What’s New for White Belts?

About Karate

Karate is a Japanese word meaning “empty hand.”  Karate is a practical means to defend yourself using only your own body – your fists, fingers, elbows, knees, shins and feet.  All styles of karate must have their roots in Okinawa.  If a martial arts style cannot trace its lineage back to Okinawa it is not karate. Be aware. There are many self-proclaimed “karate studios” that call themselves karate but are truly Korean in origin or are completely fabricated and have no validity at all.

Why practice karate?

Only you can say why you personally have decided to practice karate.  There are many good reasons.  Physical fitness, improved coordination, self-discipline, a strong body and a focused mind are some of the positive benefits of karate.  Some people mention self-defense as their reason to practice karate, but the benefits of self-defense come only after much study.  Many people start for one reason and decide to continue for quite another.

Kōburyū – Our Style of Karate

Our style of karate and kobudō is called Kōburyū.  Kōburyū was established in January 2000, by Kinjō Takashi. You will often hear Kinjō Takashi referred to as Kaichō or Kinjō Kaichō.  Kaichō is a term meaning president of an organization. 

What is a dōjō?

The dōjō is the place where you practice martial arts. The dōjō’s wide-open spaces, cushioning floors and mirrored walls provide a safe and practical training area. 

You have a responsibility to help keep the dōjō tidy.  Hang your coat on the hooks provided and put your shoes neatly in the area provided. Always help put away equipment used in class.  Do not wait to be asked!

As you leave the dōjō keep in mind that you represent karate to the outside world, especially when wearing logo clothing.

How often should I come to class?

It is important to come to class at least twice a week.  If you cannot make it to class twice a week you may forget previous lessons or miss out entirely on valuable new instruction.  You may find yourself in the awkward position of knowing less than students who started karate training after you!  Do not fall behind.  You may become frustrated with your progress in karate.  Remember that karate was designed for the physically fit.  Regular attendance is important for physical conditioning, as well. Always pay close attention during class.  As a beginner it is enough to follow along and do the best you can. You will soon improve.

Be Timely

Class will begin and end on time. If the class starts at 7 pm, that does not mean you can arrive at the dōjō at 7 pm. Be on the dōjō floor, dressed and ready to go. The class will not wait for you. Spare yourself the embarrassment of having to ask to join a class already in progress. If you are early, then stretch and warm up.

Personal Safety and Security

For the safety of those you work out with, keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed. Similarly, remove all jewelry before class. Jewelry can become damaged, but it can also cause injury. Please leave all valuables at home. The instructors cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Class Time Etiquette:

• Always bow before entering and leaving the dōjō floor.
• Should you be late, ask permission before entering the dōjō floor.
• Do not leave the dōjō floor during class without asking for permission from the instructor.
• If you do not feel well, raise your hand to get the instructor’s attention. 
• Do not chat with fellow students during class.
• Do not chat with people who are watching class or walking by.
• Do not openly yawn.  This is disrespectful. If you must yawn, at least cover your mouth.
• Do not chew gum during class.

Lining Up

You will be asked to line up at the beginning and end of class. Position yourself so the more advanced students are to your left and students who started training after you are on your right.

What’s all the yelling about?

The spirited karate yell is called a ki·ai.  Ki·ai literally means “energy blend.”  The idea is to bring forth your energy and blend it with the energy of the universe.  The karate yell should be loud.   It should come from your diaphragm and not from your throat.  It should not be high-pitched and squeaky or strangled in sound.

Many beginning karate students are very shy about ki·ai.  They often ask what they should say when they ki·ai.  The one thing you should never yell is “Ki·ai!”  That is like going out on the playground and yelling “Yell!”  The sound of your kiai will be uniquely yours.  Let it out.  No one will ever tell you your ki·ai is too loud.

What do you call the karate instructor?

The word for teacher in Japanese is sensei.  You should call your karate instructor sensei both inside the dōjō and everywhere else. 

You may hear your sensei addressed as shihan.  Shihan is a special title meaning something like master or expert teacher.  A shihan should be addressed as shihan rather than sensei. 

