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GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO Kaichō Damien Martin Published by: Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre (Crux Australis Pty Ltd t/as) 2/54 Kingston Drive HELENSVALE QLD 4212 Ph: +61-56656269 Fax: +61-7-56656268 Web: www.southerncrossmartialarts.com Email:info@southerncrossmartialarts.com © Damien Martin 2011 V1 This book and the logo are copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. All inquiries should be addressed to the publisher. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1 VISION, MISSION & VALUES ........................................................................................ 3 DOJO KUN...................................................................................................................... 4 THE SPIRIT OF ‗OSU‘ .................................................................................................... 5 INSTRUCTOR PROFILES .............................................................................................. 7 REISHIKI – THE ETIQUETTE OF GŌKI-KAI ................................................................ 12 THE HISTORY OF GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO ................................................................. 18 GLOSSARY OF COMMON MARTIAL ARTS TERMS .................................................. 24 UNIFORMS ................................................................................................................... 30 AWARDS ...................................................................................................................... 32 KATA ........................................................................................................................... 35 THE EIGHT PRECEPTS OF THE FIST ........................................................................ 42 TRAINING APPARATUS .............................................................................................. 43 PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................................................... 50 RECOMMENDED READING ........................................................................................ 53 THE GRADING SYSTEM.............................................................................................. 54 10th KYU: WHITE BELT ................................................................................................ 59 9th KYU: YELLOW BELT ............................................................................................... 62 8th KYU: ORANGE BELT ............................................................................................... 66 7th KYU: PURPLE BELT................................................................................................ 70 6th KYU: BLUE BELT ..................................................................................................... 74 5th KYU: GREEN BELT ................................................................................................. 78 4th KYU: BROWN BELT ................................................................................................ 82 3rd KYU: BROWN BELT WITH BLACK BAR ................................................................. 84 2nd KYU: BROWN BELT WITH 2nd BLACK BAR ........................................................... 86 1st KYU: BROWN BELT WITH 3rd BLACK BAR ............................................................ 88 SHODAN ....................................................................................................................... 90 NIDAN ........................................................................................................................... 91 SANDAN ....................................................................................................................... 92 YONDAN ....................................................................................................................... 93 GODAN ......................................................................................................................... 94 ROKUDAN .................................................................................................................... 95 SHICHIDAN .................................................................................................................. 96 HACHIDAN ................................................................................................................... 97 KUDAN.......................................................................................................................... 98 JUDAN .......................................................................................................................... 99 APPENDIX A: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ........................................................ 100 APPENDIX B: TOURNAMENT TERMINOLOGY ........................................................ 103 APPENDIX C: TOURNAMENT FLAG GESTURES .................................................... 105 APPENDIX D: INFECTION CONTROL POLICY ......................................................... 115 DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 122 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook INTRODUCTION Gōki-Kai Karate-Do is a new form of progressive traditional martial arts which was founded by Damien Martin in 2008. With its origins in both modern freestyle karate and traditional Okinawan Karate, as well as a host of other influences, Gōki-Kai strives to set new standards of excellence; provide long term physical, psychological and social benefits to members; and maintain the positive traditions of the martial arts. The Honbu Dojo of Gōki-Kai Karate-Do is the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre, on Queensland‘s Gold Coast. The Honbu Dojo is a culmination of almost 30 years of development within the martial arts for the founder of Gōki-Kai Karate-Do, Kaichō Damien Martin. THE MEANING OF GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO The kanji for Gōki 豪気 can be read a number of ways (not like in English) and whilst the literal translation is ‗courageous heart‘ it can also be roughly translated as ‗Aussie Spirit‘. Kai simply means ‗school‘ or ‗organisation‘ whilst Karate-Do means ‗empty handed way‘. Therefore Gōki-Kai Karate-Do translates as both the Courageous Heart School of the Empty Handed Way or the Aussie Spirit School of the Empty Handed Way. We look at this duality in two ways. Firstly the Courageous Heart or indomitable spirit is what we aim to achieve through hard training and ongoing development. Thus the, Courageous Heart School. The Aussie Spirit component is somewhat more complex. The Aussie Spirit is more complex in nature. It is the concept of the ideal, a salute to the icon rather than the reality. It is a longing for what should be rather than what is. The Aussie Spirit is the mythology of the ANZAC, the spirit of mateship, of equality and of ‗having a go‘. The Aussie Spirit is when you stand up for what you believe in, stand by your mates, support the underdog and give everyone a ‗fair go‘. It was borne from the hardships of the early settlers, the convict basis of our early population, the difficulties of the ‗bush‘, the hard work of the miners and the pragmatism of the bushmen. It was forged in the hardships experienced in Gallipoli, France, Belgium and Palestine. It has become a stereotype that has been seized upon by racists, royalists and republicans alike. In the end, in my opinion, the Aussie Spirit epitomises what we should be and what we should strive for. After all, that is one of the goals of long term martial arts training – to improve one‘s self, and ones society. Thus, the Aussie Spirit School of Self Defence. And finally the suffix Do. Do, in the Japanese traditions (Tao or Dao in the Chinese) means ‗Way‘ and the term was applied to the martial arts during the Meiji Restoration in Japan in the late 19th Century. Do, in this context, has come to mean a ‗warrior way to enlightenment‘. Jutsu on the other hand means ‗Art‘. More importantly, in the martial arts context it means a killing art or battle art. In keeping with the more modern traditions a self defence based art like Gōki-Kai would commonly be called Gōki-Kai Karate-Jutsu. I selected the term Karate-Do above Karate-Jutsu because I have come to learn that the Do encompasses the Jutsu and that the Jutsu is only a fraction of the journey. Conversely, in the past three decades, I have found that those who embrace the Jutsu too closely become something that I don‘t want to associate with and that the Jutsu can destroy the Do. So here at Gōki-Kai Karate-Do we strive to develop responsible and effective self defence skills and to develop a Courageous Heart. We foster an atmosphere promoting the Aussie © Damien Martin 1 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Spirit in the Dojo and try to live our lives simply and honestly and give everyone a ‗fair go‘. We aim to promote a world of mutual respect based on the warriors‘ code of Bushido: honour, justice, courage, benevolence, loyalty, truth and sincerity, self-control and social graces. THE GŌKI-KAI LOGO The Gōki-Kai logo incorporates a number of distinctly Australian elements, along with some distinctly martial arts concepts. The colours are red, white and blue, as in the Australian Flag, and represent the Aussie Spirit. This is overlaid with the Southern Cross constellation. The Southern Cross is the constellation of stars which features on the Australian flag, as well as that of New Zealand, Brazil, Samoa and Papua New Guinea. To add to this, Kaichō Damien also had an ancestor at the Eureka Rebellion at Ballarat in 1854 and the Southern Cross features on the Eureka flag. The logo also incorporates the three comma like objects that are reminiscent of the Japanese mittsu tomoe and the spiral triskele design of the ancient Celts of Europe. The spirals tie the heritage of the Dojo head (distinctly Celtic; Cornish / Irish / Scottish) to the Eastern philosophies of his martial arts studies. On a practical level the three spirals represent the aspects of the training developed in this Dojo - we train the mind, the body and the indomitable spirit at the Courageous Heart School. We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties” Eureka Oath 1854 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO Seek One of the underlying principles of this school is: “Choosing not to follow in the footsteps of the old masters but rather to seek what they sought” Matsu Basho Purpose This Dojo also believes strongly in the principle of: Karate ni sente nashi There is no first attack in karate Karate training is for defence only. It is not for fighting. Spirit The Dojo is a cooperative place for personal development. 2 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook VISION, MISSION & VALUES OUR VISION We will develop evidence based methodologies that ensure that our training is ethical, practical, cost effective, tactically sound, legally defensible and have minimum risk of injury to all parties involved whilst at the same time providing the best possible self defence training. We will continue to spread the message that no one should be a victim of violence. We will provide the absolute best training possible. We will never rest on our laurels and will always strive to learn more, be better and overcome challenges so that we may better serve the community in which we live OUR MISSION To provide research validated self defence training that meets the needs of our students and provides them with the ability to deal with the effects of fear, defeat a determined attacker and deal effectively with the legal system. To provide a safe haven of positive energy and support for our student‘s mental and physical growth. To provide inspiration of personal excellence through our example as Black Belts both in and out of the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre. To ensure the long term growth of the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre and its instructors by providing exemplary student service. OUR VALUES We operate ethically We treat our clients and ourselves with trust and respect We communicate openly We are accountable for our decisions, actions and behaviour We value our expertise and share our knowledge We value personal safety We value community responsibility © Damien Martin 3 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook DOJO KUN The Dojo Kun is the creed behind the training of the Gōki-Kai practitioner. It is as follows: We are proud to study Martial Arts; Following the path of Warrior; We are training for strength together; We intend to develop self-discipline to bring out the best in ourselves and others; We intend to use what we learn constructively and defensively and never be abusive or offensive. 