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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.
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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.
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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"
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| Meaning: |
- Karate is not to be defeated by another
- Karate is not defeating another
without sufficient reason
- Karate always avoids trouble
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| 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 |
6.30pm - 7.30pm |
| Junior classes
of mixed grades |
Monday,
Wednesday & Thursday |
5.30pm - 6.30pm |
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
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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 Sandan |
| 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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