Student
Guidelines |
|
|
|
|
Discipline |
|
|
Learning
self-discipline and self control is a big part of karate training, not just
for children but for improving yourself as an adult. Karate is always
potentially dangerous. Fooling around on the dojo floor is not allowed under
any circumstances. For student’s protection, discipline is strict. |
|
|
|
|
|
Health and Hygene |
|
|
In addition to
general cleanliness, fingernails and toenails must be kept short and
particularly clean. Training suits and feet must also be kept fresh and
clean. Any illnesses or disabilities must be made known to the instructor,
for the safety of the student. Students should drink water before class,
although there may be opportunity to rehydrate during class. |
|
|
|
|
|
Etiquette |
|
|
When one
enters the ranks of Karate-ka, one automatically accepts a tradition passed
down from Samurai days. Respect is shown to instructors, fellow students as
well as the training area. A karate-ka must endevour to uphold the moral
teachings of karatedo, as well as perform well in the physical aspect of the
art. Karate is a very dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, so it is
essential that one learns to control the fighting skills one has learned,
with patience and humility. Hence the saying: "An untempered sword will
easily break". |
|
|
|
|
|
Humilty |
|
|
It has been
thought in western countries that gaining the black belt is the end of the
journey as far as training goes and one may now be considered an expert in
Karate-do. In reality, gaining a black belt is just the beginning of the
journey. It means that one has become proficient in the basics of karate,
but now one has a lifetime of training and study of the advanced techniques
and kata. It takes five or more years to gain a black belt 1st Dan, but
remember, there are 10 Dan in the average karate system. The first five are
skill levels you are promoted to by an instructor at least three levels
above you. The next three dans (6th thru 8th degree) are for
seniority and are awarded approximately each decade of continued practice of
the art. The last two dans (9th and 10th degree) are
honorary degrees awarded for actually contributing to the development of the
art. That adds up to a great many years of learning before one may be
considered an expert. |
|
|
|
|
|
Consistent Training |
|
|
Consistent
Training over a period of time will give you the results you desire. Look
ahead, set yourself a goal and start working towards that point right now.
Remember, self discipline is setting a goal and continuously working until
it is realized. It is a fact that natural talent will take you quickly up to
a certain point, but only self-discipline and perseverance will take you
beyond that point. This does not mean that you must drive yourself into the
ground, or train to the exclusion of everything else, because overtraining
can also slow your progress. All one needs is the ability to concentrate
fully on what is being taught when it is being taught and to practice a
little everyday for maximum results. Practicing for 15 minutes everyday is
more beneficial than training for 3 hours once a week. |
|
|
|
|
|
Uniform |
|
|
The Japanese
believe that your training doesn't truly begin until you have a Dogi
(uniform), then you mentally commit yourself to becoming a Karate-ka. Female
students should wear a white t-shirt under their Dogi. Male students do not
wear a t-shirt under their uniform. |
|
|
|
|
|
Advantages of Karate training |
|
|
Your
participation in our Karate classes will develop gracefulness, strength,
endurance and flexibility. Studying karate will help you develop self
control and self discipline. Learning self defense moves will give you
confidence and the ability to defend yourself and others. Correct training
along with correct eating habits will help you to build a martial arts
physique. |
|
|
|
|
|
Dedication, commitment and your Black Belt |
|
|
Our Martial
Arts training is not an "instant solution" to your needs. Developing
Nintai, or "patience", is one of our reasons for Karate training.
This is important. Realizing the life long benefits of our karate training
takes long term dedication and commitment. Earning your Black Belt does not
require any special innate abilities. The requirements for promotion are
things you develop, not things you are born with. The only way that you
will not earn your Black Belt is if you quit. Now we all have ups and
downs. There are days we can't wait to get to class and days we would
rather stay home and relax. To be successful we must learn to push
ourselves through the down times. Parents may have to help children develop
this skill. Remember, every Black Belt is just a white belt who never gave
up! |
|
|
|
|