4 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook THE SPIRIT OF „OSU‟ “The term Osu refers to strength of character as developed in hard training and is from the term osu no seishin. The word osu comes from oshi shinobu, which means „to persevere whilst being pushed‟. It implies a willingness to push oneself to the limits of endurance, to persevere under any kind of pressure. At its most profound, the word becomes ambiguous – a very personal plea to the soul to stand and fight, and so overcome the frailties of the human condition which are common to everyone”. Adapted from Cameron Quinn, The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama p.60 A loud ―Osu‖ is heard often in the Dojo in modern times. The term was popularised by the late Mas Oyama, the legendary founder of Kyokushin Karate. The term has become generic and serves a variety of purposes. Osu is used as: a salutation; a greeting; a response (positive) to a question and so on. The kanji for Oshi Shinobu - ‗to persevere whilst being pushed‘ In our Dojo the term is most commonly used when facing a partner(s) for a partner drill, sparring or to begin or end a class. Upon the command ―Rei‖ all students perform the required bow and give a loud ―Osu‖ – reminding each other of the spirit of perseverance. The following is an excerpt from Cameron Quinn‘s book ‗The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama‘ published in 1987. This book is now out of print and the following is reproduced with the kind permission of Shihan Quinn. THE SPIRIT OF OSU The single word ―Osu‖ captures most accurately the ultimate in what the art of karate, particularly Kyokushin, has to offer. One who is truly able to manifest the spirit of Osu in every word, thought and action may be regarded as wise and brave. Training should first and foremost be approached in the spirit of Osu. One‘s daily life and the responsibilities it holds would be more completely lived if addressed in the spirit of Osu. There would be no doubts in the heart; no fears and no worries. The Japanese spirit is one of perseverance. Whereas it is easy for the Westerner to stop when things get tough, traditionally the Japanese knows only that they must persevere. When one experiences pain in training, it should not be a signal to stop, but an opportunity to mature through perseverance. Even for the beginner who is conscious of his lack of ability and does not necessarily want to face the demands of training, it is enough merely being aware that through perseverance and the will to continue, there come great physical, mental, spiritual and emotional gains. All that is needed is that special determination. No one tolerates for long a person who gives up too easily. The instructor knows who tries and who doesn‘t. Even if you have limitless natural talent, without effort, it is difficult to rise above mediocrity. On the other hand, even if one lacks talent but is determined, progress will come through steady application in training. With determination and the will to fight on, ones heart becomes receptive and the instructor will go out of his way to help you as best he can. There is no room for egotism or selfishness in the spirit of perseverance. When one © Damien Martin 5 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook doubles with pain, more often it is the ego that cringes, not the body. The resilience of the body is truly amazing. Stories of superhuman endurance in times of selfless necessity are numerous but if one allows the ego to be hurt, then the body will weaken rapidly and stop. First overcome the weakness in your own heart and the opponent you face outwardly will seem insignificant. ―One living daily in the Way carries his head low and his eyes high; reserved in speech and possessing a kind heart, he steadfastly continues in his training efforts‖ Mas Oyama 6 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook INSTRUCTOR PROFILES Damien Martin, Kaichō: Roku-dan Damien is the Kaicho (Head of School) of Gōki-Kai Karate-Do and the co-owner of the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre. Damien commenced martial arts training in February 1982 when he commenced training in Judo at the now defunct Camperdown Judo club in South-western Victoria. He eventually reached the lofty heights of 4th kyu (Orange Belt) and won a silver medal in the under 16, under 62kg division of the State Judo titles. After two years of Judo training he began training in Zen Do Kai in March 1984. He trained in both styles for about 6 months before his Judo instructor told him he had to choose either Judo or Karate – he chose Karate. Damien began teaching Zen Do Kai in February 1987 and has been a professional martial arts instructor since. Damien is proud to call Kyoshi Bill (Billy) Manné, 8th Dan, his instructor in Zen Do Kai. Bill is a stalwart of Zen Do Kai and has been a student of ‗the Chief‘ (Bob Jones) since the days of the Goju Rebels. Damien was based in South-western Victoria until 1995 when he moved to Queensland. At 3rd Dan he named his Clan within Zen Do Kai Barbarian Dojos. Aside from the connotations of Conan the Barbarian (who featured on his Dojo Mon) and his barbarian Celtic roots, this was somewhat of a joke and a play on words. The State Head for Victoria at the time was Macedonian Greek and Damien had major differences of opinion, standards and ethics to this person. Barbarian is a Greek word for ‗someone who lives on the fringes and doesn‘t speak Greek (like the Celts of old). The irony was fitting so the Clan became Barbarian Martin Dojos. In 1995 Damien had Karate Dojo‘s in Ballarat, Camperdown, Cobden, Colac, Surfers Paradise, Terang and Warrnambool and Muay Thai Schools in Ballarat, Camperdown, Terang and Warrnambool. This bush based organisation boasted over 500 members and was the envy of many senior instructors within Zen Do Kai. Some of these students still train today. Sadly, the politics of Zen Do Kai at the time saw most of these schools break away and go under the Victorian Chief instructor. Most died a slow death of neglect, with one breaking away to form a new style called Adrenalin Martial Arts. This Warrnambool based club is still going strong. Today only the Cobden and Ballarat schools are still open in Victoria and these are both Zen Do Kai schools. During his career as a martial arts teacher Damien has achieved several awards and gained some recognition. He was nominated for Brown Belt of the Year in 1987 as © Damien Martin 7 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook he was already running two Dojos, Terang and Timboon, before attaining black belt. Damien received the Instructor of the Year and Bushido (‗way of the warrior‘) awards from the (then) Victorian State Head, Kyoshi Billy Manné (then 6th Dan) in 1990 and in 1992 he was awarded Black Belt of the Year (shown above with Kyoshi Manné). In both his shodan-ho, sandan and yondan gradings Damien received the award for highest scores of the day. In June 2005 Damien was inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (AMAHOF) for Outstanding Contributions to the Martial Arts. Over the past two decades Damien has trained many, many students to black belt level, dozens to 2nd Dan and six hold 3rd Dan rank and one is a 4th Dan. Add this to the number of students and black belts his students have produced and Damien is rightfully proud of his contribution to the development of martial arts in this country. In addition to his karate students, Damien trained over fifty students to black singlet rank in BJC Muay Thai with ten more reaching Grade 5/teacher rank and four reaching Grade 6/trainer rank. His schools produced a number of State and National Title holders in the kickboxing arena in the 1990‘s. Damien no longer actively teaches Muay Thai but does maintain close links with a number of Muay Thai stables and associations and holds a 6th Khan rank in Black Dragon Kai Muay Thai. Damien had some personal ring experience (Shootwrestling) with a fight record of 1 win and 1 draw. He won the first Shootwrestling ring submission in Australia when he forced his opponent to submit in the second round of his second fight. Damien has been actively involved in women‘s self-defence program development for decades. He has taught classes at a number of State and private secondary schools, TAFE‘s and other educational facilities and taught unarmed combat to the personnel of 8/7 RVR (GRES) Warrnambool for Lt. Nigel Bailey in 1991. Damien has developed and maintained an active interest in close quarters combat techniques of all types and has sought out many of the finest instructors in Australia and the World to further his skills. Whilst he is reasonably skilled in kobudo (Okinawan martial arts weapons) he prefers to train with the more modern techniques of the knife, stick and handgun. He has travelled to the US for training numerous times and completed training programs at a number of internationally recognised schools. He has also attended instructor training, and conducted control & restraint training, in the UK. Damien achieved his 5th Degree Black Belt in Zen Do Kai on the 2nd of November 1997 in Albury. Damien‘s first Honbu (HQ) Dojo was located in Ballarat, Victoria and was called the Academy of Martial Arts. Between 1993 and 1995 he taught classes at the (up to 5 per day) and trained full contact fighters as well as taught BJC Shootwrestling in a seminar environment nationally and choreographing BJC Shootwrestling sequences for the Channel 10's Fighting Fit self defence segment. This segment featured Sensei Hannah Thornton and Bob Jones and aired to 3 million viewers weekly. Aside from being a martial arts instructor, Damien worked in the security industry for 18 years, doing everything from running nightclub doors to owning and operating a security 8 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook company providing armed guard services. He ‗retired‘ from the industry in 2004 to concentrate on the International College of Martial Arts. Damien is a licensed firearms instructor and instructor trainer as well as being a PPCT (Pressure Point Control Tactics) instructor trainer. PPCT is the largest law enforcement training system in the world and is actively involved in the training of Police, Corrections, Security, Military and Special Forces personnel around the world. The main strength of the PPCT methodology is that all of the techniques are tactically, medically and legally sound. That is to say they work under pressure, they don‘t cause undue harm and they can be defended in court! These principles are also central to the curriculum of Gōki-Kai. Damien also founded the International College of Martial Arts. This college teaches instructor courses to students from all around the world and is approved for students visa‘s, traineeships and Austudy. Damien is very proud in his role of setting up this ground breaking organisation, which he left in 2008 to set up the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre. He was also instrumental in the development of the Aggressive Behaviour Management program for the Queensland Health Department. This program will be delivered to all 65,000 Queensland Health employees and covers a full range of skills – from preventing aggression to verbal de-escalation, self defence techniques, restraints and finally team restraints using specially developed equipment and tactics. Damien says he has been lucky enough to have a number of high ranking martial artists and instructors from around Australia as his friends and consider himself to be especially blessed as a result. He continues to avidly study martial arts and is always studying, researching and training (maybe not as much hard training as he used to). Damien also firmly believes that the Australian martial arts community is as good (and in many ways better) as anywhere in the world. Damien was promoted to 6th Dan in Zen Do Kai in January 2004 and won the ISKA Over 35 Black Belt Full Contact Karate Australasian Title in June the same year. In 2010 he fulfilled a lifelong ambition and travelled to Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate, with Shihan Hannah to train at the famous Jundokan. In 2011 he achieved his 5th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate under the auspices of Kyoshi Greg Merigan and his 6th Khan in Muay Thai under the auspices of Ajarn Geordie LaversMcBain. Currently Damien is doing pioneering work as an occupational violence prevention consultant, a role which continues to see him travel around the world training and advising organisations in the prevention and control of interpersonal violence. © Damien Martin 9 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Hannah Thornton, Shihan: Yondan Hannah commenced training in January 1992 at the Warrnambool club run by (then) Dai Sempai Damien Martin. On Hannah‘s first class Dai Sempai (her then boyfriend) ran a ‗suicide‘ class so discourage her from training, it had the opposite effect. Hannah immediately took up both Zen Do Kai and BJC Muay Thai, training in both classes five nights a week. Hannah reached her Grade 4 (Instructor) rank in BJC Muay Thai in December of 1992 and her Shodan-Ho in Zen Do Kai in July 1993, at the inaugural ‗Barbarian‘ Senjo. Hannah was a ‗Jet Black‘ and zoomed through the ranks earlier in her training attaining her Grade 6 (trainer) rank in BJC Muay Thai in October 1994 and her Ni-dan in December 1994. Despite the overall lack of success of the ‗Jet Black‘ concept, Hannah is rightly proud of her achievements and attributes this to the fact that she trained hard and often whilst coming up through the ranks. As the assistant instructor at the Academy of Martial Arts in Ballarat (Victoria) she trained fighters for full-contact ring karate and Muay Thai Kickboxing. She attained her black belt in BJC Shootwrestling in this period. Hannah instructed the Zen Do Kai, Muay Thai, Shootwrestling and Kidz Karate (children‘s classes) classes. This involved teaching up to five classes a day, five days a week for three years. Hannah has extensive security industry experience (over 17 years of ‗hands on‘ experience) and has proven her technique numerous times where it really counts. Hannah is renown as an exemplary technician, an