You may add the instructor’s name before or after the title.  For example, you may say Sensei Jim or Jim Sensei. Depending on how much formality the situation calls for, you may use the person’s last name: Shihan Jones or Jones Shihan.

Kaichō is a title meaning chairman or president of an association. Kinjō Takashi is the head of our Kōburyū organization. As the originator and current head of Kōburyū, he is more properly called Sōke Kaichō Kinjō. That’s a bit of a mouthful so Kinjō Kaichō is just fine. There are also three state kaichō in the US: Frank and Sue Crow and Wayne Kroll. The state kaichō are referred to as kaichō, too.

What do you call your fellow students?

The students that started Kōburyū training before you are your senpai. You can use senpai as a title, so Jane can be addressed as Senpai Jane or Jane Senpai.

The students that begin Kōburyū training after you are your kōhai. Do not use kōhai as a title. That would be a little insulting.

Be Positive

In English, if addressed by a person of authority, we would politely respond with a spirited “Yes, sir!” or “Yes, ma’am!” It’s no different in karate class. “Hai” is the word for “yes” in Japanese. Show your enthusiasm and willingness to learn by responding with a strong voice.  However, strong voice does not mean shouting at the top of your lungs. Save that volume for your ki-ai.

One complication: you should respond appropriate to the instructor’s title. For example :

The Uniform

The uniform for practicing karate is called a dōgi.  Dōgi is often shortened to gi.   It also may be called your karate gi.  It is designed to have plenty of room for movements like kicking and punching.  The most comfortable dōgi are made of white cotton for coolness and absorbency, since you will sweat during practice! 

The uniform for our style of karate, Kōburyū, is the traditional white but the kobudō uniform is black.

Care of Your Uniform

Show proper respect for the uniform itself. For the benefit of your sensei and fellow students, please keep your uniform clean. Do not wear your uniform to class. After class, fold your uniform carefully and correctly and place it in a bag for carrying back and forth to the dōjō. If you do not carry your uniform in a bag, tie your belt around your folded dōgi.  This makes a convenient carrying handle and keeps your dōgi neatly folded.

How to Fold Your Uniform

Like most activities in karate, there is a correct way to fold your uniform:

The Belt

A karate student wears a belt or sash called an obi.  The obi for each level of karate training is different.  Usually it is a different color, but sometimes only a stripe is added.  The beginning karate student’s obi is white.  Learn to tie your belt. Should your belt become unfastened during class, turn away from the instructor or your partner, quickly re-tie it and then turn back.

You will be expected to follow a few Japanese customs and manners.  Why is this important?  Karate originated in Okinawa, a prefecture (like a state) of Japan.    The head of our organization in Okinawa is Japanese.  Behavior appropriate to a traditional karate dōjō demonstrates respect for the Japanese culture and reflects well on your karate training.

The Bow

Rei is the Japanese word for bow.  Bowing is a tradition in Okinawa and Japan, much like shaking hands is traditional in the U.S.  The purpose of bowing is to demonstrate humility and respect.  Some people believe that bowing to another person shows subservience.  No more than a handshake does.

How To Bow

A karate bow is not at all the same as a theatrical bow.  A karate bow bends at the waist only.  The back stays straight.  The head stays in alignment with the back.  As your back bends your line of vision will angle down.  Do not look up as you bow.  To look is to imply that you do not trust the person to whom you are bowing.  That would not be polite!  Leave your hands at your side as you bow.  You will have to bend your elbows slightly as you bow so the hands will not slide down along your legs.

As a general rule, bow no more than to a forty-five degree angle.  Bowing too low or too long begins to seem like false humility or mockery. 

When you bow to a person of rank or authority, make sure your bow is slightly lower and stays bent slightly longer as a sign of respect. 

When do I bow?

Karate students must always bow before entering and leaving the dōjō floor, showing respect for the tradition of karate and humble acknowledgement that you are ready to learn.  There are many additional times when bowing to your instructor or to your fellow students is appropriate, again showing respect, humility and a willingness to learn.

