TEST RESULTS

Again this is delayed but no means diminished, congratulations to all new ranks from the December 10th testing with Sensei Maeshima!  Remember even though it is close to Christmas those belts were not given to you they were earned through your hard training in the dojo and at home.  Keep it up! Remember it doesn't get easier it gets harder!  Practice over Christmas break and be ready to hit the ground running come January 2nd!

NEW CLASSES!

New classes begin January 2nd!

Mighty Mites (6-8 years old) 5:45PM-6:30PM
White Belts (9 years and up) 6:30PM-7:30PM

For more information please contact Andrew at 724-494-9353.

Tying your Belt

For the white belts that have requested here is a short video on tying your belt (obi)

Belt Tying

CLINIC AND KYU TESTING WITH SENSEI MAESHIMA

Dont forget clinic and testing is December 10th

Brown/Black belt clinic 10:30AM
All Ranks Clinic 11:30AM
Testing 12:30PM

There will be an all ranks training/promotions on Monday December 12th at 6:30PM

For any and all other information please see your instructor.

CLASS FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 24TH

DUE TO MY WORK SCHEDULE CLASS FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 24TH HAS BEEN CANCELLED CLASSES WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26TH

DAY CHANGE

Due to work schedule next wednesdays class 09/28 has been moved to friday 09/30 same times

white-purple 5:30-6:30
brown-black 6:30-7:30

KYU TEST

A little late note but our kyu testing went well.  Congrats to all those promoted and remember, even if you were not successful that day, with diligent training your time will come sooner than you think!

NEW CLASSES

New Classes are now going on, the next day to start is Monday September 19th

Mighty Mites (6-8 y/o): 5:45PM-6:30PM
9 y/o and above: 6:30PM-7:30PM

Remember the first 2 weeks are a free trial, contact me for more information (724) 494-9353

Mid-America Clinic

This is another excellent opportunity to enhance your skills and train with people we dont normally train with, also the instructors here are top notch.  Information can be found below, also I have the information along with registration forms, also there is more information on the instructors below.

Sensei Vaughn
Sensei Oberschlake





Sensei Hassell coming to Pittsburgh!

There will be a clinic in Pittsburgh with Sensei Hassell, I have been to a couple of these and they are really good seminars, lots of good information contained within.  This is for anyone 10 years and older, please see me if you are interested I have more information and registration forms, you can also check the link below for more information.

Sensei Hassell Clinic


More about Sensei Hassell:

Randall G. Hassell is the Chief Instructor for the American Shotokan Karate Alliance (ASKA), Senior Editor of Tamashii Press, President of the American JKA Karate Association (AJKA), and a Founding Fellow of the International Karate Society (IKS).

Sensei Hassell began his study of the history and philosophy of martial arts in general (and karate-do in particular) while majoring in English Literature at Washington University in St. Louis. As a member of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), Sensei Hassell began karate training in 1960, becoming one of the first Americans to pioneer Shotokan karate and later introducing it to the St. Louis, Missouri area in 1961.
Sensei Hassell later left the JKA in 1984 in order to help form an American counterpart to the JKA, the American JKA Karate Association. On 1 September 2002, He was voted and became President of the AJKA.

In November 2000, Sensei Hassell received honors from many national, state, and local dignitaries in recognition of his 40 years of dedication to Shotokan karate.

As a teacher, Sensei Hassell is known for his concentration on practical application of the fundamental principles of karate and for the application of kata techniques and principles to self-defense and kumite.
In addition to teaching at the ASKA Headquarters Dojo and at various YMCAs and school districts in the St. Louis, Missouri metro area, Sensei Hassell oversees the instruction and administration of thousands of students nationwide in ASKA and AJKA affiliated clubs, and travels extensively, teaching, lecturing, and officiating.

KYU EXAM AND CLINIC WITH SENSEI MAESHIMA RESCHEDULED

The Kyu Exam and Clinics have been rescheduled for September 10th starting with the borwn/black clinics at 10:30AM, I have more information if you need it!

KYU TEST AND CLINICS POSTPONED!

Due to Hurricane Irene affecting the East coast and in turn Philadelphia, the Kyu Test and Clinic have been postponed.  Stay Tuned for new dates and times!

