Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do

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Technical Manual
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TECHNICAL MANUAL ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................. 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................................................................................... 4
THE ORIGINS OF KARATE............................................................................................................................................... 5
I NDIAN ORIGINS ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
O KINAWAN ORIGINS ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
J APAN .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
KARATE: EVOLUTION OF A NAME .......................................................................................................................................... 5
FURTHER READING ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
HISTORY OF SHOTOKAN KARATEDO ......................................................................................................................... 7
FURTHER READING: ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
DOJO KUN ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
PREPARATORY EXERCISES .......................................................................................................................................... 12
FLEXIBILITY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
STRETCHING ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
H OW IS THIS DONE .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
FURTHER READING ............................................................................................................................................................. 14
BASIC DOJO ETIQUETTE ............................................................................................................................................... 15
STANDING BOW (RITSUREI).................................................................................................................................................. 15
KNEELING (SEIZA) .............................................................................................................................................................. 15
B OWING IN SEIZA ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
GETTING UP FROM SEIZA ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
ENTERING AND EXITING THE DOJO ........................................................................................................................................ 15
O PENING SEQUENCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
C LOSING SEQUENCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
C LEANUP .......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
KIAI .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
GENERAL ETIQUETTE DURING TRAINING ............................................................................................................................... 16
PROPER CARE OF KARATE GI ..................................................................................................................................... 17
HOW TO FOLD YOUR KARATE GI ............................................................................................................................... 18
D IRTY U NIFORMS ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
EXPENSIVE UNIFORMS ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
BASIC STRIKING AND BLOCKING TECHNIQUES ..................................................................................................... 19
H OW TO MAKE A FIST.......................................................................................................................................................... 19
H AND STRIKES ................................................................................................................................................................... 19
LEG S TRIKES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 20
B LOCKS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
EXTRA POINTS TO C ONSIDER:.............................................................................................................................................. 20
BASIC STANCES ............................................................................................................................................................... 21
BASIC JAPANESE TERMINOLOGIES ........................................................................................................................... 23
KATA .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
THE H ISTORY OF S HOTOKAN KATA ...................................................................................................................................... 25
THREE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF KATA ............................................................................................................................... 25
SHOTOKAN KATAS ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
KATA APPLICATION ....................................................................................................................................................... 26
LEVELS OF APPLICATION STUDY ........................................................................................................................................... 26
KUMITE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
KUMITE (SPARRING) TRAINING ............................................................................................................................................ 27
KIHON SANBON (OR GOHON, ETC.) KUMITE THREESTEP ( OR FIVE STEP, ETC.) BASIC SPARRING ............................................... 27
KIHON IPPON KUMITE O NESTEP BASIC SPARRING ............................................................................................................... 27
J IYUUIPPON KUMITE SEMIFREE SPARRING ( LIT. FREE ONESTEP).......................................................................................... 27
J IYUU KUMITE FREE SPARRING ........................................................................................................................................... 27
N ONSPARRING KUMITE ...................................................................................................................................................... 27
ADDITIONAL POINTS TO PONDER .......................................................................................................................................... 28
C ONCLUSION ...................................................................................................................................................................... 28
SPORT VERSUS MARTIAL ARTS................................................................................................................................... 29
KYU GRADING SYLLABUS............................................................................................................................................. 30
DAN GRADING SYLLABUS............................................................................................................................................. 31
Introduction
This Technical Manual serves as training and grading guidelines conducted under the sanctions of the
Traditional Shotokan KarateDo, Singapore. The Technical Manual is compiled based on the materials
and records from the Karate Union of Great Britain, and the current Technical Director Shihan Wong
Tuang Seng’s personal observations and experiences gained from his training and teaching at the
Shitoryu Karate Association and Japan during his 35 years. This manual will serve as a general guide
and authority to all instructors of the Traditional Shotokan KarateDo. In order to standardise the
teaching of “Shotokan” karatedo, it is necessary for instructors to be familiar with the manual so that
they are able to teach the correct techniques and guide their students to a higher level.
Besides knowing all the technical aspects, it is also beneficial for the instructors to be well versed in
the competition rules so that they will also be able to guide their students effectively to win in
competitions.
Lastly as the Club promotes the traditional way of karatedo, it is very important that instructors
exhibit the sense of loyalty to the Club and display the correct attitude and virtues and upholding the
good traditions handed down from those before us. We may improve or enrich ourselves through
years of training but we should not ignore the good traditions, otherwise our students will lose their
sense of direction.
KamWing Pang
Singapore
September 2002
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the following people for their contributions and suggestions:
Sensei Wong Tuang Seng – Shitoryu Karate Association (Singapore)
Laurence Fagnoni – Shitoryu Karate Association (Singapore)
Josef Christek – Shitoryu Karate Association (Singapore)
Sensei Stephen Chan – Seidokan KarateDo (United Kingdom)
Lance Walton – Seidokan KarateDo (United Kingdom)
Simon Chilembo – Seidokan KarateDo (Norway)
Martin Rice – Seidokan KarateDo (Northern Ireland)
Peter Klimenko – Shotokan Karate of America (Hong Kong)
Mark Caddy – University of Kent Karate Club (United Kingdom)
CheeWing Pang
Lana Wai Lan Chan
4
The Origins of Karate
Indian Origins
Bodhidharma (Daruma in Japanese), an Indian monk, came in the 6th century to China to bring in
the Buddhist doctrine. It is important to mention Bodhidharma, as he is believed to have had a crucial
influence over Chinese 'hand' fighting techniques. His teaching, called EKKINKYO was probably
combining Indian and Chinese fighting traditions, but the objective here was to search for a certain
spiritual level (based on the principle that body and mind are not separated). Bodhidharma settled
down at the Shaolin Si monastery (Shorinji in Japanese), and his teaching was successfully spread
while he was still alive. Later, the monastery was destroyed, and its monks were disseminated,
together with their fighting traditions, throughout China. Their techniques are considered as the base
for the Shaolin si kempo (still practiced today), which spread during that time in China, and probably
reached Okinawa.
This conception of martial arts as a way towards body and spirit perfection, is similar to the one
developed by Japanese warriors until the 19 th century. Funakoshi, the ‘father’ of modern Shotokan
karate, also tried to introduce this conception of martial arts into what was still the Okinawate (for
this reason, he was strongly criticized by some traditional masters from Okinawa).
Okinawan Origins
Okinawa is part of Ryukyu Islands (琉球), in the Southern part of Japan. Indigenous fighting
techniques were already being practiced prior to the 14 th century. There are many theories on how
and why handtohand fighting methods evolved (from longexisting native techniques) so strongly in
Okinawa. One reason, often brought forward, is the interdiction of weapons at diverse periods of
Okinawa history. Another one is the close relation that existed between Okinawa and China especially
from 14 th to 17 th Century. As an example: during this period, the village of Kume served as a center
of diffusion of Chinese culture, probably including martial arts, to the Ryukyu (Okinawa).
Later, the Japanese influence over Okinawa overtook China’s, and this influence the fighting methods
as well. In the 1870’s, Okinawa officially became part of Japan.
Some main points on the development of fighting techniques in Okinawa in periods when weapons
were forbidden (Chinese and Japanese periods):
· Chinese domination of Okinawa in the 15th Century. Former local basic techniques were
developed, enriched with Chinese 'fist techniques' (Chinese 'boxing').
· Japanese feudal domination in the 17th Century. During this period, trainings were kept secret in
small group, thus different trends appeared Shurite, Nahate, Tomarite, according to the
region of origin.
· Assimilation of Okinawa in Japanese culture (19th Century) Karate entered the education
system, and traditional teaching methods were subsequently transformed into 'mass' teaching’.
Japan
In Japan ‘mainland’, handfighting arts existed under the name of Jujitsu, which was one of the 18
skills that had to be practiced by the warriors of feudal Japan (commonly known as ‘Samurais’). The
budo reached an incredibly high level, especially through swordmasters. At the beginning of the
'modern' age (1868), weapons were forbidden and martial arts declined. But Jujitsu, transformed into
a sport, Judo (see Jigoro Kano), became increasingly successful (at the same time, traditional values
attached to the budo were encouraged in Japan). This is the context that karate established itself in
Japan. Karate, which had previously no direct link to the budo, was ‘pushed’ by Funakoshi to bring it
closer.
Karate: evolution of a name
At the beginning in Okinawa the system was called 'Te', or 手, meaning 'hand'. The arts of Te,
however, appeared to differ its system depending upon geographical locations and instructors. The
islanders therefore distinguished its school by identifying a name of city such as NahaTe, or 那覇手,
ShuriTe, or 首里手 , TomariTe, or 泊手 and so on. Naha and Tomari were known to be the popular
port cities. Shuri once was a capital city where the king resided. Other than that, there was the
systems called ToDe or Tote that was written as 唐手 of which alternative pronunciation is "Karate";
meaning Chinese hand. Local historians appeared to distinguish ToDe and Te as different. However,
Japanese called the art, in general, 'Karate' and wrote it 唐手.
