2006-03-26T03:16:00.000-08:00

Sport Karate vs Traditional Karate

I am often asked "Sensei which is the best style/art etc.
I can tell you the differences are down to the interpretations of the instructor who is teaching the art/style.
If the instructor is only into competition then the chances are he/she will teach what they are good at and more importantly what they like doing. A good instructor is an all rounder who understands the need for strong kihon, kata and kumite but for those students who want to compete in tournaments the opportunity is there - so competitions are an extra. Lets not forget a lot of clubs recieve recognition for students winning high profile competitions so this in turn attracts new students to the dojo. My advise to anyone who wants it is there is only so many different ways you can use your arms and legs so there is no bad martial arts - just bad martial artists!
Train hard and consistantly be humble, trust your Instructor become all that you can be this is true Budo.

2006-03-16T05:19:00.000-08:00

Japanese Terminology
*Note Japanese terminology that are listed is not unique to Karate*

AGE UKE
Upward Block.
AGE ZUKI
Rising Punch.
AIUCHI
"Simultaneous Scoring Technique." No point awarded to either contestant. Referee brings fists together in front of the chest.
AKA
Red
AKA (SHIRO) IPPON
"Red (White) Scores Ippon." The Referee obliquely raises his arm on the side of the winner (as in ...NO KACHI).
AKA (SHIRO) NO KACHI
"Red (White) Wins!" The Referee obliquely raises his arm on the side of the winner.
ASHI BARAI
Foot Sweep.
ASHI WAZA
Name given to all leg and foot techniques..
ATEMI WAZA
Striking techniques that are normally used in conjunction with grappling and throwing techniques.
ATENAI YONI
"Warning without penalty." This may be imposed for attended minor infractions or for the first instance of a minor inforaction. The Referee raises one hand in a fist with the other hand covering it at chest level and shows it to the offender.
ATOSHI BARAKU
"A little more time left." An audible signal will be given by the time keeper 30 seconds before the actual end of the bout.
ATTATE IRU
"Contact"
AWASE UKE
Joined Hand Block.
AWASE ZUKI
U Punch. Also referred to as MOROTE ZUKI.
AYUMI DACHI
A stance found in ITOSU-KAI SHITO-RYU. It is a natural "Walking" stance with the weight over the center.
BO
Staff. A long stick used as a weapon (approximately 6 feet long).
BUDO
Martial way. The Japanese character for "BU" (martial) is derived from characters meaning "stop" and (a weapon like a) "halberd." In conjunction, then, "BU" may have the connotation "to stop the halberd." In Karate, there is an assumption that the best way to prevent violent conflict is to emphasize the cultivation of individual character. The way (DO) of Karate is thus equivalent to the way of BU, taken in this sense of preventing or avoiding violence so far as possible.
BUNKAI
A study of the techniques and applications in KATA.
CHOKU ZUKI
Straight Punch.
CHUDAN
Mid-section. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
CHUDAN ZUKI
A punch to the mid-section of the opponent's body.
CHUI
"Warning"
COUNTING TO 10 IN JAPANESE
1. Ichi
2. Ni
3. San
4. Shi
5. Go
6. Roku
7. Shichi
8. Hachi
9. Kyu or Ku
10. Ju
DANI
Lever, Rank or Degree. Black Belt rank. Ranks under Black Belt are called KYU ranks.
DO
Way/path. The Japanese character for "DO" is the same as the Chinese character for Tao (as in "Taoism"). In Karate, the connotation is that of a way of attaining enlightenment or a way of improving one's character through traditional training.
DOJO
Literally "place of the Way." Also "place of enlightenment." The place where we practice Karate. Traditional etiquette prescribes bowing in the direction of the designated front of the dojo (SHOMEN) whenever entering or leaving the dojo.
DOMO ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA
Japanese for "thank you very much." At the end of each class, it is proper to bow and thank the instructor and those with whom you've trained.
EKKU
A Wooden oar used by the Okinawans which was imporovised as a weapon.
EMBUSEN
Floor pattern of a given kata.
EMPI
(1) One the Black Belt level KATA, translated as "The Flight of a Sparrow".
(2) Elbow. Sometimes referred to as HIJI.
EMPI UCHI
elbow strike (also called HIJI-ATE)
ENCHO-SEN
"Extension." After a draw, the match goes into overtime. Referee reopens match with command "SHOBU HAJIME."
