| |
What is Karate?
Sensei Yamazaki
& Noel Turner in Gympie |
The origins of Karate date back more than a thousand years.
First practised
by religious monks in China, this Martial Art was introduced into Okinawa
and blended with the indigenous fighting techniques of the islands.
This
new Martial Art, due to its Chinese origin, was called Karate - written in
Chinese characters with the literal meaning "Chinese Hand". |
Sensei Konishi & Noel
Turner in Japan |
| The characters were later changed by the Japanese to mean "Empty
Hand", thus Karate became a weaponless form of self-defence. Yet
Karate is much more than a way of fighting.
To the sincere student, it is
a form of combined physical and mental disciplines from which one can
learn humility and gentleness, gain self-confidence, and eventually attain
a harmony of mind and body. |
Philosophies Of Early Karate Masters.
The academy is not limited to one style but mainly practises
SHOTOKAN-RYU, developed by Gitchin Funakoshi, who is regarded as the
"Father of Modern Day Karate". The academy also trains SHINDO
JINEN RYO. Yasuhiro Konishi, a student of Gitchin Funakoshi, Kenwa Mabuni
and Choki Motobu, founded this style.
Gitchin Funakoshi believed in the saying "Karate Ni Sente Nashi"
which translates as "There is no first attack in Karate". He
told his students that the ultimate aim of Karate-Do (Do, meaning
"The Way of Enlightenment" lay neither in victory or defeat, but
rather in the perfection of one's moral character.
Kenwa Mobuni, the founder of Shitoryu believed that understanding the
deepest meaning of Karate-Do first meant transcending ego-related
distractions and finding inner peace. Choki Motobu, a renowned fighter
from Okinawa wrote in life that the essence of Karate-Do lay beyond the
immediate results of physical training. He advised not to place too much
emphasis upon competitions but rather to seek wisdom through
self-knowledge and humility.
|
Konishi Sensei was influenced by these Karate Masters and also by other
Martial Art Masters, including Ueshiba Sensei, the founder of Aikido.
Konishi Sensei was expert in Judo, Jujitsu, Kendoand Aikijutso. He
espoused the following:
"Proper Karate lies
essentially in no hitting, not being hit, and no accidents" |
| Meaning: |
- Karate is not to be defeated by another
- Karate is not defeating another without sufficient reason
- Karate always avoids trouble
|
| Principles of Karate-Do: |
| Courtesy
- |
never forget the code of
courtesy |
| Harmony - |
value the way of harmony |
| Endeavour - |
constantly strive to improve
yourself in every way |
| Perseverance - |
persistence is the cornerstone
of achievement |
| Respect - |
respect can never be
demanded, it must always be EARNED |
Training Times.
| Gympie Karate Academy |
 |
| Adult classes of mixed grades |
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday |
7.00pm - 8.00pm |
| Junior classes of mixed grades |
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday |
6.00pm - 7.00pm |
| Lower Wonga Branch |
| Juniors, seniors mixed grades |
Tuesday and Thursday |
6.30pm - 7.30pm |
Private lessons are available on request.
Dojo Etiquette.
- No fooling around or playing before, during or after class
- Do not arrive for training if you have consumed alcohol
- Students must bow before entering or leaving the training area
- No talking when an Instructor is talking to the class
- No chewing gum in the Dojo
- Do not leave the training area without the permission of the Instructor
- No jewellery is to be worn during training
- No swearing in the Dojo
- Always maintain self-control
- Toe and finger nails to be kept short and clean
- Uniform must be kept clean and tidy (only females are to wear white
T-shirts under their Gi)
- You must change in the dressing room, not in the Dojo
- Karate training requires your full attention, especially for reasons
of safety
Dojo Sparring.
As you reach the safety stage, you will be invited to attend the Kumite
(sparring) classes. You will not free spar until the Instructor considers
it is safe for you to do so. You must wear compulsory safety equipment, which
includes:
- mouthguard fitted by a dentist
- mitts
- shin/instep protection
- groin guard
- breast protector
|
|
Martial Arts
Supplies.
All of your requirements including uniforms (Gi), club patches, books,
videos, weapons and sparring equipment can be purchased from your club.
Assessment.
It is your responsibility to attend the recommended number of lessons
and to ensure you fulfil the requirements for promotion (the prescribed
grading fee is payable before testing).
Assessment is an ongoing process at your academy. The format of the
testing procedure is much the same for all promotions. Members don't fail
gradings a the Academy, but they may have to repeat certain sections if
the examiner so determines. Should you not complete all elements at the
first attempt, don't be discouraged. Your instructor will give you
feedback to enable you to fulfil the requirements (you are not charged
again for that grading).
If you have a problem in training, or you are concerned with your
progress, please talk to your Instructor about it, away from training if
possible and explain your situation in confidence.
Karate
Glossary >>
Promotions.
Regular training at the club should be supplemented by home study,
which involves practising your techniques, reading about the various
aspects of Karate and studying your course material.
There are ten levels (Kyu in Japanese) to Black Belt:
| Belt Colour |
Grade |
Category |
Time Frame |
Kata |
| White |
9th Kyu |
Beginner |
1-2 months |
Taikyoku, Shodan, Heian Shodan |
| Yellow |
8th Kyu |
Novice |
2-4 months |
Heian Nidan |
| Orange |
7th Kyu |
Novice |
4-6 months |
Heian Dandan |
| Green |
6th Kyu |
Intermediate |
6-8 months |
Heian Yodan |
| Blue |
5th Kyu |
Intermediate |
8-12 months |
Heian Godan Tekki |
| Purple |
4th Kyu |
Intermediate |
10-15 months |
Tekki Bassai Dai |
| Brown |
3rd Kyu |
Advanced |
12-18 months |
Bassai Dai Rohai |
| Brown |
2nd Kyu |
Advanced |
16-24 months |
Empie Jion |
| Brown |
1st Kyu |
Advanced |
20-30 months |
Advanced Kata |
| Black |
Shodan |
Senior |
2-4 years |
Advanced Kata |
| Black |
Nidan |
Senior |
3-6 years |
Advanced Kata |
| Black |
Sandan |
Senior |
5-7 years |
Advanced Kata |
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