Student manual

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Congratulations

You have taken the first stop towards a continuing process of self improvement. Your training in the martial arts will enhance your life physically, mentally and spiritually. This improvement is the greatest battle that the modern day martial artist faces. This entails much more than just setting goals; for us this has become a way of life. For those of us on this path, our greatest gratification comes from giving people something they need.




A New Day

This day is mine to do as I wish with it.
What I do with it is important because I am exchanging for it a day of my Life
I want success not failure, love not hate, good not evil;
in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it.





Look to this day
For it is life,
The very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
The realities and verities of existence,
The bliss of growth,
The splendor of action,
The glory of power-

For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision
But today, well lived,
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day.


-Sanskrit Proverb
Introduction

Since you are now a karate student, and have acquired a new discipline, you should know that there are a few guidelines to make it easier for you to study karate in the traditional manner.

1. Always bow before entering and leaving the dojo

2. Always address the head instructor as Sensei, inside and outside the dojo. Sensei means “man who has gone before.”

3. In the martial arts, your word is your bond. Your integrity is an important part of your martial arts training. Never break your word.

4. To prevent disruption, we ask all students to please stay out of all office unless invited in.

5. Should your uniform come undone while you are in class, etiquette requires you to turn away from the shrine (or your opponent if sparring), kneel on one knee and re-tie it. Always keep your uniform clean, repair any damage it may incur, and make sure you have the crest on the left lapel over your heart.

6. If you don’t feel well in class, raise your hand and ask permission to be excused. Never leave the dojo without obtaining first. Also, do not talk to people who may be observing the class, walking by the dojo, etc.

7. Keep in mind that you are one of many. Be neat. Have deep pride in your school and show it by cleaning up after yourself.

8. Please remember that class starts and ends on time. If you arrive late, the proper etiquette is to kneel outside the dojo entrance until you are invited into class.

9. Karate students will behave as ladies and gentlemen at all times, inside and outside the dojo.

10. Higher belts will aid lower belts at all times, and lower belts will
follow the instructions of the higher belts.

11. Do not criticize other martial artists or other martial arts. Every
student and every style has its own good and bad points – even you.

12. Do not come to class under the influence of any drug or alcohol, or
you will not be allowed to train. Also, do not eat candy, chew gum
or smoke while in class.

13. No student shall provoke violence, or allow himself to be provoked
into violence (except when defending his own life, or the life of
someone else) under the risk of possible expulsion from the dojo.

14. Do not spar without first obtaining permission from the instructor.

15. No loud talking, laughter or profanity is permitted. Remember, the
dojo is a serious place of serious study.

16. Personal cleanliness is essential. Nails should be trimmed, feet and
and hands should be clean, and hair should not interfere with your
training.

17. Remove all possible jewellery before entering the dojo.

18. At the discretion of the Sensei, any member of the club may be
suspended from the dojo, either temporarily or permanently, for
not complying with the above rules.






Remember –
Karate starts and ends with
Courtesy and respect
For each other at all times,
Inside and outside the dojo.

If you are not coming to class
to train seriously, don’t come.
Training half-heartedly
is only a waste of your own time,
and that of the instructors
and other students.

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The sensei

The relationship of a sensei to the dojo is very difficult to define, as it encompasses many varying aspects of life. The Sensei must flow through the student in many levels of communication and reach to the far corners of the student’s life. A Sensei, though different, is the same as everyone else. He is human in a controlled way and deserves respect, for he has traveled long upon the Do (Way).

A Sensei should be a good teacher by conveying at the correct time the appropriate knowledge in the best possible way and manner to the student and must be able to see the students and their problems as they never can – impartially. A Sensei shows no favor, indeed as progression is attained, he becomes harder on those who progress. He is kind but firm to the beginner on the path.

The Sensei advises, in an appropriate manner, in the inner spiritual aspects of the art and always has a friendly ear, who listens properly as they tend to categorize him into either a teacher or a friend. He is neither, but both, and more. He sees a student in a free way, unmoved by external face or appearance and he helps in the best way benefiting the student for the Sensei’s heart is forever with them.

Often a Sensei may test his students by taking views dramatically opposed to theirs and then studying their reactions. Silence is often the best form of praise that a Sensei will give to his students. He will note what affects the students in and out of the dojo, how they act towards friends, family and work and will act upon the students accordingly.