Kyu Testing

Some white belts and even higher grades transitioning in between ranks may wonder in the days leading up to the examination, what is all on there? Do I know all that is needed for the exam?  Your instructor will make sure that you now everything leading up to the exam so have no worries there, but if there are things you are concerned about or can't remember from the classes going over the exam, the follwing link will provide you a guide to what may be on the test.  This is also helpful for practicing on your own and not just for the test for it covers all basics up to your belt level


KYU EXAMS

CLINIC AND KYU TESTING WITH SENSEI MAESHIMA

Dont forget clinic and testing is August 27th

Brown/Black belt clinic 10:30AM
All Ranks Clinic 11:30AM
Testing 12:30PM

There will be an all ranks training/promotions on Monday August 29th at 6:30PM

For any and all other information please see your instructor.

DATE CHANGE

Class for August 31st Wednesday has been moved to September 1st Thursday with the following class times:

white-purple-5:30-6:30
brown-black-6:30-7:00

Change to this Wednesday August 10th

Due to a conference that Apple Rehab has in the dojo, this Wednesday class has been moved to Thursday with the following times:

White-Purple 5:30-6:30
Brown-Black 6:30-7:30

Change in Date and Time for August 22nd

The class has been moved from August 22nd to August 23rd the times are as follows white-orange 5-6 and green-black 6-7

Calendar Added!!

There is a new link under the Good Sites for Good Information that contains a monthly calendar for the club that includes class times, changes and any holidays for the dojo.  I also included the link in the post click below on Calendar for the link!

CALENDAR

Class Update for Week of 7/25

Due to my work schedule karate will be the following days:

Tuesday- white-orange 6:30P
               green-black- 7:30P

Wed- Normal Wednesday schedule, if you forget see me

Thursday- white-orange 6:30P
                 green-black 7:30P

No class on Monday or Friday but 3 consecutive days of Karate, if anyone still has questions please see me in class or contact me on my cell phone.  Thank you!

Kicking Techniques

Here are a few videos one can view and get an idea of what their kicks are supposed to look like, there are a few things I want the student to notice.

1) Foot position for each of the kicks
2) Returning position for each of the kicks
3) The part of the foot being used.

(Click on below kicks for the videos)

Mae Geri
Yoko Geri Keage and Kekomi
Mawashi Geri

Make Up Dates

Dont forget that due to some cancelled classes there will be make up dates offered, these classes will take place on Friday and will follow the Monday schedule, if you have any questions please feel free to see me in class!

Friday 07/15

Friday 07/22

Friday 07/29

Friday 08/12

East Coast Fall Camp 2011

Below you will find information for the East Coast Fall Camp.  The East Coast is headquarters to the ISKF and home to the Chief Instructor Sensei Teruyuki Okazaki.  The camp runs from September 16-18 at the beautiful Camp Green Lane just outside Philadelphia.  It will have courses not only instructed by Sensei Okazaki but also by high ranking intructors along the east coast, some of whom are on the ISKF technical committee.  If you would like more information please click on the link below!


FALL CAMP BROCHURE

Dojo Etiquette

Dojo Etiquette
by Master Teruyuki Okazaki
Rei Gi Saho

 As Master Funakoshi states, "Without courtesy you cannot practice Karate-do." This applies not only to our training but to life in general.
The word "dojo" is actually two words. "do" which means "the way" or "the path" and ‘jo’ which means ‘the place’. When the two words are combined it means "the place where the way is studied’. The dojo is the place where we learn to live together as human beings. This is a serious subject and therefore we must always follow dojo etiquette. This is the first step to practicing Karate-do.

Upon entering the doorway of the dojo, face shomen side, (the side with Master Funakoshi’s picture) and bow. This is called ritsu-rei and shows deep respect to the teachings of Master Funakoshi as well as the seriousness of your study. Always try to arrive to class 10-15 minutes early so you have time to stretch and practice.