excellent teacher and as being a strong martial artist in her own right. Hannah also teaches defensive tactics and aggressive behaviour management. She has a Certificate IV in Security & Risk Management and a Certificate IV in Operational Safety Training. In 1993 Hannah spent six months as the co-instructor of the women‘s self defence segment on Channel Ten‘s ‗Good Morning Australia program. The other instructor was none other than Soké Bob Jones. Hannah, looking glamorous in a variety of sponsored leotards spent three minutes a week beating the Chief up in front of three million viewers (well, he did let her). Hannah recently left her full time job in security and went to work as a violence prevention consultant with Queensland Health for nine months, before becoming a full time violence prevention consultant and martial arts instructor as a co-owner of the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre. Since that time Hannah has had the pleasure of training in the UK and at the Jundokan in Okinawa. Hannah was awarded her 4th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate by Kyoshi Greg Merigan in 2011, and she was also recognised and promoted to the title of Shihan, which means ―teacher of teachers‖ 10 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook John Trebilco, Renshi: Yondan Sensei John Trebilco began his martial arts training in 1994 while he was in high school in New Zealand. He moved to the Gold Coast in 2001 after obtaining his Shodan. He immediately began training with Kaichō Damien at the Zen Do Kai Dojo at the Monaco Street PCYC in Broadbeach. John always had a keen interest in freestyle martial arts which has lead him to explore different martial arts concepts and styles outside his ‗core‘ training in Karate. He has cross trained in various other styles such as Arnis, BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai Kick Boxing and many others. During his time on the Gold Coast John has trained for competitive purposes in some of these styles to test his skills and training. His tournament results include runner up in both the I.A.M.A Queensland and Australasian Open Weight Bare-Knuckle Karate Championships. John has also competed in a number of MMA and BJJ tournaments. He began teaching over 10 years ago and has had students ranging from 4 to 50 years. In 2005 he opened his own Kidz Karate School at Carrara. He is currently employed at the International College of Martial Arts as the lead Karate instructor where he teaches GōkiKai Karate-Do. As part of his job John also runs courses in fitness, surfing and security industry restraint & control. John has extensive experience in the crowd control sector with most of his experience in pubs and clubs on the Gold Coast. He has utilised his knowledge and is often seen lecturing on security training courses. John has a broad range of qualifications and has spent a number of years formally studying martial arts and sport coaching. He is an accredited Olympic Weightlifting coach and regularly assists Kaichō Damien in teaching strength & conditioning to the martial arts students, as well as acting as a coach for the Gold Coast Weightlifting Club. John has a Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, a Certificate II in Sport & Recreation, a Certificate IV in Fitness, and a Diploma in Sport (Coaching) majoring in martial arts. He is currently working toward his 4th degree black belt in Gōki-Kai as well as junior ranks in other systems. John is an open minded and dedicated instructor, as well as a highly skilled and motivated martial arts athlete. He says ―I look forward to meeting and training with anybody who is willing to dedicate time and energy however much they may have, into improving themselves and their lifestyles through training in the martial arts.‖ © Damien Martin 11 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook REISHIKI – THE ETIQUETTE OF GŌKI-KAI Reishiki is a central element of life within the dojo. Reishiki comes from two Japanese words. The first is ―REI‖ which is defined as: bow, salutation, salute, courtesy, propriety, ceremony, thanks and appreciation. The second part of the term is ―SHIKI‖ which is defined as: ceremony, rite or function. Combined the term ―Reishiki‖ can translate as: Ceremonial manners - Etiquette. Some might consider this type of consideration to another human being as being conservatively old fashioned however we could say that the end goal of Rei is rooted into all forms of budo because any martial art without Reishiki is just fighting. A highly structured class in any budo, which includes a Gōki-Kai class, begins on time with the senior student calling the beginning of class by ordering everyone to line up. There is a formality to lining up. Kamiza (the senior or most acknowledged person) and Shimoza (the most junior person) in attendance must line up or sit in their appropriate locations. This means the most junior person is seated farthest away from the door and the most senior person is seated closest to the door (or primary entrance / exit). If the door is to the centre of the room or if there is a Shinza (a shrine like focal point of Shomen – see the picture to the left) at Shomen then the right side of Shinza is Kamiza and the left side of Shinza is Shimoza with the junior attendees still farthest from the entrance/exit. Shomen simply means ‗front‘ and signifies the ‗spiritual‘ focus of the Dojo. The purpose of this sequence is ancient and involves the concept of Musha Shugyo – the warriors journey or Dojo challenge. The basic premise was/is that the role of the senior students was to protect the school from any attackers that make it through the door! Up until recently (the last 20 or so years) Dojo challenges were reasonably common and any school could expect an attack from another school at almost any time. Some Dojo‘s even went as far as to have a bell out the front of the Dojo for challengers to ring to make the challenge, and ran drills (like fire drills at school) to train in the appropriate response. In the Gōki-Kai Honbu Dojo we have the Dojo Kun and the Eureka oath on banners at the front of the dojo to signify the Shomen. The Dojo Shinza (shrine) is located above the Senjo board on the Kamidana on the left (of the Shomen) wall of the Dojo. The purpose of the Shinza and Kamidana is to pay respect to the traditions of the martial arts Dojo and to allow a physical focus of the student‘s attention during the ceremonial (traditional) portions of the class. The terminology of Reishiki is detailed below: 'Seiretsu' (line up) 'Kiotsuke' (attention) 'Seiza' (kneeling position) or Chakuza (sit down) 'Mokuso' (begin meditation) 'Mokuso' Yame' (end meditation) or 'Naorei' (as you were) 12 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 'Shomen ni tashite rei' (Zarie-sitting bow to front) or 'Shinzen ni tashite rei' (if at shrine or temple) 'Shihan ni tashite rei' - (Zarie-sitting bow towards Shihan' 'Onegai Shimasu' or 'Arigato Gozai Mashita'. (Command and bow only if Shihan is present). 'Sensei ni tashite rei' - (Zarie-sitting bow towards Sensei) 'Onegai Shimasu' or 'Arigato Gozaimashita'. (Command and bow only if Sensei is present). 'Sempai ni tashite rei' - (Zarie-sitting bow towards Sempai) 'Onegai Shimasu' or 'Arigato Gozaimashita'. (Command and bow only if Sempai is present). 'Otagai ni rei' (Zarie-sitting bow to each other-beginning of class) - 'Onegai Shimasu' or 'Arigato Gozaimashita'. 'Otagai ni waka rei' (Zarie-sitting bow to each other-end of class) - 'Onegai Shimasu' or 'Arigato Gozaimashita'. 'Sotachi' (all rise) or 'Kiritsu' (stand up) 'Ritsu Rei' (standing bow). Yes, it is a lot of bowing however this should just about sum it up for any traditional Dojo, including Iaido, Kendo and Judo. Note that this ceremony is not to be considered religious in nature, but is an important part of the "Reishiki" which is focused etiquette and is essential to budo. The acts of bowing and respect also enable us to work on developing our sense of humility. Reishiki is the order of bowing (bowing ceremonies) that open and close class. This is where Deshi (students) line up according to their particular rank and pay their respect and thanks for what they are about to learn or have learned. Dojo Reishiki (ceremony) is important to the creation of a formal and traditional atmosphere in the Dojo. In traditional Karate, one of the first concepts that we are taught is that of Reishiki (or at least it should be). I don't think any students lasts long who greets their instructor with the term "Yo Sensei" or "Yo, my main man Sensei." As we begin our training, the concepts of Reishiki are taught to us as much of the art is, through observing those who have come before us. Watching our seniors in training and in their general actions and interactions in the Dojo is an outstanding way to learn, provided that the seniors have been observant over the years. There are many occasions in the day to day operations of a Dojo that require some form of ceremony. On a more pragmatic note, the ceremonies relating to Reishiki also serve a number of other purposes. There is a great deal of empirical research that shows that training in a ‗traditional‘ martial arts school, with ‗traditional‘ values measurably increases students self discipline and reduces their aggression. This is believed to be due to the fact that the students can call upon the ritual of the Reishiki to bring themselves to a focal point psychologically. Ritual is, and has always been, an important part of the psyche of humanity. STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT The Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre is a progressive traditional self defence school that combines modern training methods and a scientific approach, yet still follows and promotes traditional values. Our training sessions are conducted in the spirit of mutual cooperation and friendly competition to enable everyone to develop their personal skills. © Damien Martin 13 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Traditional values at our school means acting with the: Spirit of Contribution Spirit of Respect Spirit of Harmony and Unity Spirit of Determination Spirit of Humanity We endeavour to promote the positive aspects of martial culture and this is achieved through the use of traditional methods such as belt ranking systems, a school hierarchy and traditional rituals of respect and courtesy which honour the founders and predecessors of the arts we study. As such: always bow when entering and leaving the training area. We also bow at the commencement and completion of each class, as well as to our training partners before and after training drills. always refer to instructors by their teaching rank or title. If unsure, the title Sensei will suffice. appreciate that martial arts, regardless of ‗style', is defensive in nature and violence, either in or out of the school, will not be tolerated. show respect for each other, and cultivating the virtues of modesty and humility. recognise that a martial arts school is not a democracy. Know that your instructors are professionals and have your best interests at heart. 1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin or religion Respect your parents and elders at all times Show respect and humility to all you should meet especially your instructors and senior members 2. Be responsible to ensure that your time spent in training is a positive experience You are studying a martial art in a school which promotes traditional values. Pay attention to the direction and teaching of your instructor Be diligent in your training, concentrate, and remain focused Do not disrupt the class in so doing endangering the safety of others, being disrespectful to your instructor and embarrassing yourself Practice in your own time and develop your own mental and physical ability 3. Treat each person as an individual Respect the talent, desire to learn, and goals of each individual in the class Help each person reach their full potential Unnecessary roughness, crude language, or a display of ill temper or disrespect is strictly forbidden. 4. Be fair, considerate and honest with fellow students Safety comes first Control your personal ego Remember humility in training Out of respect for instructors and class mates, maintain good personal hygiene this means a clean uniform, clean body, controlled body odour, long hair tied back and fingernails and toenails kept short 5. Be professional in and accept responsibility for your actions Language, manner, punctuality, attitude and integrity should display high standards Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with the 14 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook martial art/sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators Rank is earned, not given or bought 6. Make a commitment to yourself Maintain or improve your current skills, ability and develop your personal attitude Seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing training You will make a healthy body through unyielding training and perseverance 7. Any physical contact with fellow students should be: Appropriate to the situation Necessary for training skills development 8. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards fellow students This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards other members of the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre 9. Refrain from any form of harassment towards fellow students 10. Maintain a safe environment for training and competition Ensure that you comply to equipment and facility safety standards Always follow our infection control guidelines Always demonstrate poise under pressure, adherence to the competition rules and display control, respect, dignity and professionalism 11. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured members Support members training using a modified training program as a result of an injury or disability where appropriate 12. Be a positive role model for your martial art Treat people with respect and openness Train diligently while being considerate of others Remember that your actions can affect the reputation of the school and your classmates EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR Dojo means ‗place of the way‘. In Asia the term also has religious connotations. Here the Dojo is a place of learning self defence, a place of discipline and, most importantly, a place of the Way of the Warrior. The instructors are friendly and easygoing but please keep in mind we do have certain safety regulations and rules to protect the property of other students and the Dojo. 1. Leave your ego and problems at the door. Adopt the Way with a clean and fresh outlook. 2. When entering the Dojo or floor, stop at the door, face in to the Dojo, bow and say ―Onegai Shimasu‖. When exiting the Dojo or floor always bow and say 'Arigato Gozai Mashita'. 3. Always be on time for training. If you are late, warm yourself up off to the side of the mat. When you are ready to commence training, stand at the side of the mat in ‗heiko-dachi‘. When the instructor notices you they will turn and bow you onto the mat with a loud ―osu‖. You should respond in the same manner and then assume your position in the class. 4. The students in the class line up at the commencement of a class in order of seniority and rank. The highest ranked students are in the front line, lowest ranked in the back line and so on. © Damien Martin 15 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 5. The class commences and finishes with a formal bow. We bow on the command of ―Rei‖ and come upright on the command of ―Matte‖. There will occasionally be a short period of meditation (―Mokuso‖) before each formal bow in/out. See the section on Reishiki in the Japanese Terminology section. 6. Do not remove any part of your gi during training without being asked to do so. Only adjust your gi during breaks. You should turn away to do so. 7. As a mark of respect a student should never touch the belt of another without their permission. Likewise a student should never deliberately touch a higher ranks belt until they have earned that rank. Obviously this may occur accidentally in kumite, grappling or training. 8. When tying or adjusting the obi (belt), the student should kneel on their right knee (humility). The same applies for removing it. Care should be taken so the ends of the belt hang evenly (symbolising balance; Yin & Yang). 9. A belt should never be washed – the uniform definitely should though, and regularly. Your obi is a symbol of your commitment to training and selfimprovement. You have earned all of the sweat and blood that darkens it on your journey. It symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training. 10. The student should do all the bars and embroidery on their belt personally. This allows contemplation and reflection on the meaning of their new rank. 11. Always follow instructions quickly. Do not stroll or procrastinate. When you return to the mat after a break you should assume the ‗heiko-dachi‘ position and await instruction. 12. Do not walk in front of other students or between a pair (partners) as this is most discourteous. 13. Never practice kumite without an instructor present. Always wear the mandatory protective equipment and follow the safety guidelines when sparring. 14. It is discourteous to ask a higher rank to practice kumite, however it is also discourteous to refuse if the higher rank asks you. Never step forward into your fighting stance upon commencement of kumite. This is seen as an insult. 15. When practicing kumite with a higher rank do your best but keep in mind that they will have your lower rank and abilities in mind. 16. Address your instructor and senior students by their correct title. If unsure address them as Sensei. They will correct you if this is incorrect. 17. Listen carefully to the instructor and always show respect. Acknowledge all instructions with a strong ―osu!‖ Never question the instructors‘ directions or speak out of turn. 18. Treat training seriously. Do your best and train hard. Always remember the spirit of Osu! 19. Remember too that possession of a senior grade is not an excuse to slacken your pace or lounge around. All black belts must be able to maintain their minimum grading requirements. All black gi‘s must put in 100% all of the time. If you are sick or injured, wear a standard gi. 20. Ensure your fingernails and toenails are clean and short to prevent cutting yourself other students. Always ensure your hands, nails and feet are clean prior to commencing training. Nobody likes to train with somebody who is dirty and smelly. 21. Do not wear dangly ear-rings, facial piercings or any bracelets, watches or rings. 22. Treat others as you would have them treat you. Always be polite and say "please" and "Thankyou". 23. Don't talk out of turn during a class. By all means ask questions but wait your turn. 24. Always inform instructors of any injuries or illnesses and please do not train when you are ill (contagious). This is inconsiderate as you pass the illness on. 25. Respect other people‘s property and leave it alone. 16 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 26. Violent behaviour in and out of class will not be tolerated. 27. Do not eat, chew gum, smoke or drink in the Dojo. You may take water during breaks. No soft drinks allowed on the mat. 28. Go to the toilet prior to training. An accidental blow to a full bladder can be extremely dangerous. Do not train on a full stomach either, so please avoid eating less than an hour before class. 29. Always bow and say ―Osu‖ prior to, and immediately after training with a partner. 30. Always complete a kata you have commenced. Never stop halfway. REMEMBER TOO: Everyone works Nothing is free All start at the bottom © Damien Martin 17 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook THE HISTORY OF GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO The lineage of Gōki-Kai Karate-Do is somewhat convoluted. Essentially the kata are Okinawan Goju Ryu and the core techniques are Karate based. There are also elements of Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, MMA and military unarmed combat. The term progressive traditional means that whilst Gōki-Kai has the trappings of a traditional Karate Dojo (i.e. belts, gi‘s, ranks etc) and promotes traditional values, the combative principles themselves must work. The basic principle of the organisation is the same as its immediate predecessor, Zen Do Kai, in that ―if it works, use it‖. FAMILY TREE The Karate family tree for Gōki-Kai looks something like the diagram below. The common ancestor of Zen Do Kai, the Jundokan and IOGKF Goju Ryu is Miyagi Chojun Sensei. Miyagi Sensei‘s death in 1953 threw the Goju world into some turmoil as his nominated successors had both died during World War 2. 18 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook This is the main reason that the Gōki-Kai kata are those of Okinawan Goju Ryu. Another reason is that they provide an objective international standard. This means our students can go to pretty much any Goju school anywhere and be able to keep up with the class. It must be noted that Clinton Laurence Sensei is, aside from being a Yondan in IOGKF Goju Ryu, a Yondan in Judo and a Nidan in Zen Do Kai. He is also ranked in Aikido and Jodo. Soké Bob Jones (Nana-Dan Ho) from Zen Do Kai is also ranked in Tae Kwon Do and Muay Thai. Hanshi Billy Manné (Hachi-Dan) is also a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, a Shodan in Aikido and a Muay Thai expert. All of these masters have had an influence on Gōki-Kai. Many additional arts have influenced the development of Gōki-Kai as a fighting style. Kaichō Damien has spent many hours cross training, talking, attending seminars, reviewing DVD‘s and video‘s, practising, doing courses and experimenting to get to where Gōki-Kai is today. And this is, by no means, the end of the journey. Influences are shown on the following diagram: Richard Dimitri (Senshido) Zen Do Kai Freestyle Karate Muay Thai Goju Ryu (Jundokan) Judo RBSD BJJ Gōki-Kai Karate-Do CQB PPCT Tony Blauer (SPEAR) Kyokushin Phillipino Martial Arts Firearms Training Security Work © Damien Martin Koryu Uchinadi Kempo Jutsu Goju Ryu (IOGKF) 19 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook OKINAWAN ROOTS The exact process of the progression of Goju from Okinawa, to Japan, to Hawaii to Australia led to some interpretive issues that have taken decades to unravel. The purpose of this section is to give a broad overview of the process. Gōki-Kai was developed as an evolution of Zen Do Kai and Zen Do Kai was developed from the Japanese Goju Kai Karate-Do of Tino Ceberano. Ceberano Sensei was a student of the late Yamaguchi Gogen (10th Dan – founder of Japanese Goju Kai) who was in turn the student of the founder of the Goju tradition, Miyagi Chojun. All of the advanced kata that are found in Zen Do Kai (except the children‘s Taikyoku kata, the Naihunchi kata and, obviously, the freeforms developed by the individual students) have their roots in the Goju Ryu Karate of Miyagi Sensei. Goju means ―Hard/Soft‖ and Miyagi Sensei named his system this after the 3 rd precept of Chinese Kempo as found in the Bubishi – ―The way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness‖1. Miyagi Sensei felt that this epitomised his karate (see the chapter Eight Precepts of the Fist for the original poems). Miyagi Sensei was a student of the great karate master, Higashionna Kanryo, who trained in China‘s Fukien Province for a number of years under the renowned master Ryu Ryuko. When Higashionna Sensei returned from China he founded Naha-Te, which was later evolved by his student Miyagi Sensei into Goju Ryu. Miyagi Chojun Sensei Miyagi Sensei blended the flowing softness of White Crane Kempo with the hard rigid styles of Okinawan Naha-Te to come to the Goju way. His style was epitomised by hard Sanchin training and utilisation of the Hojo Undo training equipment to develop power. Miyagi Sensei did not believe in belts or rank in Karate and was even loathe to name his ‗style‘. The evolution of Goju Ryu is fascinating and to gain full understanding one must study for many years. MIYAGI CHŌJUN He was born in Naha, Okinawa on April 27 1888 and was the adopted son of a wealthy businessman. Miyagi began his study in Karate-do at the age of nine. He first learned martial arts from Ryuko Aragaki, who then introduced him to Naha-te Master Kanryo Higashionna when Miyagi was fourteen. Under the tutelage of this Master, Miyagi underwent a very long and arduous period of training. His training with Higaonna was interrupted for a two-year period while Miyagi completed his mandatory military service, 1910-1912, in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Ken. In 1915, after the death of Master Kanryo Higashionna, Miyagi travelled to Fujian Province in China as his teacher had done before him and bade him to do. In China he studied the Shaolin and Pa Kua(Ba gua) forms of Chinese boxing. From the blending of these 1 Higaonna, M (1985) Traditional Karatedo Volume 1: Okinawa Goju Ryu, Sugawara Martial Arts Institute: Okinawa, p.29 20 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook systems, the hard linear/external form of Shaolin, the soft circular/internal form of Pa Kua, and his native Naha-Te, a new system emerged. However, it was not until 1929 that Chojun Miyagi named the system Goju-ryu, meaning "hard soft style". After some years in China, Chōjun Miyagi returned to Naha where he opened a dojo. He taught for many years, gaining an enormous reputation as a karateka. Even Kano Jigoro, the founder of judo, came to Okinawa to learn specific karate take-downs. Despite his reputation, his greatest achievements lie in popularization and the organization of karate teaching methods. He introduced karate into Okinawa police work, high schools and other fields of society. He revised and further developed Kata Sanchin - the hard aspect of Goju, and created Kata Tensho - the soft aspect. These kata are considered to contain the essence of the Goju-ryu style. The highest kata, Suparinpei is said to contain the full syllabus of Goju-ryu kata. Shisochin was Miyagi's favorite kata at the end of his years. Tensho was influenced by the White Crane kata Ryokushu, which he learned from his long-time friend Gokenki. With a goal of unification of various karate styles which was in fashion at that time, he also created more Shurite-like katas Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Dai Ni in 1940, taking techniques from higher forms (notably Suparinpei, and upper blocks uncommon for Goju-ryu at that time) and incorporating them into a shorter forms. It is said he created these kata to bridge the gap between Sanchin kata and Saifa kata, which contains much more complex moves compared to Sanchin kata. However, Gekisai katas are learned before Sanchin kata now. Some of his more notable students were: Seko Higa (his oldest student and also a student of Kanryo Higaonna), Miyazato Ei'ichi (founder of the Jundokan dojo), Meitoku Yagi (founder of the Meibukan dojo, who eventually