The Sensei will put forth untruths to see if they are accepted, say nothing when he should speak volume. He is king when there is no apparent reason. He may be tyrannous or compassionate, but through all these externals, his heart is still for them. He listens when they speak but can see the inner reasons for their speech, he is unmoved but can move. The Sensei is forever active, even in a subdued way. He gives while others take and asks no rewards save proficiency of mind and body. He is sad, sometimes happy, let down and often abused, but forever holds to the way, for that is his life.

Though outsiders may change, the Sensei does not, though he can adapt at will completely; the inward ideals and principles are always there. He persists when there is no apparent reason. That is why he is a Sensei. On average it takes five thousand students to produce one worthwhile Sensei.


If you have one take care of him

By Bob Dalgleish










The fist has three colors –

Black - this stands for the ideals that go with being a black belt

Red - symbolized the highest level of proficiency - that of a master

White - this stands for the beginner


Basically, one could say that white equals beginner, black equals black belt and red equals master.

The Kangi characters across the wrist say GO/JU/RYU, which means “hard soft style.” The second row of characters on the banner say KARA/TE/DO, which means “empty hand way.”

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The Creed of karate do


If I face you with my empty hands

My weapons, I have none

If I should be forced to defend myself, my honor, my principles,

A matter of life or death, right or wrong,

Then here are my weapons

My empty hands.

Belt tying procedure


The belt is tied in a square knot. If it is your first try, make sure that your jacket ties are properly secured (1,2,3). Fold your belt in half to find the center (4). Place the center of your belt at the front of your waist (5). Carry each end of the belt around the back of your body (6), then continue bringing the ends around to the front again and cross the ends left over right, as shown (7). Draw the end that is now in your right hand up between the belt and the jacket (8). Cross the right end over the left (9) and loop it up through to form a knot (10). Pull both ends firmly to ensure a tight knot (11). It is considered a matter of pride that both ends of the belt are the same length (12). Keep in mind that the diagrams are drawn so that you are facing the person tying the belt. Be careful not to confuse this and tie your belt backwards.




Points every student should know


Budo is a collective term for the ancient Japanese martial arts.

The five major styles of karate do are Goju Ryu, Shotokan, Kyokushin Kai, Shito Ryu and Wado Ryu.

The animal that represents Goju Ryu is the dragon.

Basics are the most essential part of your physical training.

The founder of Goju Ryu is Chojun Miyagi.



To obtain maximum benefit, you must train seriously





Yin and Yang represent the opposites in life.

Power is rooted in the feet, developed by the legs, and directed by the hips

The three necessities of life are flexibility, a sense of humor, and the ability to admit ones mistakes and correct them.

The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.

It is better to sweat in practice than to bleed in battle.

Success equals 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

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Question and answers


1. How often should I come to class?
It is a good idea for you to train at least twice a week. Any less, and you risk forgetting what you learned in previous classes, especially at
lower belt levels. This mean you will have to waste time relearning
things you should already know, and the instructor will have to waste
time teaching you again. You can come as many times as you want,
but be careful not to over train, and burn yourself out.

2. I know I should come to class today, but I don’t feel like it. What should I do?
Don’t come. If you aren’t in the mood to train, you won’t train
seriously, and you won’t enjoy it, you won’t want to train anymore.
So, if you don’t feel like coming to a class, skip it, and come to the
next one. We would prefer if you come to class in the mood to train,
instead of just showing up for the sake of it.

3. What is a grading?
A grading is basically a test for your Sensei to see if you are ready to
progress to the next belt. You will have to perform everything that
know – basics , kata, sparring and self defense techniques. You will
also be asked some questions, to see how much you know about
karate. Gradings take place once a month, and you will be told when
you are ready to grade, so don’t ask. Also do not ask about the results
of the grading – you will be notified as to whether you passed of failed
in due time. If you passed, don’t ask about when you will receive your
belt – it will be given to you when your Sensei is ready to present it.

4. Can I bring other people to watch/participate in a class?
Of course. We always encourage our students to bring friends of
Family to watch them train, or to try a class if they may be interested
in joining. Just be sure to obtain your Sensei’s permission ahead of
time, however while you are in class, do not talk to the, or you will be
asked to leave. Talking to people outside the dojo creates unnecessary
distractions. Also, to prevent overcrowding of the dojo, please don’t
bring large groups of people at one time to watch your training.

