How is karate different from karate-do?
The translation of the word Karate-Do (kar-a-tay-dough) is “the way of the empty hand”. It is a form of self-defense that uses all parts of the body (hands, feet, elbows, knees, and head). Karate-Do has been passed down from generation to generation, studied and refined by many masters. The masters, all having the same goal in mind, use the body in the most efficient and effective way for self-defense. Though karate may take many years for one to become proficient in, it is the Do (way of life) that is the most difficult part to master. Do is the soul of all the Martial Arts. It is what brings meaning to Karate. Self control, discipline, humbleness, responsibility, compassion, and understanding for others are some of the characteristics of Karate-Do. It is not so much the kicking and punching that attract most people to the martial arts, as it is the belief that it can help you find your inner self and become a better person.
The translation of the word Karate-Do (kar-a-tay-dough) is “the way of the empty hand”. It is a form of self-defense that uses all parts of the body (hands, feet, elbows, knees, and head). Karate-Do has been passed down from generation to generation, studied and refined by many masters. The masters, all having the same goal in mind, use the body in the most efficient and effective way for self-defense. Though karate may take many years for one to become proficient in, it is the Do (way of life) that is the most difficult part to master. Do is the soul of all the Martial Arts. It is what brings meaning to Karate. Self control, discipline, humbleness, responsibility, compassion, and understanding for others are some of the characteristics of Karate-Do. It is not so much the kicking and punching that attract most people to the martial arts, as it is the belief that it can help you find your inner self and become a better person.
What is Shito-Ryu?
The name Shito-Ryu (Shee Toe-Roo) is the style of Karate-Do that we practice. It was founded by a prominent karate master named Kenwa Mabuni in 1922. Mr. Mabuni studied under two different maters, Master Ankoh Itosu and Master Kanryo Higaonna. The styles they taught were different, and Mr. Mabuni combined their styles as well as the masters’ names to identify this style. In Kanji, the first two letters in their names spell "Shi" and "To" which are the parts of the name Shito-Ryu. The word Ryu means style. The two styles that form Shito-Ryu are Shuri-te from Master Itosu and Naha-te style from Master Higaonna. Because Shito-Ryu was created from two different styles, it gives the practitioner much more to study. It is rich in lineage, has the widest variety of kata (forms) among the Japanese styles, and practices the principles of both styles. Shito-Ryu is among the 4 major styles of Karate-Do in Japan and the world today.
The name Shito-Ryu (Shee Toe-Roo) is the style of Karate-Do that we practice. It was founded by a prominent karate master named Kenwa Mabuni in 1922. Mr. Mabuni studied under two different maters, Master Ankoh Itosu and Master Kanryo Higaonna. The styles they taught were different, and Mr. Mabuni combined their styles as well as the masters’ names to identify this style. In Kanji, the first two letters in their names spell "Shi" and "To" which are the parts of the name Shito-Ryu. The word Ryu means style. The two styles that form Shito-Ryu are Shuri-te from Master Itosu and Naha-te style from Master Higaonna. Because Shito-Ryu was created from two different styles, it gives the practitioner much more to study. It is rich in lineage, has the widest variety of kata (forms) among the Japanese styles, and practices the principles of both styles. Shito-Ryu is among the 4 major styles of Karate-Do in Japan and the world today.
Each class is broken down into three categories, which we call the three Ks'.
Kihon (basics)
Which consists of kicking, punching, blocking, stances and much more. You may be standing in place or moving back and forth across the floor. These are the fundamentals upon which other skills are built.
Kata (forms, set patterns of movements)
As students moves up in rank, they will learn more complex katas while having to always maintain the previous ones. Kata is a very important part of our training. It helps us in many ways to improve our karate skills. The more we practice, the smoother and more natural our movements become and the better our timing becomes. Our bodies also begin to find the rhythms of the kata. As we continue to practice our katas, we begin to study how to use the movements from the katas in fighting & self defense situations, which we call "bunkai" (applications). The more experienced we become, the more we are able to use the movements, and to develop more advanced applications from them, which we call "oyo". The most important thing we can do with kata is to practice, practice, practice!