Sanchin

The first kata that you learn is called Sanchin.  Sanchin means three battles.  The three battles of Sanchin are order of movement, form and breathing.  We practice Sanchin to learn focus, proper breathing and how to move while tightening the muscles of the body to prevent injury.  At this point in your training you should not yet be working on tight body.  Relax.  Pay close attention to stance, posture and focus. 

When the sensei begins the kata, he will often say Sanchin No Kata instead of just Sanchin.  This is something like saying “Sanchin the Form” rather than leaving you guessing as to whether the basic version, the form or some other version is required.

The Stance of Sanchin

Sanchin Dachi

Sanchin dachi is the stance that you use when performing the kata, Sanchin.

The word tachi (-dachi) means stance.  Pay close attention to the details for every stance.  Know how far apart your feet should be from side to side, how long the stance should be and the angle of the feet.  Stance is not just placement of the feet.  Know how far to bend the knees and correctly position the hips and shoulders.

How To Correctly Make Sanchin Dachi

1. Start with your feet side by side.
2. Place one foot at right angles to the other at the widest part of the foot.
3. Set your foot down outside of the distance marked by your toe. 
4. Move your foot forward so that the heel is just in front of an imaginary line. 
5. Rotating on the ball of the foot turn the heel out.
6. Bend knees just until you can’t see your toes.  Hips are slightly angled toward the front foot.  Your weight should be centered (star) and your back straight.  Your toes should press against the floor.

It is fine to look down once in a while to check your stance, but don’t let this become a habit.  Learn to use the mirrors.  Better yet, practice stepping until you can step into the correct stance every time without looking.  Start now to develop good karate habits.

The Benefits of Sanchin Dachi

Sanchin dachi is a compact stance with your weight centered between your feet, allowing you to step quickly in any direction.  You can kick with either the front or back foot without shifting your weight which telegraphs your kick. if your sanchin dachi is correct you will be stable and well-balanced. The sensei may test this by pushing gently against your stomach or back.

Other Stances of Sanchin

When you are called to attention you should stand with your heels together and your toes angled out.

When you are given the command to prepare (Yōi!) you should step to about shoulder width with your left foot. Both feet should be parallel with each other when you complete the step. This is also the stance to return to when you finish the exercise or kata. Be sure to step back with your left foot, too.

 When you are given the command to begin Kihon Zuki you should step into a stance about twice shoulder width. Again, step out and back with your left foot.

Testing for Promotion

Yes, you will be expected to test. The good news is you will not be asked to test until you are ready.

The Purpose of Having a Test

There are many good reasons for having a karate test.  Knowing that you have a test coming up may cause you to pay closer attention in class.  It’s a good time to polish up techniques and make sure you have not been relying too much on the senior student’s lead.  Most students find that tests make them nervous.  This is to be expected.  Practicing hard and knowing the material well will help you do well, even when nervous.  Passing the test will give you a feeling of accomplishment.  You may find that you approach your new level with increased enthusiasm and positive attitude.  Remember that there are also increased responsibilities as you advance in rank.

Test Preparation

The best preparation for a test is regular class attendance. Know what the requirements are and pay close attention to the details. You will, of course, be nervous. Knowing the expected material will give you confidence so you can do your best.

As a white belt, it is important to watch other students test, even though you may not be testing yourself.  You will learn a lot by watching tests: 

• You will know what to expect so that you won’t feel so nervous when it is your turn to test. 
• You will learn how to act.  Like everything else in karate, there is an expected way of doing things.
• If someone does something especially well you can copy them, making your own technique or behavior better.
• By listening to the comments and corrections, you can avoid making the same errors. 
• Watching a test shows support for the students who are testing.

You Pass!

You can now wear the yellow belt. Take pride in your achievement, but know that there are new challenges ahead.

Do I have to learn Japanese?

The amount of Japanese that you will be expected to understand varies from dojo to dojo and from sensei to sensei. The Japanese that you hear in karate class will not be hard to learn because you will hear the words so often.  For example, you will quickly learn to count to ten in Japanese because you will hear and say the numbers many times during a class.

The Numbers From 1 to 10

You will be expected to count to 10 in Japanese for your first karate test.  To help you on your way, the numbers are listed below.  When the count is said quickly the the last vowel sound can become quite short.