5
During this transitional period of time when the art was becoming more popular in mainland Japan,
the art was called "Karate Kempo" or 唐手拳法 that meant Chinese Hand Fist System. Later during
1930s Japanese practitioners changed the written characters to 空手 . First word "空" means vacant,
absent or empty and second word "手" means hand. Its implication is to symbolize a pair of bare
hands combat for the sake of selfdefence against the armed hands. However, it was Japanese
political attempt to transform the body of the art with metaphysical insinuation so that the name can
eliminate its national identity.
Main points:
1. ‘Tode’ means ‘China Hand’. Also called Okinawate (te = hand)
2. It becomes ‘Karate’ but still keeps the meaning ‘China Hand’.
3. Jitsu (‘technique, science’) or kempo is added, thus becoming ‘karatejitsu’ or ‘karatekempo’.
4. Karate pronounced as previously, but the ideogram (thus the meaning) evolves from Chinese
Hand to Empty Hand (kara = empty)
5. KarateDo (do = way, pace), like in budo, judo, kendo (which brings us back to the roots of Tode
and Bodhidharma (Zen Buddhism relates to 'emptiness'!)
The ‘japanisation’ of the name (points 4 and 5) partly reflects the willingness of Funakoshi to
establish karate as a martial art (budo), and not only as a sport. ‘Kara’ means empty, but also ‘void’,
thus referring both to the physical emptiness of hands (no weapons), but also to the Buddhistrelated
idea of detachment. One can also interpret it as ‘free of bad intention, etc.
Political considerations also contributed to these name modifications (during this period, everything
related to China was generally rejected or at least ‘politically incorrect’).
Further Reading
1. The bible of Karate Bubishi translated with commentary by Patrick McCarty Tuttle Martial Arts
1995
2. La voie du karate pour une theorie des arts martiaux, Kenji Tokitsu, ed. du Seuil, 1979
3. Shotokan Karate, R. Habersetzer, ed. Amphora, 1992
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History of Shotokan KarateDo
The history of Shotokan karate actually began with Gichin Funakoshi's 1917 trip to Kyoto, where
karate was demonstrated for the first time in Japan, at the Butokuden. While the demonstration was
successful and the Japanese interest was high, there was no immediate rush to bring the Okinawan
art to Japan on a formal basis. As taken as they were with it, the Japanese still tended to be
suspicious of anything purely Okinawan, and they found it expedient to view karate as an interesting
sideshow.
This attitude could have been the end of karate in Japan had it not been for a fortuitous event on
March 6, 1921. On that date, the Crown Prince (the Emperor Hirohito) of Japan visited Okinawa on
his way to Europe. Seeking to impress the Prince with the rich culture of Okinawa, the Department of
Education asked Funakoshi to give a karate demonstration for him in the Great Hall of Shuri Castle.
So fascinated was the prince by the demonstration, that he spoke of it excitedly throughout the rest
of his voyage. Thus the Ministry of Education formally requested a karate demonstration be
performed at the first National Athletic Exhibition in Tokyo. Funakoshi was of course chosen to
perform.
On the same day he gave the demonstration, he was approached by members of the Sho family,
direct descendants of Shotai, the last king of Okinawa, and asked to extend his visit. Humbled and
inspired by their supplications, Funakoshi agreed to stay for a few weeks. From Jigoro Kano, the
founder of judo, came a request to demonstrate karate at the Kodokan, the judo headquarters To
assist him with the demonstration, Funakoshi prevailed upon Shinkin Gima, a student at Tokyo Shoka
Daigaku, who had attained a high degree of proficiency in karate while still in Okinawa. At a private
demonstration for Kano and selected members of the Kodokan, Funakoshi performed the kata, kanku
dai, and Gima performed naihanchii (now known to the Japanese as tekki). So impressed was Kano
by the demonstration that he enthusiastically asked Funakoshi to prolong his stay in Japan and to
teach him the basics of karate. Funakoshi indeed taught Kano some basic blocks, punches, strikes,
and kicks, and Kano later incorporated some of these into an advanced judo kata.
The demonstration at the National Athletic Exhibition, and Kano's introductions to influential
Japanese, soon led to official requests for karate instruction by the military academy, the Tokyo Bar
Association, and the Society for Research in High School Physical Education. While eager to
demonstrate before these groups, Funakoshi was struggling with homesickness, worry about his
family, and guilt over leaving his responsibilities behind. After correspondence with his wife, in which
she gave her blessing, Funakoshi decided to stay in Japan and fulfil what he now perceived to be his
destiny: to teach karate to the Japanese people.
While the Japanese in general were reluctant to endorse anything of Okinawan extraction, they were
more than eager to pursue almost anything popular with the upper classes. In less than nine months,
karate had become a fad with the intelligentsia. In 1922 Funakoshi established the first formal
Japanese karate club at the Meisei Juku, a dormitory and school for newly arrived Okinawan students
in the Suidobata section of Tokyo To support himself, he cleaned the dormitory during the day, often
tending the garden and lawns, and taught karate in a lecture hall in the evening. Throwing himself
completely into his mission, he wrote the first book on karate, RyuKyu Kempo: Karate, published by
Bukyosha in 1922.
An instant best seller (by textbook standards), it went out of print prematurely, for a time, when the
book's plates were destroyed in the great Kanto earthquake of Sept. 1, 1923. The book was not
printed again until 1926, when it was reissued by Kobundo as Rentan Goshin Karate jitsu
("Strengthening of Willpower and Selfdefence Through Techniques of Karate").
Many of Funakoshi's finest pupils were lost in the earthquake also, and he was forced to take a job
making stencils at the Daiichi Sogo Bank in Kyobashi. Since this was some distance from the Meisei
Juku, Funakoshi was invited to move his dojo to the dojo of Hiromichi Nakayama, the great kendo
teacher. For a great kendo sensei to allow another art to be practiced in his dojo was quite
unprecedented.
In 1924, at the age of 56, when most men are contemplating retirement, Funakoshi entered and
qualified in the Tokyo Invitational Prize Contest for Athletes. Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s,
Funakoshi continued to teach at Nakayama's kendo dojo. The number of active students increased
steadily, until his fame brought him an invitation to demonstrate karate before the Imperial
Household.
In 1924, Funakoshi was asked by Prof. Shinyo Kasuya of the department of German language and
literature at Keio University to teach a group of students at the university. A club was soon organized
with the sanction of the university. The Keio club was the first collegiate karate club in Japan, and it is
7
active to this day. By 1926 the Tokyo University Karate Club was officially chartered, followed in the
early 1930s by clubs at Takushoku, Chuo, Shodai (now called Hitotsubashi University), Gakushuin,
Hosei, Nihon, Meiji, and others, until today there are over 200 collegiate karate clubs in Japan. Karate
made its greatest headway on campuses, but also through instruction to employee groups at
companies such as the Tokyo Department Store, Tokyo Railroad Co., the Matsuzakaya Department
Stores, and others.
As karate grew in the 1930s, it spawned several ryu (schools or styles). Chojun Miyagi and Kenwa
Mabuni brought the Gojuryu and Shitoryu styles from Okinawa, and in 1935 one of Funakoshi's
most brilliant senior students, Hironishi Ohtsuka, broke away, forming his own Wadoryu style. Many
others formed styles, of course, but these four, Shotokan, Goju, Wado, and Shito comprise the bulk
of Japanese karate. Early on, at least, there was very little bickering among the leaders of the various
schools It was perfectly acceptable, they believed, for different masters to teach in different ways;
after all, they were striving toward the same goal: perfection of human character through karatedo.
In 1935 karate men from all over Japan formed a committee that solicited funds to build a
freestanding karate dojo Construction on the building in Zoshigaya. Toshima Ward, began in mid
1935, and was completed in the spring of 1936 Gichin Funakoshi, at the age of 68, bowed and
entered the world's first karate dojo in the spring of 1936. As a tribute to him from karate students all
over Japan, a plaque was hung over the door inscribed with the characters for "Shotokan," ("the hall
of Shoto").
By 1940, with Japan engaged in war on several fronts, Funakoshi's dojo was filled with eager young
men. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, Funakoshi's dojo was so crowded with students
that they frequently spilled over into the street and neighbouring yards. Japan's defeat in World War
II of course brought to a temporary halt the development of virtually all the martial arts, but only for
a short time.
In 1944 Funakoshi's students in the university clubs, the Old Boys clubs, and the private dojos all
over Japanofficially organized themselves into the Nihon Karate Kyokai (Japan Karate Association, or
JKA) and named Funakoshi their chief instructor emeritus. Isao Obata, the chairman, was the wealthy
president of his own trading company; the first JKA president, Kichinosuku Saigo, was a wealthy
politician with major political influence These men had neither the time nor the inclination to
administer the affairs of such a large and burgeoning organization, and the board of directors
immediately hired a fulltime, paid staff to run the organization. Masatomo Takagi, a business
manager and a 5th Dan in karate, was hired as general secretary. Masatoshi Nakayama was made
chief instructor, to conduct daytoday training at the headquarters; Kimio Ito was appointed director
of administration; and Hidetaka Nishiyama was named chief of the instruction committee.