5. How long does it take to reach Black Belt?
Normally, if you train regularly, you should be able to reach Black
Belt in about 5 to 6 years. This all depends on your training
habits and ability. Some people have natural ability, and will
progress faster than others, so don’t be discouraged if you notice
other students moving through the ranks faster then you. It’s normal.
Just keep training, and worry only about your own progress.



If you have any questions that are not answered in this manual, feel free to ask your Sensei
Kumite (sparring)

Free sparring is a relatively new addition to karate training. It is usually used in the sporting aspects of martial arts training. It requires good concentration and control and must be taken very seriously.

Sparring has some very good points to consider. It helps to increase speed, awareness, control, timing and distancing. In terms of self-defence, sparring in class is the closest you can get to the real thing without physical injury. Keep in mind, though that the average length of a street fight is 3 to 5 seconds and would never go to the limits involved in your class training.

Points to consider in your kumite training:

1) Try to get the best possible shape. Sparring is aerobically demanding.
2) Have a calm mind when facing your partner. Never fight angry
3) Try to see through your partner’s attack. Look for openings and weakness.
4) React as quickly as possible to your opponent’s moves.
5) When you begin an attack, follow through with strength and conviction.
6) Have an active body – keep moving when facing your opponent.
7) Practice basic technique and combinations repeatedly.
8) Always strike after a foot sweep.
9) It is not enough to hit with the body - you must hit with the mind and spirit as well.
10) The average distance between two fighters is normally 30 to 36 inches.

There is much more to consider in kumite training, but the above points will give you some guidance for your first sparring classes.

A very important part of your training is control. Lack of control is a dangerous thing. Not only will you hurt yourself and your partners, but you will also develop a poor reputation, and people will not want to spar with you, leaving you without partners with whom to train. Only light body contact is permitted – excessive body contact and head contact is dangerous and will not be tolerated.
Kicks should always come above the belt, and no attacks to the groin are allowed. Throws and take downs are not permitted until you have been properly instructed, and have your Sensei’s permission to use them.





Control your emotions or they will control you.
-Chinese Adage
kobudo

After you have reached the level of yellow belt, you will be allowed to train in the art of kobudo, or weaponry. In ancient Okinawa, metal weapons were outlawed, so through some modifications, people were able to turn regular wooden farm into weapons to defend themselves from the samurai. Some of these weapons were the bo (staff), nunchaku (tools for flailing rice), and tong fa (tool for grinding rice into flour). A few other weapons are the ulesi (a Filipino weapons made from cane, which looks like a sawed-off broom handle), the sai (forked prongs), the kubaton ( a very small bar made into a keychain-if not a on a keychain, it is illegal

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in Canada), the jo (short staff) and the sword. In class, sword training is done with a bokken (wooden sword) or a shinai (bamboo sword), since training with a real sword would be too dangerous.

The major purpose of training with weapons is to teach the difference between life and death. This comes about when student realizes just how lethal weapons are. For example, a strike to the chest with an empty hand could injure someone, but that same strike performed with a sword would kill. It is hoped that this realization will be a gain towards the appreciation of life for our students.

Weapon training is geared to teaching that a weapon is merely an extension of the body. Nearly all karate moves can be duplicated with a weapon in your hand, therefore the perfection of the basic moves is imperative before you can begin training with weapons.

The most useful weapon for present day training is either the bo, usually made from oak, or the ulesi. The same moves learned with these two weapons can be applied to a broom handle, pool cue or a short stick. The kubaton is also very handy, since it is usually made into a keychain, and has many self defence applications, form performing strikes to breaking and applying suppression holds.







Bokken Kama Nunchaku Tonfa
The Kata

A Kata is a pattern of movements which contains a series of logical and practical attacking and blocking techniques, designed to practice fighting multiple opponents at once. These kata were created by previous masters after many years of research, training, and experience. Over the years, they have been contained in the kata, and only by their practice can we come to understand them. The kata is the means by which the masters have handed down their techniques from generation to generation. For this reason if we change or simplify a kata, either to make it easier for a novice, or flashier for a tournament, then we have also lost the true meaning and spirit of karate.
In karate, there is not first attack. Every kata begins and ends with a block or other defensive movement, which exemplifies this spirit. Most kata also end with a defensive technique, and/or by stepping away from the opponent. This symbolizes that you have left him alive, showing compassion. All katas start with the right hand covered, as the right hand is symbolic of strength. Keeping it hidden is to show respect to, and not offend, your opponent. In karate, the best defense is to avoid the fight altogether. That is why it is said that karate is the art of a wise man.