FUDO DACHI
Immovable Stance. Also referred to as SOCHIN DACHI.
FUJUBUN
"Not enough power"
FUKUSHIN SHUGO
"Judges Conference"
FUMIKOMI
Stomp kick, usually applied to the knee, shin, or instep of an opponent.
GANKAKU DACHI
Crane Stance, sometimes referred to as TSURU ASHI DACHI and SAGI ASHI DACHI.
GASSHUKUA
special training camp.
GEDAN
Lower section. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
GEDAN BARAI
Downward Block.
GEDAN UDE UKE
Low Forearm Block.
GEDAN ZUKI
A punch to the lower section of the opponent's body.
GI (DO GI) (KEIKO GI) (KARATE GI)
Training costume. In JKR and in most other traditional Japanese and Okinawan Karate Dojo, the GI must be white and cotton (Synthetics with Cotton allowed). The only markings allowed are the JKR patch on the left breast area and the person's name at the front bottom corner of the jacket.
GO NO SEN
The tactic where one allows the opponent to attack first so to open up targets for counteracttack.
GOHON KUMITE
Five step basic sparring. The attacker steps in five consecutive times with a striking technique with each step. The defender steps back five times, blocking each technique. After the fifth block, the defender executes a counter-strike.
GYAKU MAWASHI GERI
Reverse Round-house Kick.
GYAKU ZUKI
Reverse Punch.
HACHIJI DACHI
A natural stance, feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with feet pointed slightly outward.
HAI
"Yes".
HAISHU UCHI
A strike with the back of the hand.
HAISHU UKE
A block using the back of the hand.
HAITO UCHI
Ridge-hand Strike.
HAJIME
"Begin". A command given to start a given drill, Kata, or Kumite.
HANGETSU
A Black Belt level Kata.
HANGETSU DACHI
"Half-Moon" Stance.
HANSHI
"Master." An honorary title given to the highest Black Belt of an organization, signifying their understanding of their art.
HANSOKU
"Foul." This is imposed following a very serious infraction. It results in the opponent's score being raised to SANBON.
HANSOKU is also invoked when the number of HANSOKU-CHUI and KEIKOKU imposed raise the opponent's score to SANBON.
The Referee points with his index finger tot he face of the offender at a 45 degree angle and announces a victory for the opponent.
HANSOKU CHUI
"Warning with an IPPON penalty. This is a penalty in which IPPON is added to the opponent's score. HANSOKU-CHUI is usually imposed for infractions for which a KEIKOKU has previously been given in that bout. The Referee points with his index finger to the abdomen of the offender of the offender parallel to the floor.
HANTEI
"Judgment." Referee calls for judgment by blowing his whistle and the Judges render their decision by flag signal.
HANTEI KACHI
"Winner by decision".
HARAI TE
Sweeping technique with the arm.
HARAI WAZA
Sweeping techniques.
HASAMI ZUKI
Scissor Punch.
HEIKO DACHI
A natural stance. Feet positioned about one shoulder width apart, with feet pointed straight forward. Some Kata begin from this position.
HEIKO DACHI (HIGAONNA LINE)
A Heiko Dachi stance, where the front foot is turned slightly inwards while the rear foot is straight. This stance is found in the Shinpa kata.
HEIKO ZUKI
"Parallel Punch" (A double, simultaneous punch).
HEISOKU DACHI
An informal attention stance. Feet are together and pointed straight forward.
HENKA WAZA
Techniques used after OYO WAZA is applied. HENKA WAZA is varied and many, dependent on the given condition.
HIDARI
"Left".
HIJI
"Elbow", also known as Empi.
HIJI ATEMI
Elbow Strikes.
HIJI UKE
A blocking action using the elbow.
HIJI-ATE
elbow strike (also called EMPI-UCHI)
HIKI-TE
The retracting (pulling and twisting) arm during a technique. It gives the balance of power to the forward moving technique. It can also be used as a pulling technique after a grab, or a strike backward with the elbow.
HIKIWAKE
"Draw." Referee crosses arms over chest, then uncrosses and holds arms out from the body with the palms showing upwards.
HITOSASHI IPPON KEN
Forefinger Knuckle.
HIZA GERI
Knee Kick.
HIZA UKE
A blocking action using the knee.
HOMBU DOJO
A term used to refer to the central dojo of an organization.
HORAN NO KAMAE
"Egg in the Nest Ready Position." A "ready" position used in some KATA where the fist in covered by the other hand.