To understand what happened next to the JKA and it's export of karate to the rest of the world some
background will be useful Both ancestry and wealth contributed to a man's position within the class
structure, and Japanese institutions, especially the colleges and universities, reflect this state of
affairs Even today, a family's wealth and position determine to a large degree which university the
children will attend, and a graduate's chances for success are strongly influenced thereby. The "Big
Three" colleges, in terms of social and political prestige, are Keio, Waseda, and Hosei. These three,
along with Takushoku, also represented the best collegiate karate in Japan. Takushoku, however, was
not part of the "establishment" of colleges. Commonly called Takudai, it was created before World
War II expressly for the purpose of training administrators for overseas work. Takudai men therefore
typically majored in economics, importing and exporting, and international law.
The types of jobs available to Takudai graduates were not considered prestigious by the oldline
university graduates, and a good deal of class friction was evident in the JKA between upper echelon
Old Boys and highly expert (in karate) but "lower class" Takudai men. Disputes arose over business
practices, philosophy, and training methods. The class division among administrators crystallized
around the fact that the Takudai staff, Takagi and Nakayama among them, was being paid for
teaching karate.
In April 1955 the JKA opened its first commercial dojo in the preview room of the Kataoka Movie
Centre, and a strong campaign was launched for the recruitment of new students. Many oldline
masters, chief among them Isao Obata of Keio, felt it was absolutely immoral for a man to accept
money for teaching the art. Even those who would not deny a man the right to be paid voiced
opposition to placing karate on the market.
The Hosei Old Boys were the first to leave the JKA, followed by Obata and the Keio group.
Unburdened of the conservative Old Boys, the Takudai men pursued the development of karate in
their own way; not surprisingly, in view of their training, they chose to internationalise the art.
The Takudai group thought the best way for an art like karate to gain international acceptance was to
give it a sporting aspect. Turning karate into a sport with rules for competition was not new. Since
1936 college clubs had been conducting kokangeiko (exchange of courtesies and practice), in which
8
they tested their techniques against each other on a freestyle basis. Without formal rules or
supervision, however, these exchange and training sessions were, more often than not, bloodbaths.
The Old Boys refused to acknowledge the existence of such shenanigans because these bouts were
obviously opposed to the principles of karate as Funakoshi taught them.
Nevertheless, the JKA directors and leaders in other styles brought free sparring into the open,
experimenting with it, debating it, and, finally, encouraging it. By 1950, virtually all the major styles
of karate in Japan were practicing some form of freestyle sparring. The JKA contest rules, comprising
three chapters and 16 articles, were completed in Aug. 1956. Collegiate clubs and branch dojo
immediately commenced staging tournaments to try contestant skills and to train judges. This flurry
of activity culminated in the 1st All Japan Karatedo Championship Tournament in June 1957.
Concurrent with their efforts to devise a workable set of contest rules, the JKA instituted a stringent
instructortraining program. Only the cream of young karate men was admitted to the program, and
only after graduating honourably from college and attaining 2nd Dan rank. In an intensive year of
study, candidates were instructed not only in karate but also in psychology, physics, anatomy,
business management, history and philosophy of physical education and sports, and other subjects.
On completing the training program (with 3rd Dan and a dissertation) they were assigned to a year's
teaching internship. The results of this difficult apprenticeship were a dozen or so highly proficient
karate men, well prepared to plant and nourish their art overseas.
First to arrive in the U.S. were Hidetaka Nishiyama, Los Angeles, and Teruyuki Okazaki, Philadelphia,
both in 1961. Others followed in rapid succession: Takayuki Mikami, twice All Japan Champion, went
first to Kansas City and later to New Orleans; Yutaka Yaguchi was assigned to Denver after a brief
stay in Los Angeles; and Hirokazu Kanazawa, also twice All Japan Champion, brought the JKA to
Hawaii. Kanazawa was replaced after two years by Masataka Mori, who ultimately went to New York,
relinquishing the Hawaii province to Tetsuhiko Asai. Shojiro Sugiyama, not a graduate of the
instructor program, founded a strong organization in Chicago. Later arrivals were Masaaki Ueki and
Shigeru Takashina in Florida, Katsuya Kisaka in New Jersey, and Shojiro Koyama in Arizona.
By the mid1970s, American students were themselves achieving instructor status. The most senior
of these, and the most successful, was Robert Fusaro of Minneapolis. Other notables include Robert
Graves of Oregon, Greer Golden of Ohio, Ray Dalke, Frank Smith, and James Yabe of California, and
Gerald Evans of Philadelphia.
The All America Karate Federation (now the American Amateur Karate Federation) finally opened its
doors to nonJKA karate people in the late 1960s, but too late to salvage an American karate unified
under the guidance of the JKA. Indeed, internal strife led in the 1970's to a split in the organization,
with master Okazaki spearheading a separate JKA organization, the International Shotokan Karate
Federation. Both organizations continue to prosper, but there is no indication of reunification.
Outside the U.S. the JKA is stronger as an international organization. Taiji Kase, from the European
branch in Paris, oversees Hideki Ochi in Germany, Hiroshi Shirai in Italy, Keinosuke Enoeda in Great
Britain, and Satoshi Miyazaki in Belgium. JKA is represented around the world by Higashino in Brazil,
Ishiyama in Venezuela, Stan Schmidt (the first nonJapanese 5th Dan) in South Africa, Hideki
Okamoto in Syria and Lebanon, Tanaka in Denmark, Sasaki in the Philippines, Hiroshi Matsaura in
Mexico, and others. JKA Shotokan karatedo is now practiced daily by approximately 5,000,000
people in almost every country in the world.
While the JKA has led the way in internationalising karate, still there is a large, unaffiliated contingent
practicing Gichin Funakoshi's karate. Several of Funakoshi's best pupils chose to leave the Shotokan
altogether and develop their own, eclectic systems. Notable among these are Ryosuke Konishi, who
founded the shindolinenryu (commonly known as the Ryobukan), and Hironishi Ohtsuka, who
developed Wadoryu.
But the most significant faction outside the JKA has grown from the unmollified Old Boys in Japan.
Prior to leaving the JKA, Isao Obata, head of the Old Boys at Keio University, was instrumental in
organizing the Zen Nihon Gakusei Karatedo Renmei (All Japan Shotokan karate is noted for its wide,
strong stances, as demonstrated by Italian karate champion Falsoni. University Students Karate
League). This organization hoped to unite collegiate practitioners from all styles. Ultimately, it
evolved into a loose structure sheltering disaffected Shotokan students who wished to pursue their art
free from the directives of the JKA. They called themselves the Shotokai, and their principal leaders
included Shigeru Egami and Genshin Hironishi of Chuo University, and Hiroshi Noguchi at Waseda. It
was from Waseda University that Tsutomu Ohshima came to the U.S. in 1956 and founded Shotokan
Karate of America. Hirokazu Kanazawa broke with the JKA in the 1970s, establishing Shotokan Karate
International. Among the famous practitioners who remained within the JKA are: Minoru Miyata,
Osamu Ozawa and Junpei Sugano of Hosei, Kimio Ito, Motokun Sugiura, and Hiroshi Shoji.
Technically, there are some gaps between JKA Shotokan and the Shotokai; practically, the gaps are
very narrow. While most of the Shotokai groups still regularly practice the taikyoku and tennokata
9
that were so dear to Funakoshi, the JKA has abandoned them as repetitious and of questionable
value. Stances among most of the Shotokai groups are generally higher than those seen in the JKA,
and there is relatively little emphasis on freestyle sparring in Shotokai dojo. From about 1960
forward, the JKA has pursued the study of karate from a scientific viewpointbody mechanics,
kinesiology, anatomy, physics, and modern psychology. This, contend most of the Shotokai people, is
unnecessary and detrimental to the traditional ways taught by Funakoshi. Each group continues to
insist that it practices karate exactly as Funakoshi would practice it were he alive today. The present
authors, based on the writings of the master, lean toward the JKA claim. Funakoshi frequently said
that karate was an unfinished art; it would continue to grow and change, he said, as man's
knowledge and circumstances grew and changed.
See also Funakoshi, Gichin; Japan Karate Association; karatedo.
Further reading:
1. The Way of Karate, Beyond Technique, Shigeru Egami, 1976;
2. Shotokan Karate: FreeFighting Techniques, K. Enoeda and C.J. Mack, 1974;
3. KarateDo Kyohan, Gichin Funakoshi, 1973;
4. KarateDo, My Way of Life, Gichin Funakoshi, 1977;
5. Karate: The Art of EmptyHand Fighting, Hidetaka Nishiyama and Richard Brown, 1959;
6. Shotokan Karate, Peter Ventresca, 1970;
7. Kick Illustrated, Oct. 1981 Jan. 1982;
8. Best Karate, H. Nakayama, 1978 (8 vols.);
9. Black Belt Karate, Jordan Roth, 1974;
(Technical material by GARY GOLDSTEIN and ALEX STERNBERG; historical material by RANDALL G
HASSELL).