There are six main areas in a kata. These are:

1) Eyes – “the eyes are the window to the soul” and such is the case when
doing a kata. The eyes must be strong and reveal no intimidation or
apprehension. They should be looking directly at your opponent at all
times. Always look before you move.

2) Pace – every kata has its own pace. It is very important that the kata is
not rushed. The breaks between each movement or series of
movements are extremely important.

3) Breathing – proper breathing is very important for power, stamina
and overall good health. Your breathing should be controlled and
natural, not forced. You will be taught specific breathing patterns for
the katas as you learn them.

4) Technique – proper technique is vital to the kata. At no time should
technique be sacrificed for speed or power. Every move must be done
correctly with conviction and you must finish each move before
moving on to the next.

5) Focus – focus means your attention is only on the task to hand. You
must free your mind from the events of the day and close yourself off
from distractions around you, such as other students or spectators. You
must only think of the technique you are currently doing, not the next move
or the previous one. You must also focus on your target and allow all of
your energy to converge in that single area.

6) Kiai – translated, kiai means “the meeting of the spirits.” The Kiai is a
release of spirit or Ki which can defeat an enemy by itself. Your kiai
should be loud and confident and should reflect the spirit of your kata.

To practice kata properly, every movement must be repeated correctly over and over again through constant repetition can the techniques become reflex action. Fortunately, an important aspect of kata is that is can be practiced alone, anytime and anywhere. When a kata is performed by a well- trained person, its dynamic power and beauty become almost aesthetic in quality.



Kata meanings


Taikyoku Gedan ………………………………………………………………First Course Lower

Taikyoku Chudan …………………………………………………………….First Course Lower

Taikyoku Jodan ……………………………………………………………….First Course Upper

Taikyoku Mawashi Uke …………………………………………First Course Circular Block

Taikyoku Kake Uke……………………………………………….First Course Hooking Block

Gerkisai Ich ………………………………………………………………..Attack and Smash One

Gerkisai Ni …………………………………………………………………Attack and Smash Two

Sanchin………………………………………………………Three Battles (Body, Mind, Spirit)

Tensho ……………………………………………………………………………………Rotating Palm

Sai Fa ………………….....…………………………………………………………..breaking ground

Sei Unchin ……………....……………………………………….walking calmly in the storm

San Sei Ryu…………………......…………………………………………………………..36 hands

Shi Sho Shin …………………....……………………………to battle in four directions

Sei San ………………………………....……………………………………………………13 hands

Sei Pei …………………………………....………………………………………………...18 hands

Kurarunfa………………………………....……………………………………….Holding ground

Suparumpai……………………………....……………………………………………..108 hands

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Vocabulary

General


Jodan ………………………………………………………………………………………….Upper Area
Chudan ………………………………………………………………………………………Middle Area
Gedan ………………………………………………………………………………………….Lower Area
Hajime………………………………………………………………………………………………….Begin
Yame ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Stop
Kime …………………………………………………………………………………………………….Focus
Yoi ………………………………………………………………………………………………………Ready
Kumite …………………………………………………………………………………………….Sparring
Gi ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Uniform
Obi ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Belt


Hand Techniques

Oi Tsuki ……………………………………………………………………………………..Lunge Punch
Gyaku Tsuki ……………………………………………………………………………..Reverse Punch
Kizami Tsuki …………………………………………………………………………………………….Jab
Morote Tsuki ……………………………………………………………………………………..U punch
Kaki Tsuki ……………………………………………………………………………………Hook punch
Age Tsuki …………………………………………………………………………………………Uppercut
Nibon Tsuki …………………………………………………………………………….…Double Punch
Sanbon Tsuki ……………………………………………………………………………...Triple Punch
Uraken ……………………………………………………………………………………..Backfist Strike
Empi ……………………………………………………………………………………………Elbow Strike
Shuto …………………………………………………………………………………..Knife Hand Strike
Haito …………………………………………………………………………………..Ridge Hand Strike
Tettsui ………………………………………………………………………………..Hammerfist Strike
Nukite …………………………………………………………………………………Spear Hand Strike