INASU
evasion of an on-coming attack through the course of removing the body from the line of attack.
IPPON KEN
"One Knuckle Fist".
IPPON KUMITE
One step sparring.
IPPON NUKITE
A stabbing action using the extended index finger.
IPPON SHOBU
One point match, used in tournaments.
IRIMI
to penetrate, to enter. Usually describes moving closer to the opponent than the attack as you close in defense.
JIKAN
"Time".
JIYU IPPON KUMITE
One step free sparring. The participants can attack with any technique whenever ready.
JIYU KUMITE
Free Sparring.
JO
Wooden staff about 4'-5' in length. The JO originated as a walking stick.
JODAN
Upper level. During the practice of KIHON IPPON KUMITE (one step basic sparring), the attacker will normally announce where he/she will attack JODAN, CHUDAN, or GEDAN (Upper level, Mid-level, or lower level).
JOGAI
"Exit from fighting area." The Referee points with his index finger at a 45 degree angle to the area boundary on the side of the offender.
JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI
"Fourth and Final Exit from the fighting area." Fourth exit from the fighting area causes victory to the opponent.
JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI
"Third exit from fighting area". Referee uses two hand signals with announcement "AKA (or SHIRO) JOGAI HANSOKU CHUI".
He first points with his index finger to the match boundary on the side of the offender, then to the offender's abdomen. An IPPON is awarded to the opponent.
JOGAI KEIKOKU
"Second exit from fighting area." WAZA-ARI penalty is given to the opponent.
JUJI UKE
X Block.
JUN ZUKI
The WADO RYU term for OI-ZUKI.
KACHI
Victorious. (e.g., AKA KACHI) in a tournament.
KAGI ZUKI
Hook Punch.
KAISHO
Open hand. This refers to the type of blow which is delivered with the open palm. It can also be used to describe other hand blows in which the fist is not fully clenched.
KAKE-TE
Hook Block.
KAKIWAKE
A two handed block using the outer surface of the wrist to neutralize a two-handed attack, such as a grab.
KAKUSHI WAZA
"Hidden techniques."
KAKUTO UCHI
Wrist joint strike. Also known as "KO UCHI."
KAKUTO UKE
Wrist Joint Block. Also known as KO UKE.
KAMAE
A posture or stance either with or without a weapon. KAMAE may also connote proper distance (Ma-ai) with respect to one's partner. Although "KAMAE" generally refers to a physical stance, there is an important prallel in Karate between one's physical and one's psychological bearing. Adopting a strong physical stance helps to promote the correlative adoption of a strong psychological attitude. It is important to try so far as possible to maintain a positive and strong mental bearing in Karate.
KAMAE-TE
A command given by the instructor for students to get into position.
KAPPO
Techniques of resuscitating people who have succumbed to a shock to the nervous system.
KARATE
"Empty Hand". When Karate was first introduced to Japan, it was called "TO-DE". The characters of TODE could be pronounced. However, the meaning of TODE is Chinese Hand.
KARATE-DO
"The Way of Karate". This implies not only the physical aspect of Karate, but also the mental and social aspects of Karate.
KARATEKA
A practitioner of Karate.
KATA
A "form" or prescribed pattern of movement. (But also "shoulder.")
KEAGE
Snap Kick. (Literally, Kick upward).
KEIKO
(1) Training. The only secret to success in Karate.
(2) Joined Fingertips.
KEIKOKU
"Warning with WAZA-ARI penalty in SANBON SHOBU. This is a penalty in which WAZA-ARI is added to the opponent's score. KEIKOKU is imposed for minor infractions for which a warning has previously been given in that bout, or for infractions not sufficiently serious enough to merit HANSOKU-CHUI. Referee points with his indes finger to the feet of the offender at an angle of 45 degrees.
KEKOMI
Thrust Kick ( Literally, Kick Into/Straight ).
KEMPO
"Fist Law." A generic term to describe fighting systems that uses the fist. In this regard, KARATE is also KEMPO.
KENSEI
The technique with silent KIAI. Related to meditation.
KENTSUI
Hammer Fist Also known as TETTSUI.
KENTSUI UCHI (Or TETTSUI UCHI)
Hammer Fist Stike.
KERI
Kick.
KI
Mind. Spirit. Energy. Vital-force. Intention. (Chinese "chi") The definitions presented here are very general. KI is one word that cannot be translated directly into any language.
KI-O-TSUKE
"Attention". Musubi Dachi with open hands down both sides.