Gichin Funakoshi (18681957)
10
Dojo Kun
Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto
Makoto no michi wo mamoru koto
Doryoku no Seishin wo yashinau koto
Reigi wo omonzuru koto
Kekki no yu wo imashimuru koto
Strive for completion of character
Protect the way of the truth
Foster the spirit of effort
Respect the principles of etiquette
Guard against impetuous courage
11
Preparatory Exercises
Preparatory exercises are necessary before the start of the normal training. The exercises are aimed
at strengthening or limbering the joints of fingers, toes, ankles, knees, vertebra, wrists, elbows and
the neck. Such warm up exercises reduces the chances of injury during the main training session.
Warming up involves the physical heating of the muscles, as well as the raising of the heart rate
(pulse). Running, jumping and skipping rope are all forms of warmups. Stretching the muscles is
much easier once they are properly heated and the blood is pumping. Some think of "jumping jacks"
as funny looking, but they are a very good warmup, moving both the arms and the legs at once. The
muscles should be kept warm during the entire workout period, and any long periods of
discussion/lecture in class should be followed by warmingup exercises when possible. There are
different theories on the use of a "warmdown." Let it suffice to say that it is usually advisable to do
more, rather than less, warming and stretching of the muscles both before and after a workout.
· For all exercises (unless it is obvious) the teacher should explain very precisely WHICH muscle to
stretch, WHERE the student should precisely feel the stretch, and the main reason for each
exercise (WHY)
· Advise students on what they should train at home (as conditioning exercise, e.g. to develop
muscles to protect knee cap etc).
· Injury prevention: teachers should be very cautious on exercises that strain the body too much,
especially when not done correctly. Especially in Shotokan, the knees and lower back are prone to
injuries. Some pupils may not be able take up the same exercise as others (e.g. because they
lack the physical conditioning, age, previous injury etc).
· When stretching, you should try and feel the stretch. Jerky movements may give shortterm
benefits, but this type of stretching can only damage your ligaments and muscles. Slow long
stretches can provide much longerterm benefits.
· Never over stretch as this can cause longterm injury.
Flexibility
Definition
Flexibility refers to the capability of an individual to use muscles and skeletal joints throughout the
full potential range of movement. Flexibility exercises involve lengthening the muscles, and are aimed
directly at extending the range of movement of a joint or muscle. The term 'stretching' has become
accepted as the description of this type of exercise. Stretching exercises should be performed
statically and progressively and only when the body has been warmed up.
Stretching
Stretching aims to:
· Reduce muscle tension and make the body feel more relaxed
· Increase the range of movement of joints and muscles so that the body can work more efficiently.
· Prevent muscle soreness and muscle tears.
· Prevent muscle inflammation and facilitate recovery from soft tissue injuries.
· Improve exercise technique by extending the range of body movement.
· Lengthen the muscle after use.
NB. You can help return the body to a preexercise state when you include stretching exercises in a
cool down component of a class.
How is this done
· You should start a stretching routine by trying to relax.
· You should only start to stretch when the body has been properly warmed up.
· You should ease into a stretch to the point where it is comfortable but not painful. This is referred
to as slow, static stretching.
· You should stretch so that the pull is felt in the bulky, central portion of the muscle.
· You should concentrate on relaxing muscle or the muscle groups being stretched.
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· You should not bounce to increase the range of movement of a muscle or a joint.
· You should not hold your breath, but try to breathe calmly and rhythmically.
· You should try to stretch in sitting or reclining positions whenever possible.
· The choice of stretches you chose should be related to the kind and type of exercise you are
going to perform.
· You need to stretch daily if you are wishing to increase you flexibility.
· You should not compete during stretching exercise. You should not compare you progress to that
of anyone else. Trying too hard can lead to injury and loss of any gains you have made. A feeling
of mild discomfort is all that is needed.
· You should alternate you stretches from one muscle group to another, ensuring that they are
progressive.
· If you are an exceptionally flexible person, you should take a great deal of care not to stretch too
far because there is a danger of injury through dislocation.
All major muscle groups should be stretched for 810 seconds in order to prepare the muscles for
work and to prevent possible Injuries.
To promote an increase in flexibility, stretches need to be developed. You should hold the stretch
between 1030 seconds. As the feeling of tension within the muscle eases, you should develop the
stretch further, ensuring you are stable, relaxed and comfortable. The sensation that occurs when the
feeling of tension eases in the muscle is known as the ‘Golgi tendon organ reflex’.
Lack of flexibility and inefficient technique are the main causes of poor physical performance as well
as a reason for many strains and tear injuries in sport. Even today, the flexibility section of most
training programmes is neglected. Athletes Martial Artists and Keep Fit Performers prefer to do
strength and endurance work because in their minds they feel these components are doing more
good. You should aim at a balanced programme incorporating all the aspects of physical fitness.
Some trainees will find that they do not require as much stretching time as others. Many will never be
as flexible as they would like to be. Some find that their muscles get cold quickly. Others find they
can remain flexible for hours but suffer from occasional cramping of the muscles. No two people are
exactly alike and we must understand our differences and limitations.
Do not force your muscles to the point that you are doing irreparable damage. Do not take it too easy
either; flexibility helps us in many ways and stretching should be considered a necessary part of
training. Those who feel they need more might want to try stretching lightly first thing in the morning
and very lightly just before going to bed at night. Also, going to the dojo early can really pay off if
you spend that time stretching, instead of just talking to your friends.
Remember that in stretching, just like any other Karate activity, pain in your joints is usually a sign of
poor technique; be careful not to manipulate your joints in such a way as to cause pain.
You should notice that you may feel better stretched after some kinds of stretching than others and it
is recommended that you try to develop your ideal routine. This may not be ideal for everyone else in
the class, and you should do your best to please everyone if you are leading the group. There can be
a noticeable difference in the performance of the students following a good warmup and stretching
set. Study why some are more successful than others in getting the class stretched out properly. One
thing to consider is the progression of stretching from one area of the body to another (for example,
moving from the upper body to the lower body, or starting from the centre of the body [the hips &
torso] and working out to the limbs methodically).
One problem many people have is that they do not know how many stretches to include. One
recommendation is to consider that some muscles take longer than others to stretch (the larger leg
muscles, for instance), so either include more of those stretches or spend longer on the few that you
do. There have been studies done which claim that each stretch should ideally be held for 30 seconds.
Although that seems a bit extreme, fast, bouncing stretches can often do more harm than good. Even
if you do not spend a full 30 seconds on every stretch, there are more than enough different
stretching exercises to fill up the better part of an hour. But most people can be sufficiently stretched
after as little as 5 minutes, if done properly and follow a good warmup routine. It is just like
everything else in Karate, study and practice!
Some instructors frown upon students wishing to stretch and/or keep their muscles warm between
sets of movements. Although one should not advocate chaos, the opportunity to keep in top form
throughout the class certainly has its advantages. You should remind students that they should do
their best to keep warmed up and stretched out to gain as much as they can from each set of
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movements as well as to prevent unnecessary cramping or straining of the muscles. In contrast, one
should expect their students to remain still while going through the techniques.
Further Reading
Stretching and Flexibility: Everything you never wanted to know, Brad Appleton
http://galway.informatik.unikl.de/staff/weidmann/pages/stretch/stretching_toc.html
Plyometrics
http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/plymo.htm
InjuryFree Karate, Paul Perry 1993
The Advanced Karate Manual, Vince Morris and Aidan Trimble 1989
14
Basic Dojo Etiquette
Standing bow (ritsurei)
Stand with your heels together, feet pointing slightly outward (like a "V"). Keep your knees straight,
elbows straight and relaxed, hands open and at the seams of your pants (the outside of your legs),
and fingers together. Bend at the waist, about 30 degrees forward. Unbend. The whole bow takes
about a breath's length.
Kneeling (seiza)
Place your left knee on the floor, then right knee. Sit down on your feet. The big toes of your left and
right feet should overlap (either one on top). Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Rest
your left hand (hand open, fingers together) on your left thigh and your right hand on your right
thigh, so that your fingers point inward. For anatomical reasons, men should have about a fist or
two's width between their knees, and women should have their knees together.
Bowing in seiza
Slide your left hand from the thigh to the floor immediately in front of the left knee (not too far in
front, i.e., your left elbow shouldn't touch the floor). Do the same with your right hand, so that the
right hand motion is slightly behind (in time) the left hand motion. Your palms should touch the floor
to show deep respect. Bow at the waist, taking a little longer than for a standing bow (forehead
comes close to the floor, but does not touch it). Slide your hands back up to their initial position on
the thighs, this time with your left hand slightly behind the right hand.
Getting up from seiza
Opposite of going down to seiza position, by putting right leg out in front with left knee still on ground
and then pushing yourself to the upright position. Then pull right foot back to left foot. Bow before
moving away.