Foot Techniques

Mae Geri Keage ……………………………………………………………………..Front Snap Kick
Mae Geri Kekomi ………………………………………………………………..Front Thrust Kick
Mae Tobi Geri ………………………………………………………………….Jumping Front Kick
Yoko Geri Keage ………………………………………………………………………Side Snap Kick
Yoko Geri Kekomi …………………………………………………………………Side Thrust Kick
Yoko Tobi Geri …………………………………………………………………..Jumping Side Kick
Mawashi Geri ………………………………………………………………………Roundhouse Kick
Kaki Geri ……………………………………………………………………………………….Hook Kick
Ushiro Geri …………………………………………………………………………………….Back Kick
Kansetsu Geri…………………………………………………………………………Knee Snap Kick

Hiza Geri ………………………………………………………………………………………...Knee Kick
Fumikomi Geri ……………………………………………………………………………….Stomp Kick
Mikazuki Geri ……………………………………………………………………………..Crescent Kick
Ashi Barai ………………………………………………………………………………………Foot Sweep

Blocks

Gedan Barai …………………………………………………………………………………….Low Block
Chudan Uke ………………………………………………………………………………...Middle Block
Jodan Uke ………………………………………………………………………………………High Block
Hariatoshi ……………………………………………………………………..3-Point Circular Block
Mawashi Uke ……………………………………………………………………….Roundhouse Block
Kaki Uke ………………………………………………………………………………………..Hook Block
Soto Uke ……………………………………………………………………….Outside Forearm Block
Koken Uke ………………………………………………………………………………………Mantis Block

Stances

Zenkutsu Dachi ……………………………………………………………Forward Leaning Stance
Sanchin Dachi ………………………………………………………………………..Hourglass Stance
Shiko Dachi ………………………………………………………………………………….Horse Stance
Neko Ashi Dachi ……………………………………………………………………………….Cat Stance
Kokutsu Dachi …………………………………………………………………..Back Leaning Stance
Heiko Dachi ……………………………………………………………………………….Natural Stance


Counting

One ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Ichi
Two…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Ni
Three ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..San
Four ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Shi
Five …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...Go
Six ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Roku
Seven …………………………………………………………………………………………………...Shichi
Eight ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Hachi
Nine …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Ku
Ten …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Ju
Twenty …………………………………………………………………………………………………….Niju
Thirty…………………………………………………………………………………………………….Sanju
Forty …………………………………………………………………………………………………….Yonju
Fifty ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….Goju
Sixty ……………………………………………………………………………………………………Rokuju
Seventy ……………………………………………………………………………………………….Nanaju
Eighty ………………………………………………………………………………………………..Hachiju
Ninety …………………………………………………………………………………………………….Kuju
One Hundred ………………………………………………………………………………………...Hyaku



Children’s Basics


White and White/Yellow Belt

- Zenkutsu Dachi (forward leaning stance) - Kizami Tsuki (jab)
- Heiko Dachi (natural Stance) - Oy Tsuki (lunge punch)
- Shiko Dachi (horse Stance) - Gyaku Tsuki (reverse punch)

- Gedan Barai (low block) - Mae Geri (front kick)
- Chudan Uke (middle block) - Yoko Geri (side kick)
- Jodan Uke (high block)
- Hariatoshi (3-point circular block

Yellow Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Sanchin Dachi (hourglass stance) - Teisho (palm heel strike)

- Soto Uke (outside forearm block) - Mawashi Geri (roundhouse kick)

Yellow/Orange Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Mawashi Uke (roundhouse block) - Empi (elbow strike)
- Kaki Uke (hook block) - Uraken (backfist strike)

Orange Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Neko Ashi Dachi (cat stance) - Mikazuki Geri (cresent kick)
- Morote Tsuki (U punch) -Ashi Barai (foot sweep)
- Ushiro Geri (back kick)

Orange/Green Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Fumikomi Geri (stomp Kick) -Tettsui (hammerfist strike)
- Kanketsu Geri (knee snap kick)





Green Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Front breakfall - Kaki Geri (hook kick)
- Back breakfall - Spinning Kaki Geri
- Side breakfall - Mae Tobi Geri (jumping front kick)
- Shoulder roll - Yoko Tobi Geri (jumping side kick)
- Side roll (from push-up position) - Spinning Yoko Geri
- Spinning Mikazuki Geri
- Spinning Ushiro Geri

Green/Blue Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Kokutus Dachi (back leaning stance) - Jumping spinning Yoko Geri
- Shuto (knife hand strike) - Jumping spinning Mikazuki Geri
- Jumping spinning Kaki Geri

Blue Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Haito (ridge hand strike) - Nukite (spear hand strike)


Blue/Brown Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Axe kick - Kakite Uke (mantis block)
- Tornado/wheel kick