KIAI
A shout delivered for the purpose of focusing all of one's energy into a single movement. Even when audible KIAI are absent, one should try to preserve the feeling of KIAI at certain crucial points within Karate techniques. Manifestation of KI (simultaneous union of spirit and expression of physical strength).
KIBA DACHI
Staddle Stance. Also known as NAIFANCHI or NAIHANCHI DACHI.
KIHON
(Something which is) fundamental. Basic techniques.
KIKEN
"Renunciation." The Referee points one index finger towards the contestant.
KIME
Focus of Power.
KIZAMI ZUKI
Jab Punch.
KO BO ICHI
The concept of "Attack-Defence Connection".
KO UCHI
Wrist joint strike. Also known as KAKUTO UCHI.
KO UKE
"Crane Block" or "Arch Block". Same as KAKUTO UKE.
KOHAI
A student junior to oneself.
KOKEN
Wrist Joint.
KOKORO
"Spirit, Heart." In Japanese culture, the spirit dwells in the Heart.
KOKUTSU DACHI
A stance which has most of the weight to the back. Referred to in English as Back Stance.
KOSA DACHI
Crossed-Leg Stance.
KOSHIN
Rearward.
KUATSU
The method of resuscitating a person who has lost consciousness due to strangulation or shock.
KUBOTAN
A self-defense tool developed by TAKAYUKI KUBOTA. This tool serves normally as a key chain.
KUMADE
Bear hand.
KYOSHI
"knowledgeable person," and usually this title is conferred at rokudan or shichidan, depending on system. I think the most common practice in the large organizations is for this to be at shichidan (7th dan).
KYU
"Grade". Any rank below Shodan.
KYUSHO WAZA
Pressure Point techniques.
MA-AI
Proper distancing or timing with respect to one's partner. Since Karate techniques always vary according to circumstances, it is important to understand how differences in initial position affect the timing and application of techniques.
MAAI GA TOH
"not proper distance"
MAE
Front.
MAE ASHI GERI
Kicking with the front leg.
MAE EMPI
Forward Elbow Strike.
MAE GERI KEAGE
Front Snap Kick. Also referred to as MAE KEAGE.
MAE GERI KEKOMI
Front Thrust Kick. Also referred to as MAE KEKOMI.
MAE UKEMI
forward fall/roll.
MAKOTO
A feeling of absolute sincerity and total frankness, which requires a pure mind, free from pressure of events.
MANABU
"Learning by imitating." A method of studying movement and techniques by following and imitating the instructor.
MANJI UKE
A Double block where one arm executes GEDAN BARAI to one side, while the other arm executes JODAN UCHI UKE (or JODAN SOTO YOKO TE).
MATTE
"Wait".
MAWASHI EMPI UCHI
Circular Elbow Strike. Also referred to as MAWASHI HIJI ATE.
MAWASHI GERI
Roundhouse Kick.
MAWASHI HIJI ATE
Circular Elbow Strike. Also referred to as MAWASHI EMPI UCHI.
MAWASHI ZUKI
Roundhouse Punch.
MAWAT-TE
A command given by the instructor for students to turn around.
MIENAI
"I could not see." A call by a judge to indicate that a given technique was not visible form his/her angle.
MIGI
Right.
MIKAZUKI GERI
Crescent Kick.
MOKUSO
Meditation. Practice often begins or ends with a brief period of meditation. The purpose of meditation is to clear one's mind and to develop cognitive equanimity. Perhaps more importantly, meditation is an opportunity to become aware of conditioned patterns of thought and behavior so that such patterns can be modified, eliminated or more efficiently put to use.
MOROTE UKE
Augmented Block. One arm and fist support the other arm in a block.
MOROTE ZUKI
U-Punch. Punching with both fists simultaneously. Also referred to as AWASE ZUKI.
MOTO NO ICHI
"Original Position." Contestants, Referee and Judge return to their respective standing lines.
MUDANSHA
Students without black-belt ranking.
MUMOBI
"Warning for lack of regard for ones own safety." Referee points one index finger in the air at a 60 degree angle on the side of the offender.
ONEGAI SHIMASU
"I welcome you to train with me," or literally, "I make a request." This is said to one's partner when initiating practice.
OSAE UKE
Pressing Block.
OTOSHI EMPI UCHI
An elbow strike by dropping the elbow. Also referred to as Otoshi Hiji Ate.
