinawan. That is, practice karate, and eat a diet low in calories but high in nutrition.  And remember "hara hachi bu."

Hara what?  Read more here:

https://www.karatebyjesse.com/the-karate-diet/

Bowing

F.J. Lovret, a martial arts writer, composed the following which is found in all of the USCKF student manuals.

"Karate begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy" is a saying of Gichin Funakoshi who is known as the Father of Modern Karate. To instill this into all karate students, they are taught and required to bow from both a standing and a seated position.

Just as meditation has no religious significance, the bow as used in karate training also has no religious significance. A bow is an oriental form of courtesy similar to an American handshake or a military salute. To bow to another is to politely show your respect. When the other person returns the bow they return the respect that you have bestowed upon them.

Karate is a martial (military) art and the karate school, just like the military, have what is known as the "Chain of Command."   If you have any military experience you should have no trouble understanding this principle. You initiate a bow to your senior and return a bow from your junior.  You talk respectfully to your senior and abruptly to your junior. You obey your senior and order your junior. Everything is either uphill or downhill.

A martial art bow (karate, judo, kendo, etc.) Is different from a regular Japanese bow among civilians. Due to the intensity of the art of karate the rules tend to be more rigidly enforced than in regular Japanese society. Bows are stiffer, more militaristic, and the rank distinctions are more obvious.  If you have ever been a member of a highly disciplined organization such as the U.S. Marines, you will fit right in. Just apply the same rules of behavior. For those of you who never been in the military here are some guidelines:

1.  Bow to the sensei upon every meeting.

2. Bow to your seniors upon meeting them for the first time each day.

3.  Respond to any instruction from a senior with "ous" and a bow.

4.  Never question any statement from a senior.

5.  Remember a senior does not ask a junior to do something, he tells him.

6.  When in doubt BOW.

HELPFUL HINTS

Never set in a position on the training area or mat that is senior to be spot occupied by your senior.  Buy a senior spot I mean one that is closer to the [kamiza] or upper side of the mat or training area.

When lining up for class, sit in order of rank. If there is someone to your right, make your line straight by lining up on the same board they are on. If you are in the second row of KYU ranks (white, yellow, orange, green and brown belts) you should be standing behind someone who is in the first row, well leaving know empty spaces to your right.

San Chin kata

This is a good example of San Chin kata,  but you have to watch closely as the camera angles change...

Okinawan Karate Masters, volume 1

Dojo Rules

It is worth noting that this information is included in all of the USCKF student manuals, from yellow to black belt.  Everyone is encouraged to read, understand, and obey these rules, whether one is a beginner or an expert.

While some certain specifics may not apply at our dojo, all students irrespective of rank are expected to adhere to the following:

DOJO RULES

1.  Try to be on time, but if you are late you must do push-ups. You must get permission to join class from whomever is running the class.

2.  Upon entering the dojo bow to O'sensei's picture.  Before training, meditate and bow to kamiza.  Upon leaving the dojo, bow to O'sensei's picture.

3.  Being properly dressed when coming to an from the dojo. Wear Footwear, shirt or blouse. Do not wear dirty clothes. Do not wear your gi.  All shoes and clothes will be placed properly within the dojo. Do not smoke in the dojo.

4. Gi should be clean and well repaired at the beginning of each class.  Do not roll sleeves up above elbows. Do you not wear shoes on training floor at any time. Do not wear headbands while  meditating.  Do not wear jewelry of any type. Wear only regulation uniform unless you have less than 30 days of training.  Where Federation patch. Do not  chew gum.

5. Do not sit on chairs while in uniform. Sit on floor only. Do not lie down.

6.  Keep nails short. Keep clean personally.

7. Do not use alcohol before class.

8.  No loud talking, profanity, or horseplay in the dojo.

9.  Do not free spar without permission from a senior.

10.  Act with dignity towards all fellow dojo members.

11.  Pay strict attention to class. Run rather than walk.

12.  When Black Belt  (4th Dan or higher) Yondan or higher first come on deck, all students shall bow. All black belt instructors will be addressed as sensei.

13.  All classes must begin and end with sitting in meditation and saying "showa."  O'sensei's picture should always be present. Senior person should always be present.  Jiki-Jitsu should be jr. Black belt, assistant or other designated person. Class bowing at start of class:  1) Kamiza, 2) Shihan / sensei, 3) Yudancha, 4) Cha-Obi.

14.  If you must leave early, notify instructor before class starts. If you are in or injured and cannot complete class, you are expected to observe and bowel out with the class. Minor injuries are no excuse to miss practice as long as no further, permanent injury occurs.

15.  All students will assist with cleaning and routine maintenance of the dojo and garden. 

16.  Students who do not practice to their full ability will be asked to seek training elsewhere.

17.  You must be paid a respective of attendance and must be kept up the date at all times. If late payments are necessary, make arrangements with dojo office. No dues will be refunded under any circumstances. Students who drop out without notifying the dojo office must pay a new registration fee and pay dues for the period of absence upon resume mean training.

18.  Prevent membership card at each attendance.

19.  Report all fights.