When the instructor says line up, move as fast as possible to form the line. Remember, more than two steps, you must run. When making seiza, always go down left knee first, then the right knee. The hands should rest comfortably on the thighs. Sitting in seiza is much more than just kneeling. Historically, the samurai always had to be ready to defend themselves at any time. Since the sword was always carried on the left hip, the left knee went down first so they could draw the sword without injuring themselves. Always keep both balls of the feet in contact with the floor when kneeling down or rising to the standing position. If your posture is not straight and your feet not gripping the floor, then it is almost impossible to effectively defend against an opponent. Try this for yourself. After making seiza, then you must close your eyes in mokuso. This term means to cleanse or make blank your mind to prepare for training. You have to forget all your thoughts and concentrate only on what the instructor is trying to convey. By only existing in the moment can you really learn.
After the command mokuso yame, open your eyes. Shomen ni rei- bow to the shomen side, Sensei ni rei, bow to the instructor. Every time you bow push your ego further down and become as empty as possible.

Japanese Vocabulary in the Dojo

 

COUNTING

1.  ICHI                 (itch)                       6.  ROKU               (rook)

2.  NI                      (nee)                      7…SHICHI          (sitch)

3.  SAN                  (sawn)                   8..  HACH             (hotch)

4..  SHI                  (shee)                     9.  KU                     (koo)

5.  GO                     (go)                      10.  JU                    (joo)

KIHON (BASICS)

DACHI (stances)

1.  Musubidachi (moo-sue-bee-da-chee)        Formal/bowing stance

2.  Haisokudachi (hi-so-koo-da-chee)             Feet together stance

3.  Shizentai (shi-zen-tie)                                    Natural stance

4.  Kebadachi (key-ba-da-chee)                       Side/horse stance

5.  Zenkutzudachi (zen-koo-tsoo-da-chi)       Front stance

6.  Kokutzudachi (ko-koo-tsoo-da-chee)        Back stance

UKE (blocks)

1.  Jodan age uke (joe-don-ah-gay-oo-kay)                   Rising block (face)

2.  Chudan ude uke

      (choo-don-oo-day-oo-kay)                         Middle forearm block (stomach)

3.  Gedan beri (gay-don-ber-eye)                      Down block (groin)

4.  Shuto uke (shoo-toe-oo-kay)                       Knife-hand block

ZUKI (punches)

1.  Chokuzuki (choe-koo-zoo-key)                  Straight punch

2.  Gyakuzuki (yok-koo-zoo-key)                    Reverse punch

3.  Oizuki (oy-zoo-key)                                       Stepping punch

4.  Kizamazuki (key-zama-zuki)                      Short punch

GERI (kicks)

1..Maegeri (my-gary)                                          Front snap kick

2.  Yokogeri  (yo-ko-gary)                  Side kick

                a.  keage (kay-ah-gay)                          snap

                b.  kekome (kay-ko-me)                       thrust

MISCELLANEOUS

Rei (ray)                      bow                 Jodan (joe-don)  face

Shomen                       front                Chudan (choo-don)  stomach

Yoi (yoy)                     ready

Yame (ya-may)           finish/stop

New Links

I have and will be posting links on the left hand side of the screen under good sites for good information that are worth checking out, some may not have to do with Shotokan, but they do deal with karate in general and are full of good information, remember it is not just all about exercising the body in karate.

Shotokan Kata Videos!

These are for reference only, real learning comes in the dojo, these are so no one has an excuse when I ask if they practiced!

KATA

Check Us Out on Facebook!

Click HERE for the page!

Mighty Mite Program

The Mighty Mite program began in 1998 for kids 6-8 years old. Instruction will focus not only on developing karate skills, but also on developing leadership skills, self-confidence, respect and courtesy, cooperation, attention skills, coordination and physical fitness. Students are required to receive a minimum of 24 hours of instruction prior to rank testing; a high-ranking, certified representative of the ISKF conducts the examinations.

Internal tests will be conducted periodically to determine proficiency in 3 areas: Kihon (basics such as blocking, punching, kicking); kata (forms); and kumite (sparring). Two stripes on the belt may be awarded for proficiency in each area. When 5 stripes have been achieved, the student is eligible for the next rank exam, typically held every 4 months. Two weeks before the exam, Mighty Mites will be asked to join the general evening classes to prepare for the test in a mix of students.