OYAYUBI IPPON KEN
Thumb Knuckle.
OYO WAZA
Applications interpreted from techniques in Kata, implicated according to a given condition.
REI
"Respect". A method of showing respect in Japanese culture is the Bow. It is proper for the junior person bows lower than the senior person.
REIGI
Etiquette. Also referred to as REISHIKI. Observance of proper etiquette at all times (but especially observance of proper DOJO etiquette) is as much a part of one's training as the practice of techniques. Observation of etiquette indicates one's sincerity, one's willingness to learn, and one's recognition of the rights and interests of others.
REINOJI DACHI
A stance with feet making a 'L-shape.'
RENSEI
Practice Tournament. Competitors are critiqued on their performances.
RENSHI
"A person who has mastered oneself." This person is considered an expert instructor. This status is prerequisite before attaining the status as KYOSHI. Renshi "has a name." Renshi is no longer one of the many, so to speak. Renshi is usually given at yodan to rokudan, depending on the system.
SAGI ASHI DACHI
One Leg Stance. Also referred to as GANKAKU DACHI or TSURU ASHI DACHI.
SAI
An Okinawan weapon that is shaped like the Greek letter 'Psi' with the middle being much longer.
SANBON KUMITE
Three Step Sparring.
SANBON SHOBU
Three Point match. Used in tournaments.
SANCHIN DACHI
Hour-glass Stance.
SASHITE
Raising of the hand either to strike, grab, or block.
SEIKEN
Forefist.
SEIRYUTO
Bull Strike. A hand technique delivered with the base of the SHUTO (Knife hand).
SEIZA
A proper sitting position. Sitting on one's knees. Sitting this way requires acclimatization, but provides both a stable base and greater ease of movement than sitting cross-legged. It is used for the formal opening and closing of the class.
SEMPAI
A senior student.
SEN NO SEN
Attacking at the exact moment when the opponent attacks.
SEN SEN NO SEN
Attacking before the opponent attacks. Preemptive attack.
SENSEI
Teacher. It is usually considered proper to address the instructor during practice as "Sensei" rather than by his/her name. If the instructor is a permanent instructor for one's DOJO or for an organization, it is proper to address him/her as "Sensei" off the mat as well.
SHIAI
A match or a contest (Event).
SHIDOIN
Formally recognized Instructor who has not yet be recognized as a SENSEI. Assistant Instructor.
SHIHAN
A formal title meaning, approximately, "master instructor." A "teacher of teachers." Hanshi is "wise" or sage-like, hence the common translation of "master." Shinan may be an alternative pronunciation.
SHIKKAKU
"Disqualification." This is a disqualification from the actual tournament, competition, or match. The opponent's score is raised to SANBON. In order to define the limit of SHIKKAKU, the Referee Council must be consulted. SHIKKAKU may be invoked when a contestant commits an act which harms the prestige and honor of Karate-Do and when other actions are considered to violate the rules of the tournament. Referee uses two hand signals with the announcement "AKA (SHIRO) - SHIKKAKU." He first points with his index to the offender's face then obliquely above and behind him. The Referee will announce with the appropriate gesture as previously given "AKA (SHIRO) NO KACHI!"
SHIKO DACHI
Square Stance. A stance often used in Goju-Ryu and Shito-Ryu.
SHIRO
White
SHIZENTAI
Natural Position. The body remains relaxed but alert.
SHOBU HAJIME
"Start the Extended Bout."
SHOBU SANBON HAJIME
"Start the Bout"
SHOMEN
Front or top of head. Also the designated front of a Dojo.
SHUGO
"Judges Called." The Referee beckons with his arms to the Judges.
SHUTO UKE
Knife-hand Block.
SOCHIN DACHI
Immovable Stance. Also referred to as FUDO DACHI.
SOKUTO
Edge of foot. This term is often used to refer to the side thrust kick.
SOTO (UDE) UKE
Outside (Forearm) Block.
BOGYO ROKU KYODO.
SUKUI TE
SUKUI UKE
Scooping Block.
SUWARI WAZA
Techniques from a sitting position.
TAI SABAKI
Body movement/shifting.
TAIMING GA OSOI
"Not proper timing"
TATE EMPI
Upward Elbow Strike.
TATE URAKEN UCHI
Vertical back-fist attack.
TATE ZUKI
Vertical Punch. A fist punch with the palm along a verticalplane.
TEIJI DACHI
A Stance with the feet in a 'T-shape.'