Entering and exiting the dojo
Bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the front of the dojo, whenever you are
entering or exiting the dojo.
Lateness: First of all, try not to be late. But if you are late, bow in, then quietly kneel near the
entrance. Wait until the instructor acknowledges you. Then bow while kneeling, get up, and quickly
join the group. If you arrive just as everyone is kneeling during the opening sequence (see below),
don't move or make any noise just wait until class begins warming up, and bow in as when the
instructor acknowledges you, in the manner described above.
Opening sequence
When you hear "Line up!" or "One line!" (Or however many lines is necessary for everyone to line
up), stand shouldertoshoulder facing the front of the dojo, in rank order. Try to line up so that the
instructor, standing before your line, is right in the middle of the line. If class is so big that the senior
student says to form more than one line, try to line up so that the lines are approximately the same
length.
“Seiza!” Sit down in seiza, so that knees are aligned with the person on your left.
“Mokuso!” Quiet meditation just lower your gaze, relax, and breathe.
“Mokuso yame!” End meditation.
“Shomen ni rei!” Bow to the front of the room (which shows respect for your training space, to the
institution of karate, and to the line of instructors).
“Sensei ni rei!” Bow to the instructor. When you're bowing, you can say "onegaishimasu," which,
roughly translated, means "Please," i.e., please teach me, please help me, please hold class, etc.
(You may also say "oss," the ubiquitous sign of respect in karate.)
“Otaga ni rei!” Bow to each other. This shows respect for each other. At the signal of the instructor,
get up quickly, without necessarily waiting for the person on your left to rise.
Closing sequence
This is the same as the opening sequence. During the bow to the instructor ("sensei ni rei!"), you
may say "arigato gozaimashita", which means "Thank you." "Thank you" in English is fine, too. At the
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end, the instructor will get up. Wait until the person on your left bows and gets up before you do the
same.
Cleanup
After the class finishes, there is usually some sort of dojocleaning process. During this time, actively
participate to the extent you can. Don't sit back and stretch when others are still cleaning.
Kiai
Don't say any words when you kiai. "Kiai" itself, being a Japanese word should NOT be a kiai.
Common kiai include "Ya!" and "Ei!" Don't be afraid to kiai! In general, people tend to kiai too softly
rather than too loudly. If you have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder, as well. The
overall tone of a class is set by the level of spirit of the class, which can be raised with better kiai. On
the other hand, if your spirit is poor or your kiai weak, you might bring down the class spirit.
General etiquette during training
· The moment class starts, your mind should be on karate and on trying to improve your own
technique. Concentrate, give spirited kiai, don't talk unnecessarily, and practice hard! (This is
under "etiquette" because doing otherwise would be disrespectful to the instructor, as well as to
yourself.)
· Don't wear jewellery, watches, etc. Don't chew gum. This is for personal safety and also for the
safety of everyone training in the dojo.
· Whenever you're told to move from one part of the room to another, do it quickly (i.e., run or
trot, at least). Also, don't pass in front of anyone go behind and around.
· Yoi : When called to yoi you should come to attention quickly, without fuss and where applicable
come into straight lines. Whilst in Yoi there should be NO extraneous movements such as
scratching, yawning or looking around. You should be invoking an alert mindset, in preparation
for combating an opponent.
· Yame : When Yame is called you should stop immediately any activity. Yame means to relax but
you should then pay attention to the instructor for the next command.
· Whenever you're asked to stand back or sit back and watch, do so in a normal standing or
kneeling position, silently, without leaning on walls or distracting others.
· If you're ever in a kneeling position and you're uncomfortable, it's generally okay to bow and then
switch to sitting crosslegged.
· Whenever you stand from a sitting position, switch to kneeling, bow, and then stand.
· If you ever need to leave a class early, let the instructor know beforehand. This is so that the
instructor will not have to look for you needlessly because he/she thought you have injured
yourself seriously!
· Every time you get a new partner for any exercise, bow. Every time you're about to switch
partners, bow to your old partner before moving on to the next.
· Don't make overt displays of how tired you are, no matter how tired you are.
· If you're ever asked to count, count in whatever language you feel comfortable with, but make
the counts short, sharp, and spirited.
· Do not hesitate to ask senior students and instructors for help before or after class. Time
permitting, you should try to learn kata outside of class so that during class, the instructor can
spend more time making comments about your technique rather than what move comes next.
· Check fingers and toenails are cut and clean before training.
· Don’t eat or drink too much before the training.
· Don’t push yourself too hard if your body is not in good condition.
· Do not practise free sparring without the permission of the instructor in charge.
· Respect your partner and help each other in the learning process.
· Follow the normal rules of etiquette that apply.
16
Proper Care of Karate Gi
Colourful belts are just one aspect of the standard karate uniform. Karate players tend to dress in a
cotton jacket and pants combination known as a "gi" or "dogi." Say 'g' as in 'game' and pronounce
the word "gee." A karate gi is a deevolution of the excellent uniform that judo requires it's players to
wear. The Judo uniform is extremely sturdy and designed to accept a lot of pulling and sheering
before succumbing to abuse. The karate uniform has, over the years, has moved away from the
woven uniform of judo and toward white cotton canvas in varying weights.
Although cotton is favoured as a uniform in karate circles, it is a poor quality cloth by today's
standards. Cotton is not particularly absorbent, so it does little to draw sweat away from the body.
And, once it does become soaked with sweat, it becomes much heavier, clings to the body, and
begins to rot.
Most karate gi start off as beautiful white, almost light blue, soft, duck canvas. As the uniform is
worn, though, it begins to stain yellow from sweat, particularly in the armpits, and the stitching
begins to rot and disintegrate. A karate gi that has been worn many times first selfdestructs at the
stitching that holds the sleeves to the jacket. Also, the stitching in the crotch begins to unravel as
well.
Proper care and treatment of the uniform is necessary in order to prevent it from becoming a
yellowish, smelly, rotting testament to your infrequent bathing habits.
1. Wash After Every Use You might think you didn't sweat in your karate gi very much
during that cold, winter training session, but you did, and you need to wash the thing to get
the bacteria you left behind out of the cotton to prevent it from smelling and rotting. Wash
the gi after each time you wear it. You should never wear your karategi two times in a row
without washing it.
2. Wash it quickly Do not allow your karate gi to stand before being washed. As soon as you
return home from practice, it must go straight into the washing machine. If you allow it to
stand over night, it will smell in a way that few detergents can remedy.
3. Do Not Use Mechanical Dryers Your karate gi must dry on the line. That means that if
you train every day, you will wash and dry a gi every day. In humid environments, your
karate gi may require two days to line dry. You'll need to purchase two or three karate gi, in
that case, because you cannot wear it repeatedly without washing it.
4. Bleach Infrequently Using chlorine bleach on your cotton uniform will get it clean, all
right, but bleach is highly acidic, and it will also damage the material, causing the stitching to
come apart. However, when your karate gi needs bleach, then put some into the wash with it.
5. Presoak Your Karate Gi Don't throw your gi into the washing machine, pour detergent on
it, and then start the washer. Follow correct laundry procedures. Start the washer so that it
begins to fill with water. Put detergent in immediately, and allow the detergent to dissolve
into the water. After the washing machine has nearly completed filling with water, add your
karate gi. You should also try to wash it with some other white items such as towels, because
washing it alone will reduce the friction cleaning effect of modern day washing machines.
Turn off the washing machine and allow your karate gi to soak in the soapy water for at least
20 minutes. Then start the washer again and allow it to begin it's wash cycle.
6. Hang Dry Immediately When the wash cycle is complete, hang your karate gi to dry right
away. Every moment it spends in the washing machine is another moment for it to mildew
and yellow.
7. Fold Properly When Dry When your uniform has finished drying, you will find that it is
usually quite wrinkled and that it looks like an unmade bed. You can iron your karate gi, but I
wouldn't recommend going that far. Considering how your uniform will look after 15 minutes
of training, you probably shouldn't bother with the iron unless you are about to wear your
uniform to a competition. When your gi is completely dry, not still moist, but totally dry, you
may fold it. The customary way of doing so in Japan is shown below.
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How to Fold Your Karate Gi
In Japan, one does not wear a karate gi in an inappropriate place. The Japanese are very sensitive to
context, and therefore don't appreciate the more casual Western approach to clothing in which one
might not take time to change clothes before changing locations. Where as in the West, you might
see someone in his or her workout clothes at the gas station or other public place, no Japanese would
ever do this. Instead, they make sure that they change into appropriate attire before changing
situations.
A karate gi is put into a gym bag and taken to the dojo for training. However, don't just stuff your
karate gi into the gym bag! The Japanese find that kind of slop to be contrary to the very essence of
the martial arts dojo. Instead, your karate gi should be folded carefully, tied together with your belt,
and placed in a neat package into your bag. In Japan, you always get a present at the dojo: your gi.
1. Use the Floor The first step to properly folding a gi is to get on your knees on the floor. Lay the
jacket out with the back down to the floor. Spread the sleeves out so that they point straight out
to the sides in opposite directions.