Belt ranks progress as follows: white, yellow, orange, green, purple (2 levels), brown (3 levels), black. For Mighty Mites additional belts may be added for intermediate rankings (white/yellow, yellow w/black stripe, orange w/black stripe).

Other incentives include Shoto-coins awarded for excellence in class, attendance and other accomplishments. Collect the first 10 coins for a Shotokan Tiger/ISKF patch for the gi; every 3 coins thereafter, can be used for a star for the gi.

Karate is unique in that it can be studied at any age and can continually be studied for a lifetime. The art requires the perfection of a gymnast, the strength, speed and endurance of boxer, and the finesse and strategy of a fencer. Your child will benefit greatly. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ISKF?
The International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) is one of the largest and most prestigious karate organizations found in over 40 countries. A non-profit organization established in 1977, the ISKF encourages the sound development of its members so that they may benefit physically, morally, and spiritually from the art of karate. Our goal is the promulgation of true Japanese karate-do as espoused by the founder, Gichin Funakoshi. We are dedicated to upholding the principles of Master Funkoshi’s Niju Kun and Dojo Kun: seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor, respect others, refrain from violent behavior.

Go HERE for more information on ISKF


What is the ISKF’s philosophy of karate?
Karate is not a sport or a game of points; it is a way of life based on Bushido. In true karate, the body, mind and spirit—the whole person—must be developed simultaneously. Through intense practice, the physical and mental aspects of karate can be brought together. The result is natural, effortless action, and the confidence, humility, openness and peace only possible through the core teaching of Zen, the basis of Bushido, and the cornerstone of the Shotokan karate philosophy.

Can anyone practice karate?
Yes! The only real requirement is a disciplined commitment to work hard and train patiently. As long as that commitment is there, karate is for everyone—regardless of age, sex, or ethnic background.

Do I need to be in excellent physical shape to start karate?
Not really. Since karate will gradually improve your fitness, your starting point is less important than the effort you put into it along the way. Our traditional focus on the basics and on the correct form make it easy for beginners to train together with experienced individuals yet still progress at their own level of fitness and expertise. If you are less fit, your progress at the start will simply be more moderate; as your fitness improves, so will the pace at which you advance.

What is expected of me if I join?
Four things. You are expected to be committed to your karate training, and to attend classes on a regular basis. You are expected to give your karate training your maximum effort, and to work hard during practice. You are expected to demonstrate the respect, humility and courtesy upon which karate’s long-standing tradition is founded. And of course, you are expected to pay your membership dues and other fees.

What will training involve?
A typical karate practice session usually begins with a comprehensive warm-up, followed by the various training exercises. The exercises are divided up into three main categories: kihon (basic techniques), in which you learn the basic blocks, punches, kicks, stances, etc. of karate; kata (forms), in which you practice and physically remember the various kihon learned; and kumite (sparring), where your kihon and kata techniques are matched against a real opponent. As your skill level increases, so will the difficulty of the exercises. Of course, there will be times when you are taught theory, dojo etiquette and the more philosophical aspects of karate.

What are the benefits of karate training?
Karate has tremendous benefits for body, mind and spirit. Physically, karate is good for the heart, strengthens bones, builds muscle, creates resilience, develops hand-eye coordination, and makes the body less susceptible to sickness and injury. Mentally, karate helps develop patience, discipline and perseverance, understanding and open-mindedness, as well as concentration and focus. Spiritually, karate builds confidence, develops self-control and increases calmness and peace.

How long does it take to learn karate?
It’s really up to you. The more you practice, the more you will improve for your entire life. There is no limit to mastering karate, no “final destination” at which you can arrive. There are benchmarks along the way, however. In the ISKF, you progress through a series of belt levels (9th to 1st Kyu). After that, you receive a black belt, and progress through another 9 degrees of black belt (1st to 10th Dan). A student with no prior training joins the ISKF as 9th Kyu, and is eligible to take ranking examinations every 3–4 months of training. Since there are 9 examinations you must pass to attain a 1st level black belt, the 1st Dan requires a minimum of three years of diligent training. It takes several years to attain each subsequent Dan. At these higher levels, you will see that karate is not just something to be learned, but something to be lived. And that takes a lifetime.