Brown Belt

- All of the above, plus the following:

- Knee breaks - Hiza Geri (knee kick)

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Children’s Kata

White and White/Yellow Belt - Taikyoku Gedan

Yellow Belt - Taikyoku Chudan
- Taikyoku Jodan

Yellow/Orange Belt - Taikyoku Mawashi Uke
- Taikyoku Kake Uke

Orange Belt - Gekisai Ichi

Orange/Green Belt - Gekisai Ni

Green Belt - Tensho
- Sai Fa

Green/Blue Belt

Blue Belt - Sei Unchin

Blue/Brown Belt

Brown Belt -San Sei Ryu

Black Belt - Shi Sho Shin



Adult kata

White Belt - Taikyoko Gedan
- Taikyoko Chudan
- Taikyoko Jodan

Yellow Belt -Taikyoko Mawashi Uke
-Taikyoko Kake Uke
- Gekisai Ichi

Orange Belt - Gekisai Ni
- Sanchin

Green Belt - Tensho
-Sai Fa


Blue Belt - Sei Unshin

Brown Belt - San Sei Ryu


Black Belt - Shi Sho Shin


Children’s Self Defense


White and White/Yellow Belt - cross-hand grab breakaway
- two - hand grab breakaway
- double - lapel grab breakaway

Yellow Belt - cross-hand grab restrain
- two - hand grab restrain
- double – lapel grab restrain

Yellow/Orange Belt - lapel grab with punch – block and restrain
- bear hug
- headlock

Orange Belt - two – hand choke from front – restrain
- hammerlock restrain from a push
- choke from behind breakaway

Orange/Green Belt - hair grab
- Shiho nage (8-direction throw)

Green Belt - applying wrist locks
Green/Blue Belt - applying chokes

Blue Belt - Gracie ju- jitsu/groundfighting

Blue/Brown Belt - two-man attacks
- full nelson breakaway

Brown Belt - ippon kumite





Adult self defense

White Belt - cross-hand grab breakaway
- two-hand grab breakaway
- double –lapel grab breakaway

Yellow Belt - cross-hand grab restrain
- two-hand grab restrain
- double-lapel grab restrain
- lapel grab with punch – block and restrain
- bear hug
- headlock

Orange Belt - two- hand choke from front - restrain
- hammerlock restrain from a push
- choke from behind breakaway
- hair grab
- shiho nage (8 direction throw)

Green Belt - applying wrist locks
- applying chokes

Blue Belt - Gracie ju- jitsu/groundfighting
- two-man attacks
- full Nelson

Brown Belt - ippon kumite












List of Karate Titles



Ettiquette, or manners is what separates Karate training from common street fighters or boxers. Everyone knows the title ‘Sensei’, and that it someone who teaches us. Many, however, don’t realize the true meanings behind such titles. Here is a list of the titles that are part of the Japanese/Okinawan martial arts traditions, and their meanings:

YUDANSHA - Black belt holder (any rank).

SHIDOIN - Formally recognized Instructor who has not yet been recognized as a SENSEI. Assistant Instructor. The term actually refers to an assistant or junior ranked instructor. It comes from combining the words "Shido" - to guide and "in" - member (for lack of a better word).

Shidoin certification is usually given at 3-dan level.

SENSEI - Teacher. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's DOJO or for an organization, it is proper to address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat as well.

RENSHI - "A person who has mastered oneself." This person is considered an expert instructor. This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as KYOSHI. Renshi "has a name." Renshi is no longer one of the many, so to speak. Renshi is usually given at yodan to rokudan, depending on the system.



KYOSHI - "Knowledgeable person," and usually this title are conferred at Rokudan or Shichidan, depending on system. I think the most common practice in the large organizations is for this to be at shichidan (7th Dan).

HANSHI - "Master." An honorary title given to the highest Black Belt of an organization, signifying their understanding of their art.

KANCHO - Chief Instructor [Lit: Head of Teaching House]

DAI-SEMPAI - A school's most senior Sempai.

DAI- SENSEI - A school's most senior Sensei.



Please make an effort to observe these titles and the people to whom they apply. Making an effort to treat the time, people and place where we practice our art as special will only add to the wonderful experience of belonging to a group that makes us all feel special

[RENSHI]

On a side note I would like to thank Sempai Ludwig for doing our original manual and Kim for revamping it,

your efforts are most appreciated

Aaron