2. Fold One Side Over Fold one sleeve and a quarter of the torso of the jacket over toward the
other sleeve. As any part of your jacket that was on the floor is folded in, brush it off with your
hand to get anything that stuck to it off. Also, this brushing action helps you to crease your
uniform neatly.
3. Fold the Sleeve Back Fold the sleeve back on itself to get it out of the way.
4. Fold the Other Side Now fold the other side in and that sleeve back the same way.
5. Fold the Jacket Up Two more easy folds and your jacket is folded into a nice square.
6. Now for the pants Lay the pants out on the floor and brush them off to flatten them. Fold
them in half, bringing one side over the other.
7. Fold the Top Down Now fold Top half of your pants down and continue folding them so that
your gi is rolled up in folds in three motions.
8. Tie a Bow Now place the jacket and pants together, making sure that the loose ends are
inward on both items. Wrap the belt around the package, and tie it off. You're done!
Dirty Uniforms
Some people are very proud of their yellowed and torn karate uniforms as if it is are a sign of
seniority. This ridiculous idea is very wrong. Senior karate experts may own many uniforms of
varying ages, and they have probably owned more than thirty of the things in 15 years or more of
training.
Another foolish notion is the one that says you should never wash your belt. You should wash your
belt, just make sure you avoid bleach and allow it to soak in soapy water for a long time. Your belt
can probably go through the dryer, and it should be washed much less frequently than the rest of
your uniform, but wash it you must. If you don't wash your belt, it will begin to smell like urine, it will
rot, and every time you or anyone touches it, you'll be risking an infection from the dangerous
bacteria growing within it. Wash your belt. But don't wash it with your gi unless you want your gi to
change colour.
Expensive Uniforms
The people you see in videos and books demonstrating kata usually have their uniforms hand
tailored. They have the uniform custom designed around their measurements, and that's why their
uniforms never have quite the sloppy look that yours and mine have. Gi are available in a variety of
makes. Shotokan experts tend to prefer moderately expensive heavy weight cotton uniforms with 3/4
length sleeves and 4/5 length legs. Beginners should probably not invest in expensive uniforms until
they are sure that they enjoy the practice of karate.
Belts also come in a variety of flavours. Colour belts are usually pretty standard, although there are
noticeable changes in quality from one brand to another as far as colour tone, cloth, cut, and
stitching. Black belts come in a variety of styles and materials. The most common belts purchased are
heavyduty cotton belts that last for decades and the silk/satin covered kind. Cotton belts wear out
more slowly, but silk belts are prettier when new. Also, the silk belts wear out gracefully and have
better movement and presentation quality when performing a kata in front of a crowd.
The wear and tear on a belt is meaningless as to the skill of the holder. Anyone can use sandpaper on
their belt and wear it out prematurely.
18
Basic Striking and Blocking Techniques
How to make a Fist
· Four Fingers except the thumb must be rolled in.
· Thumb on the second and third fingers
· This grip must always be maintained
Hand Strikes
19
Leg Strikes
Blocks
Age Uke Gedan Berai
Soto (Ude) Uke Uchi Uke
Extra Points to Consider:
Most striking techniques are directed at one of three levels:
Jodan – Upper Level (e.g. Head)
Chudan – Middle Level (e.g. Body)
Gedan – Lower Level (Below Waist)
20
Basic Stances
Zenkutsu Dachu Kokutsu Dachi
Kiba Dachi Heisoku Dachi
Musubi Dachi Hachiji Dachi
Heiko Dachi Teiji Dachi
Uchi Hachiji Dachi Sanchin Dachi
21
Hangetsu Dachi Fudo Dachi
Neko Ashi Dachi Shiko Dachi
22
Basic Japanese Terminologies
Japanese Numbers 1 – 10 Titles and Honorific
1 Ichi KarateKa Karate Student
2 Ni Kohai Junior (not used)
3 San Sempai Senior (never used for oneself)
4 Shi Sensei Teacher (never used for oneself)
5 Go Shihan Master (never used for oneself)
6 Roku Suffixes
7 Shichi san Mr, Mrs, Ms
8 Hachi sama Superior honorific
9 Ku chan For children, young women and friends
10 Ju kun For young men
Ranking System Dojo Instructions
Mudansha No Dan title holder Hajime Start
Haopkyu 8 th Kyu Yame Stop
Nanakyu 7 th Kyu Yasume Rest
Rokkyu 6 th Kyu Yoi Get Ready
Gokyu 5 th Kyu Hai Yes
Yonkyu 4 th Kyu Iie No
Sankyu 3 rd Kyu Kiai Shout
Nikyu 2 nd Kyu Seiretsu Line Up!
Ikkyu 1 st Kyu Mawate Switch
Yudansha Dan Title Holder (Black Belt) Hantai Opposite
Shodan 1 st Dan Migi Right
Nidan 2 nd Dan Hidari Left
Sandan 3 rd Dan Shomen Right
Yondan 4 th Dan Ushiro Back
Godan 5 th Dan
Rokudan 6 th Dan
Shichidan 7 th Dan
Hachidan 8 th Dan
Kudan 9 th Dan
Judan 10 th Dan
StartEnd Salutations
Suki Attention
Rei Bow
Naotte Relax
Seiza Formal seated position
Mokuso Meditation
Mokuso Yame Stop meditation
Shomen Ni Rei Bow to front
Sensei Ni Rei Bow to Sensei
Otaga Ni Rei Bow to each other
Onegaishimasu Please do me the honour
Arigato Gozaimashita Thank you
23
General Terms Body Parts
Hikite Pulling Hand Atama Head
Tsuki Punching Me Eye
Uchi Striking Kubi Neck
Geri Kicking Kata Shoulder
Uke Blocking Karada Torso
Suigetsu Solar Plexus
Uchi (Strikes) Ude Arm
Uraken Back Knuckle Hije or Empi Elbow
Tettsui Hammer Fist Te Hand
Haito Ridge Hand Ashi Leg
Shuto Knife Hand Hiza Knee
Nukite Spear Hand Koshi Ball of Foot
Haishu Back Hand Kakato Heel
Teisho Palm Heel Sokuto Blade Edge of Foot
Ensho Bottom Part of Foot
Ashi no yubi Toes
Josokutei Ball of Foot
Haisoku Instep
Karate Terms and Concepts Geri (Kicking)
Wa Peace, Harmony Mae Geri Front Kick
Do The Way Yoko Geri Side Kick
Kai Association Ushiro Geri Back Kick
Ryu Style Mawashi Geri Roundhouse Kick
Karate Empty Hand (Tang Hand) Ushiro Mawashi Geri Reverse Roundhouse
Dojo Training Hall Migazuki Geri Crescent Kick(out to in)
Hombu Head Office Soto Migazuki Gei Crescent Kick (in to out)
Hara Centre Fumi Komi Stamping Kick
Kime Focus Hiza Geri Knee Strike
Maai Distancing Mae Tobi Geri Flying Front Kick
Oss Strong “Yes” Kesageri/Tobi Sokuto Flying Side Kick
Waza Technique Tobi Ushiro Mawashi Flying Spinning Mawashi
Taisabaki Hip Shifting Ushiro Geri Back Kick
Zanshin Remaining Spirit (Awareness) Jo/Chu/Ge Dan High/Middle/Low
Budo Way of War Keage Snap
Bushido Way of the Warrior Kekomi Thrust
Shuhari Maintain, adhere, improve
Go No Sen Defense then Attack Ido Kihon (Moving Basics)
Sen No Sen Block/Counter Simultaneously Jun Zuki Lunge Punch
Sen Strike Before Attack Kette Jun Zuki Front Kick Lunge Punch
Ikken Hissatsu One Deadly Strike Gedan Barai Uke Downward Block
Ki Energy Age (Jodan) Uke Rising Block
Kamae Guard Ready Position Jodan Uchi Uke High Uchi Uke
Chu Tanden Centre of Lower Abdomen Chudan Uchi Uke Middle Block (out to in)
Jo Tanden Centre of Head Jodan Soto Uke High Soto Uke
Ge Tanden Centre of Groin Chudan Soto Uke Middle Block (in to out)
Senchusen Centre Line of Body Gyaku Zuki Reverse Punch
Chikara Power Shuto Uke Knife Hand Block
Nage Waza Hip Throw Oi Zuki Forward Punch
Ashi Waza Leg Throw Tate Ken Zuki Vertical Fist Punch
Te Waza Head Throw
Sutemi Dropping Throw
Shime Waza Strangulation
Kansetsu Waza Dislocation
24
Kata
Kata is an exercise performed individually by karateka (practitioners of karate) consisting of
precisely defined sequences of techniques in different directions, with perhaps 20 to 40 techniques in
each sequence (or kata). Most oriental martial arts utilise this type of exercise, for example the forms
of TaiChi, the patterns of Taekwondo and, of course, the kata of Karate.