accepted late master Miyagi's gi and obi from Miyagi's family), Seikichi Toguchi (founder of Shorei-kan Goju-ryu), and on the Japanese mainland Gōgen Yamaguchi who was the founder of the International Karate do Goju Kai Association and who after training with Miyagi, became the representative of Gōjū-ryū in Japan. At a later date Gōgen Yamaguchi invested much time studying Kata under Meitoku Yagi. Miyagi‟s Black Belts Contrary to many claims since his death, Miyagi Sensei never awarded anyone a black blet and, in fact, never wore the one made for him by his students. This belt was left to Miyazato Eiichi. There is a famous story that a number of Japanese karateka offered miyagi Sensei a huge bribe to be awarded dan rankings at a meeting in japan in 1936. Miyagi Sensei refused and never returned to mainland Japan. Successor Miyagi Sensei had nominated his successors prior to the commencement of hostilities in World War 2. They were Shinzato Jinan and his 3 rd son Miyagi Jun. Unfortunately both were among the 150,000 Okinawan casualties of the war. Miyagi Sensei never formally nominated a successor but he left his black belt and Hojo Undo equipment to Miazato Eiichi, which gave credence to his claim as the successor. It is certain that his successor was not Yamaguchi Gogen, who declared himself a 10th dan on Miagi‘s death even though he had only three weeks of training under the Sensei. "Let me first say that I was not named the successor of goju-ryu by Miyagi, but nor was anyone else. There are some goju-ryu teachers who claim to have been privately appointed successor by Miyagi. These claims are ludicrous and disrespectful of his © Damien Martin 21 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook memory. He never publicly named anyone as successor. Common sense would dictate that if he were to appoint someone, it would have been a longtime student and it would have to be of public record to have any value. Miyagi was not a man to do things in a haphazard manner - everything was very deliberate and precise. It would also be logical to assume that since Miyagi would not grant dan ranking, how then would he be inclined to name a successor? I feel Miyagi would be rolling in his grave with the plethora of ridiculous claims about this matter." Seikichi Toguchi2 More Information Further information on Goju Ryu can be found in the modern writings of Higaonna Morio Sensei, of Okinawa. In April 2010 Sensei Hannah and Kaichō Damien had the privelidege to train in Okinawa at the Jundokan, training with Masaji Taira Sensei. Taira Sensei is a veteran police officer who specialises in kata bunkai. For further information on Taira Sensei, go to tairabunkai.com or Youtube. THE HISTORY OF ZEN DO KAI Soké Bob Jones left the Dojo of Ceberano Sensei in 1965 and the situation led to the birth of the first ever "Freestyle" and uniquely Australian martial art. Due to its origins within Goju Kai, the school was originally called "Goju Rebels" but was renamed on June 1st 1970 and became what it is today, Zen Do Kai. Zen Do Kai was founded by Bob Jones, Soké, through an amalgamation of the most practical techniques of other martial arts styles and the Freestyle concept was born. With its original open mindedness and multi-dimensional acceptance of all true techniques, this ultra modernistic approach to martial arts saw Zen Do Kai grow into an organisation of some 1000 schools and 20,000 students internationally in the early 1990‘s. The organisation in now much smaller than this but maintains a strong presence in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Darling Downs region of Queensland. From the early days with his fellow ‗bouncers‘ training together in Karate to today‘s modern martial arts organisation, Bob Jones always showed himself to be an innovator rather than an emulator, often attracting outbursts of jealous outrage from the opposition. Some examples would have to include: creating Zen Do Kai, the first ‗Freestyle‘; pioneering kickboxing in this country, becoming the first kickboxing entrepreneur in Australia; introducing coloured uniforms for teaching ranks and eventually all ranks; introducing Muay Thai to the Australian public; teaching women‘s self defence on television; running one of Australia‘s largest security organisations and the list goes on. To quote Soké Jones: “Zen Do Kai is the „mother‟ and like a huge oak tree she encompasses all our knowledge. She is, and will always be, the biggest martial art in the BJC”. As you can see Zen Do Kai is a system that developed over more than 40 years. The style has evolved from adding the principles of many martial arts disciplines with the strong 2 Toguchi, Seikichi (2001). Okinawan Goju-Ryu II, Advanced Techniques of Shorei-Kan Karate. p. 26 22 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook fighting tradition it has always had. Put together, it forms a modern, effective and comprehensive self-defence system. Over the past forty years Zen Do Kai has continued to evolve and define itself. When Bob Jones first started the style in 1970 at a club in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne it was mainly to give his security staff a place to train. At this point in time Bob Jones had a strong background in the security, crowd control and personal protection. Richard Norton and Bob Jones – Early days of Zen Do Kai The style was traditional Japanese in nature, the foundations were originally based on the Goju style. Later, Zen Do Kai was influenced by the dynamic American stylists such as Chuck Norris, Mike Stone and Pat Johnstone, amongst others, when Bob Jones travelled and competed to the USA in the early 1970's. Towards the end of the '70's he introduced kickboxing to Australia. He is affectionately known as "The Godfather" of Australian kickboxing. Through Zen Do Kai he was able to produce many international standard competitors. During this time there was also an explosion of interest in the martial arts in Australia, due to the influence of factors such as the "Bruce Lee phenomenon" and the high media exposure that followed Bob Jones and Zen Do Kai across Australia. Zen Do Kai grew at a rapid rate across the width and breadth of the country and spread to New Zealand as well and can currently be found in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore and Israel. Through his keen interest in the competitive aspect of the martial arts, and to examine fighting skills and training practises that could enhance the practical abilities of the Zen Do Kai students Bob Jones ventured to Thailand. There he saw firsthand, together with other senior Zen Do Kai instructors, the devastating ability of the Muay Thai fighters developed over centuries of tradition. As a result of this, many of the powerful techniques of the Thai fighters have been included into the Zen Do Kai system. Since the 1960's in Australia and later in New Zealand the name Bob Jones has become synonymous with the Security Industry and the Martial Arts. During these four decades Bob Jones has taught thousands of Australians to protect themselves and many of these students went on to become Black Belts in the Martial Arts. Bob Jones then taught the elite of these Black Belts how to "protect others" and they were then employed within the security industry. In the sixties he met the security needs of many organisations, events and celebrities. In the seventies he secured almost all of Australia's major rock concerts that ran over several days and drew crowds in excess of 50,000. At each concert, hundreds of his Black Belts were employed to secure all aspects of public well being. In the eighties Bob Jones personally toured as Bodyguard to many major rock and roll celebrities including the Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, Fleetwood Mac, Europe's ABBA, David Bowie, Boy George and Linda Ronstadt to name just a few. © Damien Martin 23 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook GLOSSARY OF COMMON MARTIAL ARTS TERMS Why use a foreign language? We get asked this question often. The answer is simply this, the universally understood language of golf is English; the universal language of Ballet is Russian (or French); the universal language of Karate is Japanese, just like the universal language of Muay Thai is Thai! We study Karate, therefore we include the language and terminology. Our black belts can go and train anywhere in the world, the USA, France, Brazil, Slovakia or even Japan, and they know what is happening. Instantly! The Japanese language also has the ability to convey concepts in single words. In martial arts, this is useful. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES OF GŌKI-KAI Shugyo: Severe training. Training for the tempering the spirit, i.e. the more you sweat in training the less you bleed in battle. Jutsu: The killing art approach rather than the Do. Kiai vs Aiki: External vs internal applications of the martial way. Kokoro: Indomitable spirit. Developed through shugyo. Haragei: Intuition, super alertness. Kokyu Chikara: Literally ‗breath power‘. Proper breathing. Involves kiai to a point. Kime: ‗Spiritual Focus‘ Mushin: Literally ‗no mind‘. Zanshin: Moving meditation. Often manifested as complete and total awareness of surroundings. Shibumi: Composure, austere, simple and humble Embusen: An "embu" (sometimes written "enbu") is a "demonstration". "Sen" means "line(s)". "Embusen", therefore, refers to the line(s) that is followed during a demonstration of movements, such as in kata. Ma-ai: The distance between you and your opponent. Ma-ai is an integration of distance, timing, rhythm and reach. The optimum distance for the Ma-ai is obviously different for each fighter; however, there must be space enough for unrestricted defense or offense. Ma-ai is also used in a more limited sense to indicate the distance at which it is easiest to counter your opponent's moves and launch attacks. Ma-ai is not just the distance of physical space between you and your opponent. It's also timing: to see who can close that distance first and strike before the other can block successfully. Reach, either because of one's limbs and height, or through possession of a long weapon, changes ma-ai. Distancing and timing are undivided factors. Distancing is relatively easier to accomplish than timing by simply moving closer or further from your opponent. If the distance is correct for an attack but the start of the attack is late, this means the timing is off. Go no sen: the ‗late‘ form of attack initiative, usually characterized as a defensive move or counteraction. Sen no sen: the attack initiative that is also defensive but launched simultaneously with the aggressor's attack; Sen-sen no sen: a supraliminal attack initiative, also defensive but appearing to be offensive, through which the aggressor's attack is anticipated and "beaten to the punch" by an appropriate action. ALPHABETICAL LISTING Age Tsuke Age Uke Ago Ashi 24 Rising punch Rising block Chin Foot © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Ashi Waza Atama Bunkai Choku Tsuke Chudan Chudan Mae Geri Chudan Uchi Uke Dachi De Ashi Harai Empi Uchi Empi Fudo Dachi Gedan Barai Uke Gedan Tsuki Gedan Uke Gedan Geri Gi Goshi (Or Koshi) Goshin Waza Gyaku Ashi Gyaku Juji Gatame Gyaku Mawashi Geri Gyaku Tsuki Hadaka Jime Haito Hajime Hangetsu Dachi Hara Harai Heiko Dachi Heisoku Dachi Hidari Hiji Ate Hiraken Tsuki Hiki Uke Hiraken Hiza Hiza Geri Ippon Ken Ippon Seoi Nage Irimi Irimi Nage Jodan Jodan Age Uke Jodan Mae Geri Jodan Uke Jun Tsuki Junbi Undo Kage Tsuki Kaisho Kaiten Nage © Damien Martin Foot techniques Head Application of techniques in kata Straight punch Middle or chest area Front kick to the middle area Block from inside out with top of wrist Stance Advancing foot sweep Elbow strike Elbow Rooted stance Downward sweeping block Punch to groin Downward block Lower body area Kick Uniform Hip Self defense techniques Reverse foot Palms up strangle Reverse round kick Reverse punch Naked strangle Ridgehand Begin Half-moon stance Stomach Sweeping Parallel stance Closed feet stance (attention) Left Elbow strike Fore knuckle-fist straight punch Grasping block Fore knuckle fist Knee Knee kick One knuckle fist One arm shoulder throw Entering Entering throw Head level Upper block against head attack Front Kick to head High block Jab Warming up Exercises Hook punch Open hand Open and turn throw 25 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Kakato Geri Kake Geri Kake Shuto Uke Kake Tsuki Kake Uke Kakiwaki Uke Kakuto Uke Kamae Kami Shiho Gatame Kansetsu Waza Karate Kata Kata Kata Gatame Kata Juji Jime Keage Kebanashi Kekomi Kentsui Keri (Or Geri) Waza Kesa Gatame Ki Kiai Kiba Dachi Kihon Waza Kihon Kime Kin Geri Kisami Tsuki Ko Soto Gari Ko Uchi Gari Koken Uke Kokutsu Dachi Kosa Dachi Kote Gaeshi Kote Hineri Kubi Nage Kubi Kumade Kumite Ma Ai Mae Ashi Geri Mae Empi Uchi Mae Geri Keage Mae Geri Kekomi Mae Geri Mae Hiji Ate Mae Tobi Geri Makiwara Masubi Dachi Matte Mawashi Geri 26 Heel kick Hooking kick Hooking knifehand block Hooking punch Hooking block Reverse wedge block Bent wrist block Posture Upper four quarters hold Joint manipulation techniques Empty hand Formal exercise Shoulder Shoulder hold Lapel choke Snap (kick) Kick off (snap kick) Thrust (kick) Fist hanmer Kicking techniques Scarf hold Inner spirit or strength Yell or shout Horse (straddle leg) stance Fundamental techniques Basics or fundamentals Focus Groin kick Jab Punch Minor outside reaping throw Minor inside reaping throw Wrist block Back stance Crossed leg stance Outward turning wristbend Inward turning wristbend Neck throw Neck