TEISHO UCHI
Palm Heel Strike.
TEISHO UKE
Palm Heel Block.
TETTSUI UCHI
Hammer Strike. Also called KENTSUI.
TOBI GERI
Jump Kick.
TONFA
A farm tool developed into a weapon by the Okinawans.
TORANAI
"No Point"
TORIMASEN
"Unacceptable as scoring techniques." As HIKIWAKE, but culminating with the palms facing downwards towards body.
TORIMASEN
"Unacceptable as scoring techniques." As HIKIWAKE, but culminating with the palms facing downwards towards body.
TSUKAMI WAZA
Catching technique. A blocking technique by seizing the opponent's weapon, arm, or leg. Used often for grappling techniques.
TSUKAMI WAZA
Catching technique. A blocking technique by seizing the opponent's weapon, arm, or leg. Used often for grappling techniques.
TSUKI
A punch or thrust (esp. an attack to the midsection).
TSUKI
A punch or thrust (esp. an attack to the midsection).
TSURU ASHI DACHI
Crane Stance, also referred to as GANKAKU DACHI and SAGI ASHI DACHI.
TSURU ASHI DACHI
Crane Stance, also referred to as GANKAKU DACHI and SAGI ASHI DACHI.
TSUZUKETE
"Fight On!" Resumption of fighting ordered when unauthorized interruption occurs.
.
TSUZUKETE HAJIME
"Resume Fighting - Begin!" Referee standing upon his line, steps back into ZENKUTSU DACHI and brings the palms of this hands toward each other.
TUITE
Grappling skills.
UCHI (UDE) UKE
Inside (Forearm) Block.
UCHI DESHI
A live-in student. A student who lives in a dojo and devotes him/herself both to training and to the maintenence of the dojo (and sometimes to personal service to the SENSEI of the dojo).
UCHI MAWASHI GERI
Inside Roundhouse Kick.
UKE
Block.
UKEMI WAZA
Breakfall techniques.
URA ZUKI
An upper cut punch used at close range.
URAKEN
Back Knuckle.
USHIRO EMPI UCHI
Striking to the rear with the elbow.
USHIRO GERI
Back Kick.
WAZA
Technique(s).
WAZA ARI
"Half point"
YAMA ZUKI
Mountain Punch. A wide U-shaped dual punch.
YAME
Stop!
YASUMI
Rest. A term used by the instructor to have the students relax, normally following a long series of drills.
YOI
Ready.
YOKO
Side.
YOKO GERI KEAGE
Side Snap Kick. Also referred to as YOKO KEAGE.
YOKO GERI KEKOMI
Side Thrust Kick. Also referred to as YOKO KEKOMI.
YOKO MAWASHI EMPI UCHI
Striking with the elbow to the side.
YOKO TOBI GERI
Flying Side Kick.
YOWAI
"Weak Focus"
YUDANSHA
Black belt holder (any rank).
ZA-REI
The traditional Japanese bow from the kneeling position.
ZANSHIN
Lit. "remaining mind/heart." Even after a Karate technique has been completed, one should remain in a balanced and aware state. ZANSHIN thus connotes "following through" in a technique, as well as preservation of one's awareness so that one is prepared to respond to additional attacks.
ZENKUTSU DACHI
Forward Stance.
ZENSHIN
Forward.
ZORI
Japanese slippers.

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2006-03-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Reikan Ryu Karate Do

Reikan Ryu Karate is a traditional karate club which takes great pride in teaching and training in traditional karate and at the same time making sure that the techniques taught are realistic for the modern world without the need for violent confrontation.
Karate is steeped in history and traditions which can be traced back across two continents. The main aim for participants is to become worthy and contributing members of society and to help and defend those who cannot help themselves.
Reikan Ryu Karate understands that children want different things from Karate and cannot be treated as simply smaller versions of fully grown adults there are simply things a young developing body should not do such as load bearing exercise, and static stretches to name a few.
For under 12 year olds Reikan Ryu Karate have developed a system of teaching Karate which is an introduction to Karate and one that develops discipline in a fun motivational atmosphere. All students are taught the importance of :
Respect - respect to everyone regardless of race or creed which unfortunately seems somewhat missing in some areas of society today.

Discipline - discipline which will spill over into all areas of life including school work, interaction with siblings, other family members and schoolmates.
Tenacity - having a determined healthy attitude is the breeding ground for confidence which normally leads to success in any endeavor.