Kumite (fighting or sparring)
Beginners start off very slow and are supervised with prearranged moves and then work their way up to free fighting. Kumite is something we take very seriously. It is not until the instructor and the student feel comfortable that they can begin sparring other students. These activities are always monitored by one of the instructors to ensure the safety of all students.
Kihon (basics)
Which consists of kicking, punching, blocking, stances and much more. You may be standing in place or moving back and forth across the floor. These are the fundamentals upon which other skills are built.
Kata (forms, set patterns of movements)
As students moves up in rank, they will learn more complex katas while having to always maintain the previous ones. Kata is a very important part of our training. It helps us in many ways to improve our karate skills. The more we practice, the smoother and more natural our movements become and the better our timing becomes. Our bodies also begin to find the rhythms of the kata. As we continue to practice our katas, we begin to study how to use the movements from the katas in fighting & self defense situations, which we call "bunkai" (applications). The more experienced we become, the more we are able to use the movements, and to develop more advanced applications from them, which we call "oyo". The most important thing we can do with kata is to practice, practice, practice!
Kumite (fighting or sparring)
Beginners start off very slow and are supervised with prearranged moves and then work their way up to free fighting. Kumite is something we take very seriously. It is not until the instructor and the student feel comfortable that they can begin sparring other students. These activities are always monitored by one of the instructors to ensure the safety of all students.
Junior Classes (Ages 6-13 years of age): We make it clear that in our junior classes (boys and girls combined) our overall purpose is to build character through discipline and self-confidence. Therefore, many of the karate techniques deemed dangerous are not taught in this class. The young people are instructed to defend against punches, holds, and grabs. But, foremost, they are instructed in good attitude and manners. Most parents notice a difference in poise, agility and confidence after a short time has been spent in training. Hundreds upon hundreds have trained, and in almost every instance their attitude, respect and social life have been enhanced.
Adult Classes (Ages 14-90+ years of age): Most everyone high school age and over is assigned to the adult class. Classes are held three times a week and members may attend as often as they desire. The first three months beginners may go one hour per day. As students go up in rank, they are offered more advanced opportunities to train. People of all ages and backgrounds enjoy the training.
Testing Information
The Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai of Indiana has regularly scheduled karate-do belt/rank testing three times per year. Actual test dates will be posted in the dojo.
Testing measures your knowledge and level of technical proficiency of karate. It is intended as an evaluation of your progress and knowledge. It is not intended to identify whether an individual does “good or bad” karate.
Each test will evaluate your knowledge and proficiency in kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Kumite will not be include in the 9th kyu test. It also is used to evaluate your manners, attitude, and respect for others and yourself. Stances, blocks, kicks, strikes, speed, power, focus, balance, kiai, rhythm, concentration, spirit, coordination, movement and control will be evaluated.
All examinations are given at the discretion of the head instructor. All kyu examinations are conducted by the head instructor of the Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai of Indiana, Dawn Anderson. All dan (black/red belt) examinations are conducted exclusively by Sensei Thanh Nguyen, Chief Instructor of Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai International.
The Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai of Indiana has regularly scheduled karate-do belt/rank testing three times per year. Actual test dates will be posted in the dojo.
Testing measures your knowledge and level of technical proficiency of karate. It is intended as an evaluation of your progress and knowledge. It is not intended to identify whether an individual does “good or bad” karate.
Each test will evaluate your knowledge and proficiency in kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring). Kumite will not be include in the 9th kyu test. It also is used to evaluate your manners, attitude, and respect for others and yourself. Stances, blocks, kicks, strikes, speed, power, focus, balance, kiai, rhythm, concentration, spirit, coordination, movement and control will be evaluated.
All examinations are given at the discretion of the head instructor. All kyu examinations are conducted by the head instructor of the Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai of Indiana, Dawn Anderson. All dan (black/red belt) examinations are conducted exclusively by Sensei Thanh Nguyen, Chief Instructor of Japan Karate-Do Genbu-Kai International.