Bear hand Free exercise Distancing Front leg kick Forward elbow strike Front "snap" kick Front thrusting kick Front kick Forward elbow smash Jumping front kick Striking board Attention stance Stop Round kick © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Mawashi Tsuki Migi Mikazuki Geri Morote Sukui Uke Morote Tsukami Uke Morote Tsuki Morote Uke Mudansha Mune Gatame Musubi Dachi Nage Waza Nakadaka Ippon Ken Nami Juji Gatame Negashi Uke Nekoashi Dachi Nihon Nukite Nukite Obi O Goshi O Soto Gari O Uchi Gari Oi Tsuki Okuri Ashi Harai Okuri Eri Jime Osae Uke Otoshi Empi Uchi Otoshi Hiji Ate Otoshi Uke Rei Ritsu Rei San Gyaku Gatame Sanchin Dachi Sankaijo Sanren Tsuki Seiken Choku Tsuki Seiken Tsuki Seiken Shiho Nage Shiho Wari Shiko Dachi Shime Waza Shintai Shittsui Shizen Dachi Shotei Uchi Shotei Uke Shu Wan Shumatsu Undo Shuto Uchi Shuto Uke Sokuto Soto Uke © Damien Martin Round punch Right Cresent kick Two-handed twist block Two-handed Grasping Block Double fist punch Augmented forearm block Ranks below Black Belt Chest hold Open feet stance, heel together Throwing techniques Middle finger one knuckle fist Half cross strangle Sweeping block Cat stance Two finger spearhand Spearhand Belt Minor hip throw Major outside reaping throw Major inside reaping throw Stepping or lunge punch Sliding (or gathering) foot sweep Sliding collar throw Pressing block Downward elbow block Downward elbow strike Dropping block Bow Standing bow Traingle arm bar (Figure 4 arm bar) Pigeon-toed (or hour-glass) Stance Third control Three consecutive punches Forefist straight punch Forefist strike Forefist Four-corner Directional Throw Breaking boards on Four Side to test power Square stance Strangulation techniques Body movement Knee-hammer Natural stance Palmheel strike Palmheel block Palm arm Cool down Exercises Knifehand Knifehand block Foot edge Block from outside inward with bottom of wrist 27 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Sukui Nage Sune Uke Sutemi Waza Tai Subaki No Kihon Tai Subaki Tameshiwari Tanden Tatami Tate Empi Uchi Tate Hiji Ate Tate Shuto Uke Teisho Tobi Geri Tobi Hiza Geri Tobi Yoko Geri Tori Tsuki Waza Tsuki Tsuro Ashi Dachi Uchi Komi Uchi Mawashi Geri Uchi Uke Uchi Waza Uchi Ude Garami Ude Uke Ude Ude Gatame Ukae Uke Ukemi Ura Tsuki Uraken Uchi Uraken Ushiro Ashi Geri Ushiro Empi Geri Ushiro Geri Ushiro Hiji Ate Ushiro Uwagi Uwate Hiji Empi Uwate Tsuki Wake Gatami Waza Yoko Empi Uchi Yoko Geri Keage Yoko Geri Kekomi Yoko Geri Yoko Hiji Ate Yoko Mawashi Empi Uchi Yoko Mawashi Hiji Ate Yoko Tobi Geri 28 Scooping throw Shin Block Sacrifice technique Basics of Body Movement Body movement; pivoting Power demonstration, breaking Area below the navel and the center of ki Mat Vertical elbow strike Upward elbow strike Vertical knifehand strike Palm heel Jumping kick Jumping knee kick Jumping side kick Defender/person performing a technique Punching techniques Punch Crane stance Throw repetition practice without throwing the Uke Inside cresent kick Inside block Striking techniques Striking (also inner) Coiling armbar/figure four shoulder lock Forearm block Arm Wrist hold Attacker/person receiving a technique Block Breakfalls Close punch Back fist strike Backfist Rear leg kick Back elbow strike Back kick Back elbow strike Back, rear Uniform jacket Overhand elbow strike Overhand punch Elbow lock Technique Side elbow strike Side "snap" kick Side thrust kick Side kick Side elbow strike Side round elbow block Side round elbow strike Jumping side kick © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Yoko Yudansha Za-Rei Zenkutsu Dachi 1st Dan 2nd Dan 3rd Dan 4th Dan 5th Dan 6th Dan 7th Dan 8th Dan 9th Dan 10th Dan Side Black belt level Kneeing Salutation (bow) Dachi forward stance BLACK BELT RANKS Shodan Nidan Sandan Yondan Godan Rokudan Shichidan Hachidan Kudan Judan USEFUL EXPRESSIONS Ohayo Gozaimasu Ohayo Konnichiwa Konbanwa Oyasuminasai Soyonara Arigato Arigato Gozaimasta Domo Do Itashimashite Gomennasai Sumimasen Wakarimasen Mo Ichido Onegaishimasu Yukkuri Onegaishimasu PRE-BLACK BELT RANKS 10th Kyu JuKyu 9th Kyu KuKyu 8th Kyu HachiKyu 7th Kyu ShichiKyu 6th Kyu RokKyu 5th Kyu GoKyu 4th Kyu YonKyu 3rd Kyu SanKyu 2nd Kyu NiKyu 1st Kyu IkKyu "Good Morning" "Good Morning" "Good afternoon", "hello" "Good Evening" "Good night" "Goodbye" "Thank you" "Thank you very much" "Thank you very much" "You are welcome" "I am sorry", "Pardon me" "Excuse me" "I don‘t understand "Once more please" "Slowly please" JAPANESE COUNTING NUMBERS 1 Ichi 2 Ni 3 San 4 Shi 5 Go 6 Roku 7 Shichi 8 Hachi 9 Ku 10 Ju © Damien Martin 29 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook UNIFORMS The martial arts uniform is called a DoGi. This is usually shortened to gi. The standard Gōki-Kai gi is traditional white (with 3/4 length sleeves) and the Gōki-Kai Mon is embroidered on the left side of the chest. The standard version of the gi is of 8oz cotton and is included with the initial membership. Replacement gi‘s are available in 8oz and 16oz varieties. In the sub-tropical climate on the Gold Coast it is a good idea to for each student to have at least two complete gi‘s available. This shows consideration for classmates and selfrespect. Nobody wants to train with someone who reeks of body odour. The standard black gi also bears the red, white and blue Mon. The black gi denotes that the student has been awarded the black gi for their strength in training (See the chapter on Awards). Certain gi‘s are awards. A student must earn the right to wear a black gi through hard dedicated training and strength of technique and sparring. The student‘s instructors and higher ranking fellow students can nominate the person for the black gi at any time. It is considered to be very bad manners for a student to ask for a black gi themselves. After nomination the student‘s attitude and dedication are assessed over a period of time until the head instructor feels the student is ready. Only instructors of Sensei rank or higher can award this gi. The black gi can be earned at any rank but usually at around 3rd kyu. In some schools of Karate (Zen Do Kai freestyle for example) teaching ranks have gi‘s too. This is not done in Gōki-Kai Karate-Do. Everyone wears a ‗standard‘ gi, including the head instructor. This symbolises ―we‘re all in this together‖ and prevents people taking advantage of their rank. In Gōki-Kai you will not see someone wearing a flashy multicoloured gi standing up the front of a class with their arms folded muttering about how things were better in the ‗old‘ days! The belt demonstrates the progress of the student in the Way, or ‗obi‘ worn tied around the waist. There is much more information on this topic in the chapter: Grading System. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: In Gōki-Kai sparring, or Jiyu Kumite, is normally semi-contact. This means that the blows struck (and received) make contact but are controlled. To further increase safety protective equipment is worn during kumite – much of it is compulsory. Compulsory protective equipment which the student will need to purchase prior to any sparring includes: Mouthguard (fitted by a dentist is the preferred method) Groin Protector (compulsory for males, highly recommended for females) Shin/Instep pads Hand Mitts/Gloves Female students may also choose to wear a breast protector. 30 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook FOLDING THE DOGI: © Damien Martin 31 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook AWARDS There are a number of awards in Gōki-Kai Karate-Do. These are outside the normal ‗Black Belt of the Year‘ and ‗Student of the Year‘ trophy type awards as they are permanent and ongoing symbols of the students‘ dedication and prowess. These awards have their roots in the freestyle heritage of Gōki-Kai. THE BLACK GI The first is the coveted black gi. Soké Bob Jones originally developed the black gi concept even before creating Zen Do Kai. Soké Jones‘ early history is quite colourful. He grew up in a tough neighbourhood in a tough time in Melbourne and was fighting seriously in street gangs at an early age. He eventually fought his way through the ‗ranks‘ and ‗graduated‘ to what he calls the ―biggest, baddest, toughest gang‖ he‘d ever seen. They were called the ‗Phantom Twins‘ and they all wore black from head to foot. Soké Jones recognised then the psychological impact of the all black clothing. Later in the late fifties and early sixties Soké Jones was running ‗bouncers‘ at the new night clubs opening all over Melbourne. As a uniform they all wore black, playing on the psychological effect the colour had on the adversaries of ‗The Phantom Twins‘. No one played up in their venues. Around ten years later he found himself teaching Karate at the infamous 48 Elizabeth Street Melbourne Dojo. He found that many of his students were the ‗bouncers‘ that had been with him for ten years or more, likewise many were not. The ‗bouncers‘ sparred harder than the ‗students‘ and often sparred a little too hard. Soké Jones decided to separate the two and issued the ‗bouncers‘ with a Jet Black Gi. At this stage wearing a black gi meant you were one of the strongest fighters in the toughest Dojo in town. Some more years rolled by and Zen Do Kai began taking junior students. Some of these kids trained as hard or even harder than the ‗tough guys‘ in the black gi‘s. Soké Jones decided to award the two strongest kids with black gi‘s, not because they were tough (how tough can you be at ten years of age) but because they trained so hard! Time went by and the principle of the black gi broadened and it was now accepted that children and women could achieve the black gi without having to beat each other half to death on a daily basis. The black gi is awarded for personal dedication to training and the fortitude to overcome any barrier. The wearer of the black gi is deemed by their Sensei‘s to be firmly on the path of Budo – The Warriors Way. It is acknowledged that there are many paths to ―toughness‖. Today in Gōki-Kai the black gi still symbolises toughness. In order to be awarded the black gi the aspiring student must demonstrate extraordinary physical and mental toughness and demonstrate that they are will to train harder than the rest of the class – all the time. The black gi assessment takes place over a period of months (or years) and is a very subjective process. The fastest path to the black gi is to compete in the full contact kumite arena with Kyokushin or modified (i.e. with grappling) Kyokushin rules. Some students prefer the Muay Thai or Mixed Martial Arts arena to demonstrate that they are ‗extraordinary‘. Students awarded the right to wear the black gi wear a plain black gi with the Gōki-Kai Mon on the left breast. 32 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Whatever the arena, the students must prove their dedication and commitment repeatedly and do themselves proud in the ring, and/or in training for the ring in order to achieve this award. The primary consideration for the instructors assessing students is that the student demonstrates the ‗spirit of Osu!‘ Only instructors of Sandan or above (provided they also hold the teaching title of Sensei) can award the student the right to wear the all black gi. CROSSES This Gōki-Kai award is simply called a cross, after the Southern Cross that features in the design. The concept comes from the Zen Do Kai Bushido Cross concept which was revamped after the development of Gōki-Kai. The History The original cross was the Bushido Cross. Originally these were made of iron but this was later changed to silver as the iron crosses rusted and would wear out as they oxidised. The Bushido Cross was originally only awarded to members of the Zen Do Kai fraternity who worked together as ‗bouncers‘ and ‗watched each others back‘. Eventually the Ishoa Cross was developed. Ishoa means ‗enlightenment‘ or ‗oneness‘. The Ishoa Cross was originally developed for the ―Karate Widows‖ to recognise the sacrifices of the wives of the black belts who trained in Zen Do Kai and worked as bouncers on the off nights. In the times before women (and children) trained in Zen Do Kai the Ishoa Crosses were awarded to the Bushido Cross holders wives. As the doors opened up to female students who eventually showed they were every bit as loyal and tough as the men, the Ishoa Cross evolved to the point where it became the female version of the Bushido Cross, with the same emphasis on the virtues of bushido but recognises the differences in the feminine physique and psyche. The Evolution The Gōki-Kai Cross evolved to limit the negative effects of the crosses that crept in to the Zen Do Kai organisation in recent years. In Zen Do Kai the cross is now automatic at shodan-ho and this has had a negative effect on the bond of trust that used to exist. It is impossible to tell if a person received their cross under the old Bushido based system or the new automatic system. This led to a number of instances where people had been trusted on face value because they wore a cross, leading to negative situations that could have been avoided. There was also a sense of disquiet regarding the Ishoa Cross with many women believing it was an inferior award or recognition given its historical roots as an award to the ―Karate Widows‖ of Zen Do Kai. When you add the fact that the Zen Do Kai organisation has issues tens of thousands of crosses over the last four decades, quality control on those that wear them had become a major issue. This was a major contributing factor to leaving the Zen Do Kai organisation and forming Gōki-Kai. Gōki-Kai Crosses The Gōki-Kai