There are a number of reasons for practising kata. It gives us a vehicle that we can use to improve a
number of skills, for example, power, precision, focus, speed, intent/zanshin. From the point of view
of Karatedo kata can be seen as a form of moving meditation. The pursuit of excellence in striving to
perform a kata correctly is an excellent tool in the training of both mind and body. From the point of
view of Karatejutsu kata can be viewed as a catalogue of effective selfdefence techniques, a
summation of the real life experiences of generations of karateka.
The History of Shotokan Kata
The early history of kata parallels the history of Shotokan karate in general. They were developed in
Okinawa, with some amount of influence from Chinese martial arts, and then were brought to the
main islands of Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in 1922. During the periods when karate training was done
in secret, performing kata was the primary form of practice.
Funakoshi's first teacher, Yasutsune Azato, was an exceptional swordsman, and around Funakoshi's
time, kata started to incorporate ideas from kendo. These included more focus on relaxing the upper
body to achieve faster, snapping motions, and more aggressive and pronounced body shifting. (Mr.
Nakayama, Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association, and Mr. Okazaki, were also noted kendo
ka in their early years.)
The Heian kata were distilled from Kanku Sho, a more advanced kata, by Funakoshi's other
instructor, Anko Itosu. (Some sources suggest that Mr. Yabu created them in 1902 to be taught to
high school kids) These kata were designed to aid the development of younger students, and they are
usually taught to students below the level of brown belt. Although these kata originated in Okinawa,
they were primarily practiced in Japan.
Additional changes to the original kata came as Gigo Funakoshi (the son of Gichin Funakoshi) started
teaching his students, including Mr. Nishiyama, altered forms of the kata, including deepened
stances. A series of meetings at Waseda University in the 1950's lead to further changes in the kata,
to emphasize longer, more athletic movements for better conditioning, to eliminate repetitious
movements and move the focus to fundamental techniques, and simplify many of the selfdefence
moves.
Three Important Elements of Kata
1. The application of strength at the correct stance.
2. The control of speed in and between techniques.
3. The smooth transition of the body from one technique to the next.
Shotokan Katas
Original Okinawan names are in brackets.
Name Translation Name Translation
Heian Shodan Peaceful One Jiin Mercy and Kindness
Heian Nidan Peaceful Two Bassai Sho Extract from a fortress Minor
Heian Sandan Peaceful Three Kanku Sho The View of the Sky Minor
Heian Yondan Peaceful Four Chinte Unusual Hands
Heian Godan Peaceful Five Wankan (Matsukaze) King's Crown
Tekki Shodan (Naihanchi) Steel Horse Riding One Sochin Energetic Calm
Tekki Nidan Steel Horse Riding Two Meikyo (Rohai) Bright Mirror
Tekki Sandan Steel Horse Riding Three Gojushiho Sho (Useishi) 54 Steps Minor
Bassai Dai Extract from a fortress One Gojushiho Dai 54 Steps Major
Jion Jion Temple (Love & Grace) Unsu (Unshu) Cloud Hands
Enpi Flying Swallow Nijushiho (Niseishi) 24 Steps
Jutte/Jitte Ten Hands/Technique Hands
Hangetsu (Seisan) Half Moon
Kanku Dai (Kushanku) The View of the Sky Major
Gankaku (Chinto) Rock Crane
25
Kata Application
Kata practice is one of the cornerstones of good karate training. People practice karate for a variety of
reasons, including selfdefence, physical fitness, and aesthetics, biomechanics study and as a
competition sport. Similarly, kata practice can involve various training ideologies and can enhance the
overall training experience no matter which of the above reasons one may study karate. The study of
the selfdefence applications of the movements is just one of the ways to train kata.
A few terms that gets thrown around a lot these days, often incorrectly:
Bunkai: analysis
Oyo: application
Many misinterpret bunkai to mean application. Application is just one method of analysing kata
movements. Some people think that oyo is something to the effect of "hidden meanings." Oyo is a
subset of bunkai, as application is a subset of analysis.
Levels of application study
Some consider there to be only one application for each move. Some consider there to be 5 or more
levels. Here is how one can classify the levels of application:
1. Basic punch/strike/block/kick applications.
2. Basic punch/strike/block/kick applications, involving more than just the final/primary technique.
3. Breaking out of grabs.
4. Involving more complex grappling/locks/throws/vital point strikes such that the defender (kata
performer) is not just breaking out, but also maintaining contact and often countergrabbing etc.
Most "traditional" dojo seems to limit application study to level one only, possibly substituting other
level applications for just a few moves. There is nothing wrong with studying the first level to the
point that those applications become part of the practitioners' subconscious. But let's not forget that
Shotokan and most other styles of karate up until about the 1920's involved practice of kata only.
Kata applicationnot simply the level 1 applicationswere a very integral part of karate training back
when Funakoshi Sensei started training. Isn't that actually more "traditional" a method of training,
then?
Regardless of what is more traditional, there is definitely value in devoting at least some time to the
study of the deeper levels of kata application.
Note: Not all moves include applications at all 4 levels. Some moves have more than one possible
application for a given move. Some moves can also incorporate weapons' use. Some moves can
involve applications that deviate slightly from their basic kata form, but a large deviation should not
be necessary.
Example:
Let's take the first move of Heian Shodan for an example of how one might study the various levels of
kata application. These are just some examples of possible applications. There are more, a lot more.
Level 1: Downblock or lowerlevel strike with hammerfist
Level 2: Punch and/or block before stepping into downblock or strike and/or elbow strike to back
Level 3: During intermediate move, opponent grabs right wrist. With left fist, strike opponent's wrist
to break free.
Level 4: A) For same grab as above, aim instead for opponent's elbow or shoulder, twisting opponent
down towards your left leg. Or opponent grabs left wrist with either of his hands: punch with right
arm and twist opponent over toward your left knee by bending his arm at the elbow and/or shoulder.
Or...
As you can see from the above example, the deeper levels of application are more complex and
usually require considerably more practice to reach a high level of competency. In defence of study of
level 1 application, these meanings are usually more easily taught and understood. Furthermore,
learning only one application for a given move may mean that it can be more naturally applied in a
realistic encounter, where there is no time to think. One should teach only level 1 applications until
they are understood. Then, introduce levels 24.
26
Kumite
Kumite (Sparring) Training
"Kumite" means, literally, "group hand." The "te" is the same as that of Karate ("empty hand"), thus
essentially an abbreviation for it. The "kumi" means "group" or "pair," as in "practicing Karate in
groups/pairs." Kumite is usually translated as "sparring." It can actually involve much more than
simply trying out punches and kicks with someone else, though, to which sparring is often thought to
be limited.
There are many types of kumite. Some may involve basic techniques, some free techniques. Some
may not involve actual techniques at all. The idea is to train with another person or people, not just
imagining opponents, as with kihon (basics) and kata (forms). Below are some examples of kumite
variations typically practiced in the Karate dojo and what is considered to be important training
points.
Kihonsanbon (or gohon, etc.) kumite Threestep (or five step,

etc.) basic sparring
This is usually the first type of sparring introduced to beginners. The main idea is to repeat
movements, to get students used to basic technique. It is usually the case that not enough time is
spent doing this type of sparring for most beginners. However, the techniques practiced should
sometimes be expanded to include various other basic techniques, as found in the first few kata
(traditionally, only punches are practiced as attacks in this type of sparring). Often, students are
encouraged to change timing during execution of this type of sparring. While there is nothing wrong
with this, "tricking" the opponent should not be the aim. This is basic sparring, thus the primary
emphasis should be on proper form.
Kihonippon kumite Onestep basic sparring
This is almost the same as the above multiplestep basic sparring, but involves only one step forward
by the attacker. Often, the attacks are changed to include a few basic kicks and sometimes the
defender is allowed to move off to the side, not only directly back. With all basic sparring, the
attacker announces the attack, but the defender is allowed to change the block and counter, as long
as it is done in basic form. Again, more time should be spent on this type of sparring, particularly the
numerous possible variations and emphasis should be placed on proper form, above all else.
Jiyuuippon kumite Semifree sparring (lit. free onestep)
Semifree sparring usually involves the same techniques as in basic onestep, but the attacker and
defender are allowed to move around in freesparring stance until the moment of attack/defence. The
completion of the attack and the counter should be in the full basic form. The block is sometimes
abbreviated or left out entirely if a large, powerful (basic) block is not necessary. For those under
black belt (and for many black belt holders as well), primary emphasis during this type of sparring
should also be on proper form. There are actually many possible steps to take between basic one
step and free onestep.
Jiyuu kumite Free sparring
Is "free sparring" really "free?" The attacker does not call out the intended target or type of attack
and, in most cases, both people are allowed to attack at any time. But, as grabbing and certain
attacks are not usually allowed, it is not really completely free in the sense of "anything goes." There
are many variations of jiyuukumite, ranging from two people chasing each other back and forth
across the dojo floor, to one person being attacked by a group of mock adversaries. Techniques can
be limited (e.g., only kicks). Speed can be altered. Time or space could be restricted. A specific
timing may be trained. Various levels of contact could be used. Beginners are usually not allowed to
practice free sparring, unless it is done very slowly and under the watchful eye of the instructor.