Do I have to wear a karate uniform?
Eventually, yes. To begin, you may wear something you can stretch in, such as a T-shirt and stretch pants. Uniforms (dogi) are available at the dojo.

How do I become a member of the ISKF?
Joining the ISKF requires filling out an application form and paying the appropriate fees. The ISKF offers two kinds of membership: Group Membership, for those wishing to affiliate their dojo or karate group, and Individual Membership, for people interested in joining the ISKF as an individual.

When can I start?
There is open enrollment once every 4 months usually after our kyu test.  Please keep checking this blog for exact dates and times!

General Information About Our School

Karate-do
Karate is the art of unarmed self-defense. Karate-do is a Japanese phrase meaning kara—empty, te—hand, do—way, or the way of the empty hand.
Karate is a centuries old martial art, formally introduced in Japan by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Since the 1950s, karate has been practiced throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Karate is an excellent exercise, utilizing all the major muscle groups. The mental aspects are as important as the physical. The main objective of karate training is development of character, although karate is also a practical and effective self-defense system.

Shotokan
Our school follows the traditional Shotokan style. Shotokan karate is one of the most widely practiced forms in the world today, and one of the most traditional. Introduced to Japan from Okinawa by Master Gichin Funakoshi, Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basic techniques), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring) to develop a range of powerful and dynamic techniques. The designation “Shotokan” derives from “Shoto,” which was the pen name Master Funakoshi used when writing poetry.

Principle

Essentially, karate is a merging of the physical, mental and spiritual. The physical principle of karate is to deliver the greatest possible force, concentrated at the point of impact, with maximum speed. Karate does not require the same type of muscular strength that is used to lift a heavy weight. The force of a karate blow is generated by the use of many body muscles brought into play in proper sequence. This concentration of power is known as “kime” (focus), whereby the muscles of the entire body are tensed, but only at the instant of impact.
But more highly regarded than technical skill in karate are the mental and spiritual objectives: the development of character, sincerity, effort, etiquette and self-control. Students are taught etiquette and respect for their instructor by bowing to their teacher at the beginning and end of class. Before and after sparring, the students also have to bow to their opponents as a mark of respect.
The aforementioned virtues have been emphasized since the art of karate was first developed.
Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of present day Karate, who passed away at the age of 89, said “A true student of Karate is one who will practice daily throughout his lifetime and never find the necessity to use his knowledge in anger against another... The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants."

History

Shotokan Karate is one of the oldest and most popular styles of Karate. It was developed at the beginning of the last century by Master Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) from sources in the southern Japanese island of Okinawa.
Two relatively different styles - in spirit as well as in mechanics - used to exist in Okinawa in late 19th Century: Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu  The former was designed for well built people, placed emphasis on developing physical strength and was impressive in its shear power.  The latter was light and quick, with fast strikes and counterattacks, designed for people who were small in size and very agile.
After years of intense study of both styles, Master Funakoshi arrived at a new understanding of martial arts, and a novel style was created, that combined the ideals of Shorei and Shorin.
As in all Karate styles it is Katas, formal sequences of basic techniques, that form the backbone of the tradition. The traditional Japanese martial arts, Judo and Kendo, two of the seven traditional paths to enlightenment in Japanese classical culture, were heavily centered around combat (Kumite). Master Funakoshi instead, in the centuries old Okinawa tradition, sought a path to spiritual depth through individual technique. Thus, Shotokan initially developed as a formal style with little Kumite application, instead focusing on breathing, releasing energy and outstanding mind and body control.

In 1922, the first Karate Demonstration was held in Tokyo by Master Gichin Funakoshi and made a powerful impression on the Japanese public. After that, Karate became very popular and spread very fast in Japan. From the beginning, Master Funakoshi insisted on teaching Karate to college students. The first Karate-do Club was at Keio University. Today, Karate-do is spread into many countries around the world. In May 1948, the Japan Karate Association (JKA) was founded by the students of Master Gichin Funakoshi, and the standards of training (Kihon, Kata, Kumite) and competition were established.