Cross keeps with the tradition and principles started by Bob Jones all those years ago. Gōki-Kai has one cross for all, in keeping with the concept of equality. There is no ‗second prize‘. The new design features the Mon of Gōki-Kai and is approximately © Damien Martin 33 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 19mm in diameter. The sterling silver pendant is awarded to the student personally by Kaichō Damien. Each of the Gōki-Kai Crosses is numbered and accompanied by a certificate. Gōki-Kai Crosses are awarded to students as recognition of particular attributes attained or consistently displayed. These attributes include: Loyalty; Courage; Strength of character; Honesty; Commitment ; Role Modelling in and out of the Dojo; and That the student demonstrates understanding of the meaning of the Cross. Considerations by the instructor That the instructor feels comfortable that the student understands the ‗Path‘ laid out before them; The ‗Path‘ relates to eventual self enlightenment which relates to being a ‗better‘ person through the martial arts; An understanding of a family helping one another; An appreciation and opportunity to accept one another as brothers and sisters by choice rather than perhaps, chance; A developing understanding about what the journey of the martial arts is about; and An understanding that they should always promote the organization in a positive manner and be cognizant of how they carry themselves The individual must be aware of the following points: That the wearing of the Cross is considered an honour; The ―Cross‖ is about the relationship between the person presenting and the person receiving the cross; The ‗Cross‘ only has relevance as strong as the relationship between the two people involved (the one giving and the one receiving); The relevance is the power of the meaning between the two people involved; The ‗Cross‘ is about the sharing, the understanding and the meaning in relationship; That they have a social and organisational responsibility to ensure that they do not fall in disrepute and therefore discredit that organization or the Cross; That this is considered a life time relationship; and It is a symbol that is not automatically provided, yet it is a symbol that represents the striving to achieve, develop and attaining of certain qualities and attributes. 34 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook KATA INTRODUCTION Kata, sometimes called 'forms', are sequences of basic martial arts movements, stances, strikes and counter strikes, designed to pass on the knowledge and skills of masters to students. To view, they conjure the appearance of the practitioner fighting several opponents at the same time. Kata are akin to a concentrated catalogue of techniques and strategies and to learn them to perfection (and great emphasis is placed on this) takes years of conscientious study and training. During the development of martial arts, kata were used as a convenient way for the practitioner to remember effective combinations of strikes, blocks, evasions, kicks, locks, throws and feints. Practitioners generally commence kata study with the simplest form and gradually work their way through the more complex forms over time. Experts agree that well executed kata resemble meditation in motion. Kata as we know them today come from the old style Okinawan Tou-di (predecessor of karate). Tou-di was totally based on self-defence applications. There were no tournaments and no sparring. The instructor had small groups of committed students to whom they taught small series of brutal, effective and holistic methods of fighting. This was primarily done through the practice of standardised two-person training drills called tegumi. Kata evolved as a way for the advanced student to practice the tegumi alone and at full speed and power. The kata in and of themselves did not teach the application, only preserved the details. Much of the meaning of the old toudi kata and tegumi was lost when karate went from Okinawa to Japan in the early 20th Century. Karate was simplified and standardised to provide a framework for rigorous physical training, mental discipline, nationalistic zeal and sporting competition. New forms were developed for school children, which were simpler and safer. Add to this the effect of the Second World War. The Japanese commenced teaching karate to westerners after their defeat in this war. This had an effect on the why and what of kata. ROLE OF KATA IN TRAINING The detractors of Kata often justify their position by saying things like ―you can‘t use a kata in a real fight‖ or ―kata is boring‖. This is the language of ignorance. On the surface, to the uninitiated this could seem to be true. It is only after developing a deeper understanding of the methodology of kata that this form of training reveals its true value. Kata contain the techniques of a martial arts system, much like a handbook. There are no symbolic movements in kata and every move has a specific technique attached to it. Some instructors lack depth of knowledge of the kata and misinterpret their meaning and application. The true meaning of the kata is found in the bunkai – the practical applications of the kata techniques. The training and practice of kata enables the practitioner to develop good posture and balance. It develops fluidity, timing, grace and power. At the higher levels of understanding kata is zanshin – moving meditation. With the correct approach to kata, that is to put in 100% effort and to visualise every technique and its application, the student will be training © Damien Martin 35 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook their mind and body to respond without conscious thought – the state of mushin (‗no mind‘). Kata begin with the following primary assumptions3: 1. That the kata commenced with a forced confrontation. The kata almost always commence as a response to being grabbed or some other form of unavoidable encounter. Remember the concept of ‗karate ni sente nashi‟. 2. That attacks usually following a pattern referred to as the habitual acts of physical violence4. These include lapel grabs, front chokes, rear chokes, front bear hugs, rear bear hugs and so on. The assumption is that the attacker is unskilled in the martial arts and is simply angry or stupid enough to attack someone. 3. Kata responses attack common anatomical vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities include pressure points, effector nerve motor points, joints, blood vessels and so on. Kata technique relies on exploiting these vulnerabilities in its brutal, effective and simple applications. 4. Kata relies on predetermined responses by attacking the common anatomical vulnerabilities in response to the habitual acts of physical violence, in situations of forced confrontation. In modern parlance these predetermined responses are referred to as stimulus response training. Again the emphasis is on attaining mushin. The primary application of kata techniques was usually completed with the end in mind – usually an exit technique such as a throw or similar. GŌKI-KAI KATA The kata in Gōki-Kai come from the Okinawan system of Goju Ryu. Some have undergone some minor modifications, primarily in stance. These modifications reflect the raising of the stances for the western manner of living (i.e., we don‘t sit on the floor). Each kata has a name and generally spans for around a minute. Kata movements are typically performed in lines rather than circles, and movements are forward, backward, sideways or diagonal from the beginning position. Strategies and techniques performed in one direction are often also conducted in the opposite axis providing a sense of symmetry. Kata demands, from the practitioner, perfection in balance, timing, focus and economy and also harmony of the breath, body and spirit. Kata are designed to be undertaken alone so that it is the 'self' who confronts the practitioner. It is common though (and quite effective) to view kata performed at the same time by many practitioners. Richard Kim, an expert and author on the subject of Kata, explains that kata create the possibility of attaining a spiritual goal through constant practice and that this goal is the overcoming of 'the self'. After many years of study, if the practitioner finds that he or she can perform a kata without thinking about it at all, a goal has been achieved. He explains that the kata then performs itself, without interference from the performer's 'self'. Ultimately, bodily control is achieved without feeling or thought, and this enhances the practitioner's control of any situation, martial or otherwise. 3 Adapted from Driscoll, D (2000) KATA – A new look at an old tradition, The Harmoniser, pp. V-VII, Vol. 4, issue 4 A term coined by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy of Koryu Uchinadi Kempo Jutsu and the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society. 36 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook GEKISAI DAI ICHI The term "Gekisai" means to attack and destroy. There are two Gekisai Kata; "Gekisai Dai Ichi" was created by Miyagi Chojun and Nagamine Shoshin in 1940 for induction into the middle schools of Okinawa as an introduction Kata and to help standardize Karate-do. This kata was developed around 1940 and aimed to help spread Goju to the public. The literal meaning is to "attack and smash." Gekisai literally translates to Attack and smash, number one (or two) Attack, crush, number one (or two) Attack and subdue with closed palms Smash and destroy, number one GEKISAI DAI NI "Gekisai Dai Ni" was a sole creation of Miyagi Chojun based Gekisai Dai Ichi to introduce advanced and Goju Ryu specific techniques. This kata was developed around 1940 and aimed to help spread Goju to the public. The literal meaning is to "attack and smash." Gekisai literally translates to Attack and smash, number one (or two) Attack, crush, number one (or two) Attack and subdue with closed palms Smash and destroy, number one SANCHIN Sanchin means ‗three battles‘. The first kanji is san and means three. The second kanji is chin and today it means "battle." Higaonna Morio Sensei once explained that the original meaning of chin in reference to Goju-Ryu kata meant "spear hand or spear head." As we know, the three battles-sanchinare of the mind, the body and the spirit. Combined in sanchin kata, we find peace of mind, body and spirit only if worked properly and under proper instruction. To amplify the kata Sanchin, it should be noted that there are, in fact, two forms used in Okinawan Goju. The oldest is that taught by Higaonna Kanryo Sensei which includes a turning method as well as a slightly different breathing pattern. The second version was developed by Miyagi Chojun Sensei and it is performed while facing forward only. The breathing, both inhalation and exhalation, are slower as are the individual movements within the kata. Kata Sanchin was brought back from China by Kanryo Higaonna in the late 1800's. Sanchin means "three battles". The three generally accepted as being the body, mind and spirit. It is the fundamental Kata of Goju-Ryu. Sanchin is the absolute base and signature Kata of Goju-Ryu Karatedo, the foundation © Damien Martin 37 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Kata of the eight original Naha-te forms are based (Sanchin, Sanseiru, Shisochin, Seisan, Superinpe, etc). It contains the key elements of 'ki', 'soku' and 'tai', which are necessary for any and all martial arts as well as the absolute basic techniques of Naha-te. Not being a Kata of Self Defense rather a Kata for Tanren adapted from Chinese Chi Kung. The key features of this Kata are the combination of hard dynamic tension with deep breathing, concentrating strength in the Tanden which is very characteristic of the GojuRyu Karatedo. The hard audible (Ibuki) breathing conditions and exercises internal organs while the isometric tension and contraction conditions the muscles and develops proper form. Just as it is correct that everything in Budo begins and ends in bowing, Goju-Ryu Karatedo can begin and end in Sanchin There are two variations of Sanchin Kata in use. One is the original version known as Higaonna Sanchin, and the other is a modified version, Miyagi Sanchin with some changes made by Chojun Miyagi. TENSHO Tensho is a relatively new kata and was created by Miyagi Chojun Sensei after his research in Fuzhou, China, between 1917 and 1921. The name "tensho" literally means "rotating palms" and is also known as "rokkisho" (sixmachine-palm). It is a high level breath control and hand technique kata. Tensho was created by Chojun Miyagi to compliment Sanchin. It is a combination of hard dynamic tension with deep breathing and soft flowing hand movements, concentrating strength in the Tanden, and is very characteristic of the Goju-Ryu style. Chojun Miyagi Sensei was inspired by the style; Rokkishu a Chinese boxing system, in the development of Tensho. Contrary to Sanchin, Tensho is deceptive in its soft and fluid motions, contains and aims to study "Ki, Soku and Tai" as same as Sanchin and several Uke techniques and attacking techniques. To the student being introduced to Tensho, it should be relative and thought of as a hard kata with less rigid movements and equal tension. SAIFA This kata uses the same kanji found in Gekisai kata and is essentially and advanced version of the Gekisai kata utilising more tai sabaki movements. The second portion of the name is traditionally pronounced "ha." but due to the Okinawan influence, it is pronounced "fa," giving us saifa. It means to "smash or beat‖ or "destroy and tear". The most common translation of Saifa is ‗to destroy by pulverising‘. There are several bottom-fist and back-fist strikes in saifa, which is a more aggressive kata. The word "Saifa" means Saifa is of Chinese origin, brought back to Okinawa in the late 1800's by Kanryo Higaonna. Saifa is the first of the eight "Kaishu" or open handed Kata in the curriculum of Goju Ryu Karatedo. 