Nonsparring kumite
There are various other types of kumite drills. For example, in sets of two, one person can initiate a
movement to one side or the other, or front or back. The other person must then follow, as a mirror
image. For more advanced practice, add arm/leg techniques and speed up. There is no contact in this
example, yet it is still, officially, kumite. Other examples of kumite could involve timing drills,
distance drills or practice of kata application, for example.
27
Additional points to ponder
It is noted at several places above that proper form should usually be the primary focus during
sparring. There are, however, other points to consider. Speed, power, control and timing are
obviously important, the relativity of each dependent on the focus of the class at the time and what
the individual practitioners are attempting to accomplish. Other points are often much more subtle
and may actually be more of a primary focus at a higher level of training. For example, a more
advanced practitioner may be ready for anything during the entire time while practicing kihonippon
kumite. Psychological and awareness training may be considered after having reached a high
competence level in terms of physical form.
Proper protection should be taken in the form of shin guards, groin protectors, gum shields, chest
protectors. Injuries may have longterm effects (e.g. breast injuries in female practitioners may lead
to breast cancer). Protection is a must for small children. Of course, the level of protection depends
upon the training being undertaken and it is not necessary that each kumite session will require full
protection.
Conclusion
When practicing kumite, try to keep in mind what the aim of the practice is. It is not always just to
"try to get the other guy." Kumite is yet another learning tool. Furthermore, it is recommended that,
just as with kata and kihon, once "advanced" sparring methods are studied, the practice of more
basic sparring should not be discarded. Rather, these new methods should be added, as opposed to
substituted.
"A Karate practitioner who says he has nothing to gain from practicing basic sparring (or basic kata)
does not understand basic sparring (or basic kata)."
28
Sport versus Martial Arts
The following gives a brief comparison between what is sports karate and what is traditional karate.
The student must understand that being good in one doesn’t automatically mean you will be good in
the other. Both require different kinds of training and a different mindset. Understanding the
differences will give the student a better perspective on his/her training and what karate means in
modern times.
Sport (competition) Budo (martial art)
1) Objective: to win Ensure absolute safety
The winner is the one who scores more If, during a fight, you lose an eye, you cannot think ‘I
points than the opponent. Lost points will catch up during the next fight’.
can be gained back later. Measure:
number of sparring that are won.
2) Objective: Score during the fight Attack to vital points is essential
Consequences: emphasis on attacking. There is no referee, thus the techniques are meant to
All techniques that don’t make you be efficient, not ‘visible’. Efficient techniques, i.e.
score are usually neglected. Emphasis focusing on vital points, might not be seen as powerful
on techniques that can be easily from outside.
identified by the referees.
3) There are rules: avoid ‘dangerous’ No ‘rules’: All attacks to weak / vital points can
techniques be done.
Dangerous techniques are avoided (e.g. The training aims at learning how to protect them, thus
on the knees, genital area) as they lead a wide variety of defensive techniques. During training,
to disqualification. Therefore, they are one must keep in mind that ANY ATTACK FROM THE
neglected during training. OPPONENT CAN KILL YOU.
All attacks must be so efficient, that IF WE WISH,
they could kill.
THIS GIVES THE ORIENTATION OF THE TRAINING,
ALTHOUGH THE OBJECTIVE IS NOT TO KILL.
Funakoshi: ‘Karate ni senti nashi’ (meaning ‘in karate,
there is no advantage to attack’ or ‘there is no
offensive action in karate’). Most of katas start with a
defense. (Although one can say that the defense is
actually an attacking move acting as a defensive
technique).
Conclusion: Budo, or martial art, is multidimensional (this is why
old people can defeat ‘strong’ and young ones).
Sport brings one dimension: physical
strength with a technique (thus The physical training is deeply related to the person as
declining with the age). a whole. The technical objective is to disable the
opponent with only one stroke. Thus the importance of
vital points, precision, strength and concentration in
relation to these points at each and every stroke.
Spirit: life / death is at stake (now symbolically).
Funakoshi (in ’20 precepts of karatedo’): ‘karate do is
a complement to a right spirit / right mind’.
29
Kyu Grading Syllabus
KIHON KATA KUMITE
Novice to 9th Kyu
· Jodan oi tsuki
· Chudan oi tsuki Kihon Kata Sanbon or Gohon Kumite
· Jodan age uke
· Chudan soto uke
· Chudan uchi uke
· Jodan mae geri
· Chudan mae geri
9th to 8th Kyu
As previous grading plus Heian Sanbon or Gohon Kumite
· Chudan shuto uke Shodan
· Yoko geri keage
· Yoko geri kekomi
8th to 7th Kyu
As previous grading plus
· Sanbon tsuki Heian Nidan Sanbon or Gohon Kumite
· Age uke, gyaku tsuki
· Soto uke, gyaku tsuki
· Uchi uke, gyaku tsuki
7th to 6th Kyu Kihon ippon Kumite with
As previous grading plus jodan and chudan oi tsuki
· Sanbon tsuki Heian attacks from right and
Sandan left sides
· Age uke, gyaku tsuki
· Soto uke, gyaku tsuki
· Uchi uke, gyaku tsuki
6th to 5th Kyu As previous grading plus
As previous grading plus mae geri and yoko geri
· Soto uke, empi uchi, uraken Heian kekomi attacks
· Uchi uke, kizame tsuki, gyaku tsuki Yondan
· Shuto uke, front leg mae geri, nukite
· Mawashi geri
5th to 4th Kyu Heian Godan As previous grading
As previous grading plus
· Soto uke, empi uchi, uraken, gyaku tsuki
4th to 3rd Kyu As previous grading plus
As previous grading plus Tekki mawashi geri
· Soto uke, empi uchi, uraken, gyaku tsuki, gedan barai Shodan
· Uchi uki, kizame tsuki, gyaku tsuki, gedan barai
· Ushiro geri
3th to 2nd Kyu Jyu ippon kumite with
As previous grading plus jodan and chudan oi
· Kizame tsuki, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki Bassai Dai tsuki, chudan mae geri,
chudan yoko geri, jodan
· Mae geri, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki
mawashi geri and chudan
· Yoko geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki ushiro geri attacks
· Mawashi geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
· Ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
2nd to 1st Kyu As previous grading
As previous grading plus Bassai Dai
· Mae geri, yoko geri, mawashi geri, ushiro geri, uraken,
gyaku tsuki
30
Dan Grading Syllabus
KIHON KATA KUMITE
List (a) Candidate chooses from
All begin from freestyle kamae All items listed
List (b) Examiner chooses from
1st Kyu to 1st Dan
· Kizame tsuki, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki
· Yoko geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
Jyu Ippon Kumite with
· Mawashi geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki jodan and chudan oi tsuki,
· Ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki a. Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi,
chudan mae geri, chudan
Jion or Hangetsu.
· Mae geri, yoko geri, mawashi geri, yoko geri, jodan mawashi
ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki b. Any Heian Kata or Tekki geri and chudan ushiro
· Mae geri, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki Shodan. geri attacks
step back gedan barai, gyaku tsuki Jyu Kumite
mawashi geri, uraken, oi tsuki
· Same leg, mae geri, yoko geri,
ushiro geri all whilst maintaining
balance
1st Dan to 2nd Dan
· Kizame tsuki, oi tsuki, gyaku tsuki,
ren tsuki
· Yoko geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
· Mawashi geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
· Ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
· Kizame tsuki, mae geri, oi tsuki,
gyaku tsuki
· Chudan mae geri, same leg jodan
Jyu Ippon Kumite (Any 5
yoko geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
a. Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho, attacks, not prearranged)
· Chudam mae geri, same leg jodan
Nijushiho, Tekki Nidan or Jitte. Jyu Kumite
mawashi geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
· Jodan mawashi geri, same leg b. Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai, Enpi,
chudan yoko geri, uraken, gyaku Jion or Hangetsu.
tsuki
· Mae geri step forward, bring front
leg to rear
use rear leg yoko geri, mawashi
geri, ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku
tsuki
· Mae geri, yoko geri, mawashi geri,
ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki
· Same leg, mae geri, yoko geri,
ushiro geri, mawashi geri all whilst
maintaining balance
2nd Dan to 3rd Dan
Any 1st Dan or 2nd Dan combinations
plus: Kaishi Ippon Kumite (Pre
a. Sochin, Unsu, Gankaku, Chinte arranged attacks as for 1st
· Kizame tsuki, gyaku tsuki, mawashi or Gojushiho Sho.
geri, uraken, gyaku tsuki Dan grading)
b. Bassai Sho, Kanku Sho,
· step back gedan barai, gyaku tsuki Jyu Kumite
Nijushiho, Tekki Nidan or Jitte.
· rear leg mawashi geri and step
back, ushiro geri, uraken, gyaku
tsuki.
31

Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do

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Kihonsanbon (or gohon, etc.) kumite Threestep (or five step,