MY KARATE CLUB

STUDENT GUIDE TO KATA HEIAN SHODAN The Kata has 21 moves. Heian Shodan originally the second of the five kata, this is now practiced as the first by most novice students in modern Shotokan Karate clubs. Heian Shodan is distinguished by its use of the down block, the upper block, the middle level stepping punch, the sword hand block, and the fact that every technique takes one step to complete. The purpose of this kata is to teach the student basic stepping in a front stance and back stance, to teach the application of stepping punches following blocks which remove any obstructing limbs, and the use of blocking as attacking. Heian Shodan is generally best introduced to students after they have completed a 2 month long sequence of training in the basic techniques. They should be familiar with the concepts of the individual hand and foot motions, the three basic stances, the basic kicking techniques, and the processes involved in advancing, retreating, and turning t

10 ATTRIBUTES OF A BLACK BELT In the beginning we may not be able to kick and punch like a black belt. This takes numerous years of hard work and dedication to your training. What we all can do though is start thinking and acting like a black belt from day one. This is our outline of our definition of what it is to live the life of a black belt. Integrity  – A black Belt does the right thing even when no one is looking. It’s easy to be good when people are watching; true integrity is doing your best at all times. We’ll never be perfect while we’re on this earth but that shouldn’t keep us from trying. Discipline  – A black Belt realizes that all things are possible through discipline, hard work and determination. The best discipline is not one brought forth by others but from one that is found within “Self discipline”. When a person truly has this their potential is limitless. Perseverance  – A black Belt believes that they can overcome any obstacle put before the

Qualities and Characteristics of Dan Rank  First Degree Black Belt A first-degree black belt (junior instructor) has achieved a certain level of physical expertise. Understanding the concepts and principles of motion, he has become a formidable fighter defensively and offensively. However, his skills outstrip his ability to communicate and teach, so teaching is essential to any further progress. Second Degree Black Belt For the second-degree black belt (associate instructor), the ability to teach has begun to reinforce newfound skills. He has discovered that “to teach is to learn,” and this is accomplished by a re-evaluation of past mistakes and bad habits. A new sense of responsibility appears, and he must begin to cultivate an image of authority within the school. Third Degree Black Belt At third degree (senior instructor), the black belt fins that first and second-degree black belt look to him for guidance and direction in the execution of techniques. He no

Practice Intelligently The Students Guide. Since practice is to a great degree repetition, there may be a tendency to mindlessly repeat movements over and over and over. While this certainly helps, much better results are obtained if thought is constantly applied during practice. In the beginning, work slowly and concentrate on form. The quality of time spent is more important than the amount of time spent. If you practice 200 hundred kicks a break neck speed, you will only become very good at throwing a bad kick. There are two keys to intelligent practice and improvement in Karate-Do. These are visualization and repetition, which involve both mental and physical processes. Visualization:  While watching higher belts or black belts perform technique(s) (punches, kicks, combinations, or kata); visualize yourself as that person doing the movements. Use all of your senses to make this as real an experience as possible. Determine what muscles are used and in what o

Dojo Kun   Dojo Kun are certain precepts of all traditional Karate styles which are, in many cases, displayed in the dojo on a sign. These precepts are the code of the school – Dojo Kun. The true way of martial arts such as Karate-Do is summarized by the precepts of; Character, sincerity, effort, etiquette, and self-control. The Dojo Kun, which may be repeated either at the beginning of end of class, is as follows: Seek perfection of character. Be faithful Respect others. Refrain from violent behaviour. Although these precepts are repeated one after another they are equally important and should each be exemplified by the students of the dojo at all times. An Okinawan Karate master, Sakugawa Sensei (1733-1815) is often credited with the origin of the Dojo Kun. The following brief explanation may help you to develop your understanding of the ideas of each aspects of the Dojo Kun. Seek perfection of character The first, “seek perfection of cha