38 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SEIYUNCHIN Seiyunchin kata once again uses the "chin" of Sanchin kata. In this case it is combined with sei and yun (also pronounced "in") to form the name seiyunchin. It means "to pull off balance and fight." Seiyunchin is a very old Chinese kata and its origins are probably in the Hsing-i internal system. Mostly consisting of transitions in and out of low stances and escaping techniques with no kicks, a very unusual feature. As the name also translates 'walk far and conquer', Seiyunchin covers a large amount of distance in its performance. SHISOCHIN Shisochin also uses the same kanji for "chin" as in Sanchin. In this case it is combined with the kanji shi (four) and so (redirection) to form shisochin or "four-face battle" or "battle in four directions". It is of Chinese origin, taught to Kanryo Higaonna by RyuRyuko. It is said to be one of Chojun Miyagi's favourite kata in his later years, and that it was well suited to his body. An advanced level Kata, Shisochin as its translations indicates, concentrates on only four directions of embusen however adjusting from these four directions quickly. SANSEIRU Sanseiru represents the number thirty-six (6x6=36), or more specifically, ―36 hands‖ or ―36 movements‖. The first six represents the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and spirit; the second six represents colour, voice, taste, smell, touch, and justice. Sanseiru develops low kicks and double hand techniques. As in Shisochin, Sanseiru focuses on fighting in all four directions and develops rooted stances. Depending on who is counting and what they are counting, many teachers note that there are thirty six sets of movements in this Kata and some researchers believe this is rooted in the Shaolin temples 36 Habitual Acts of Personal Violence. SEPAI Sepai represents the number eighteen (3x6=18). The literal translation is ―18 hands‖ or ―18 movements‖. The six in this case is the same as the second six in Sanseiru (colour, voice, taste, smell, touch, and justice), while the three represents good, bad and peace. Sepai is made up of a variety of unusual hand, foot and body techniques. KURURUNFA Kururunfa was handed down to us from Ryu Ryuko Sensei to Higaonna Kanryo Sensei, but the original creator of this kata is unknown. Kururunfa contains a wide variety of open-hand techniques and especially hand/hip coordination techniques. Kururunfa is an advanced kata brought back from China. It © Damien Martin 39 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook features Tai Sabaki (evasive manoeuvres) and very quick movement. Kata Kururunfa is one of the original kata from Ryuruko Sensei taught to him while in Fuzchou in the Fukien Province of China and was handed down to Higaonna Kanryo Sensei and on to Miyagi Chojun. The original creator of this Kata is unknown. When translated it can mean: Holding your ground. Ku (long) ru (hold) run (sudden) fa (break) Forever stops Peaceful and tearing (tearing & shatter share the same Kanji) The most common translation is ―holding on long and striking suddenly‖. The many movements in Kururunfa include tai sabaki or evasive manoeuvres and are very quick followed by heavy movements (hard followed by soft) similar to Sesan and a wide variety of other motions (many open hand) both attacking and defending or trapping. Kururunfa also utilizes a combination coordinated with hip movements. Kururunfa teaches exceptional balance and transitions from one stance to another. Its close in hooking blocks and grappling manoeuvres are reminiscent of Sepai. This is the second to the highest of all Goju-Ryu Kata. SESAN Sesan represents the number thirteen. Thirteen is a prime number, and in China is a number representing good luck and prosperity. Sesan is an aesthetic kata epitomizing the ideals of Goju-Ryu by utilizing a number of hard and soft techniques. Sesan translates as ―13 hands‖ or ―13 movements‖ and was known as another one of Miyagi Chojun Sensei‘s favourite Kata. Sesan contains many unusual techniques and demonstrates the difference between Go (Hard) and Ju (Soft). A different version is practised in Shotokan (Hangetsu) and in Wado Ryu (Seishan). Sesan was also the favourite kata of the famous Shinzato Jin'an Sensei. Sesan focuses on many heavier techniques which involve close range uke and kakae, short strikes, low kicks, grabbing and controlling an attacker while striking a vulnerable part of the body. The thirteen primary techniques (eight defensive and five offensive) change direction multiple times to make Seisan balanced in principle, application, technique and embusen. SUPARINPEI Suparinpei represents the number 108 (3x36=108) and means ―108 hands‖ or ―108 movements‖. The number 108 has special significance in the metaphors of Buddhism. It is believed that man has 108 evil passions and so in Buddhist temples on December 31, at the stroke of midnight, a bell is rung 108 times to drive away those spirits. The number 108 is calculated from 36 x 3. The symbolism of the number 36 is the same as in Sanseiru (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and spirit; colour, voice, taste, smell, touch, and justice). It is also believed that Suparinpei could be in reference of the 108 men who robbed from 40 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook the rich and gave to the poor in the 1600‘s along the county side of China. Suparinpei by reference could also hold a meaning of 108 men each with a different evil passion or all of these together. The 108 men who joined forces to fight their 108 passions, they ended up being called ‗vigilantes‘ and also studied a martial art which had 108 movements (3x3x3 again!) Suparinpei (another direct contact to the 108 men who travelled throughout the country side in China in the 1600‘s). It is also believed that Kata Suparinpei used to consist of three different Kata; being Jo, Chu and Ge. Suparinpei is Goju Ryu's longest kata. It utilizes a large number of techniques, including breath control, and it contains the greatest number of applications and depth of meaning. The number 108 has a significant calculation of 6 X 36, the number 36 is significant from Kata Sanseiru and the number 3 exemplifies past, present, and the future. The number 3 is also significant in ALL aspects of Goju Ryu clearly evident in Kata Sanchin (three battles!). The highest kata in the Goju Ryu Karate-do curriculum, kata Suparinpei (also sometimes pronounced Suparenpei) is one of the original Kata from Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei taught to him while in Fuchow in the Fukien Province of China and was handed down to Higaonna Kanryo Sensei and on to Miyagi Chojun. It is one of only four kata still pronounced in its Chinese form. Visually it is similar to the Chinese White Crane Kata and the Kempo Kata of the Dragon! Its Okinawa counterpart is Pecchurin found in Mubini Kenwa Sensei‘s Shito Ryu and has the exact same pattern and almost the exact same movements. Suparinpei is the longest (standard) kata of Goju Ryu (and therefore Gōki-Kai) containing more applications and techniques than any other kata and uses classic Goju Ryu breathing however silent (Ibuki). Sticky Palms (Kakie), Tenshin, Hayakunai, Sabaki techniques, breaks, offensive countermeasures, and even has two additional kicks which are not found in any other Goju Ryu Kata. © Damien Martin 41 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook THE EIGHT PRECEPTS OF THE FIST The Kempo Hakku was a favourite poem of Miyagi Chojun Sensei. It was the 13th article from the ancient Chinese text, the Bubishi. Around 1930, Miyagi Sensei named his method of Té, Goju-Ryu, from the third line of this poem. 8. Mimi wa yoku happo wo kiku. 7. Me wa shiho wo miru wa yosu. 6. Shintai wa hakarite riho su. 5. Te wa ku ni ai sunawachi hairu. 4. Mi wa toki ni shitagai hen ni ozu. 3. Ho wa goju wo tondo su. 2. Ketsumyaku wa nichigetsu ni nitari. 1. Jinshin wa tenchi ni onaji. The ears listen well in all directions The eyes do not miss even the slightest change. The feet must advance and retreat, separate and meet. Techniques will occur in the absence of conscious thought. Act in accordance with time and change. The way of inhaling and exhaling is both hard and soft. The circulatory rhythm of the body is similar to the cycle of the sun and the moon. The mind is one with heaven and earth. © Damien Martin 42 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook TRAINING APPARATUS Gōki-Kai instructors pride ourselves in giving our students the best facilities, training and opportunities to develop themselves to their physical and mental peak. All of our class instructors are highly qualified in the principles of athletic development and sport psychology and hold at least the minimum level of Certificate III with many holding higher level qualifications. We utilise the best of the old and the new to enable our students to achieve their potential. Hojo Undo 'Hojo undo' means literally "supplementary training". These should be practiced as often as possible in order to achieve effective techniques and to prepare the body (and mind) for combat situations. 'Hojo undo' is one of the things that separates traditional karate from sport karate, so that techniques can be delivered with devastating effectiveness without causing any harm to the karateka yet rendering the assailant incapable of continuing his attack. The aim is to achieve the one blow - one win situation. Various traditional training aids are used for 'hojo undo'. They must be used regularly in order to achieve the desired effect. An excellent text on the topic is Hojo Undo by Mike Clarke. Makiwara - punching board The Makiwara is by far most commonly used by the most serious karate-ka. A traditional makiwara is made from a tapered piece of wood with a rice straw cover for striking although today we mostly use a leather cover. If you do not have access to a fixed makiwara then modern focus pads may be used, although not an ideal substitute they will improve timing and distance whilst moving. Often, the visible signs of makiwara training are callused knuckles and hands but the main idea is to strengthen the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints to improve focus and power in striking techniques. Proper makiwara training also improves bone density of the striking surface as the body is forced to adapt to the training. Makiwara training should be built up over a period of months before full power is used. Incorrect makiwara training can cause great physiological damage to your hands and health in general. It is a common misconception that the aims of makiwara training is to produce large callused knuckles which are impervious to impact. These physical trophies are supposed to be indicators of strength and power. This is an incorrect perception! Whilst makiwara training can produce callused knuckles that could sustain tremendous impact and cause great damage, it is merely a by-product of the training itself and not the object. There is much more to this method of training than the mere physical condition of © Damien Martin 43 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook one‘s hands. The makiwara is as old as karate itself, and is primarily an Okinawan training tool that was imported to mainland Japan by Okinawan masters who were responsible for introducing their art of Okinawa Te (Okinawan hand). Gichin Funakoshi, the father of Shotokan Karate, in his biography, clearly states that "I think I am in no way exaggerating when I say that practice with the makiwara is the keystone in the creation of strong weapons." Motobu Choku Sensei, a famous Okinawan karate-ka who was renowned for his fighting ability, had this to say about the makiwara, "Makiwara is a vital piece of equipment for a karate student to exercise his skill." It is not un-common, on Okinawa, to find makiwara in people‘s backyards, and to hear the pounding of a makiwara. To a karate-ka wishing to develop into a complete martial artist, makiwara training is vital and absolutely necessary. The practice of fresh air punching only, never gives one the true feeling of actually striking or punching and opponent. This type of training also encourages bad striking and punching habits as there is no measure between your technique and end-result. Most modern schools use kickboxing type gloves and kickboxing techniques which are derived from sporting applications and require hand wrapping and protective gloves to prevent injury. In a real self defence situation you cannot stop to wrap your hands and it is unlikely you will alter your punching technique in the heat of battle – remember, how you train is how you fight! Human heads are made up of bones and cartilage and is mostly hard and solid, similar to a standing makiwara (tachi makiwara). Therefore it is imperative that one‘s hands are conditioned to resist the impact otherwise the first strike to your opponents head could damage the bones in your hands or wrist. The makiwara not only aids in strengthening the hands and arms, but it also helps strengthen ones stance and coordinating ones breathing. Punching fresh air, or even punching a heavy bag, does not cover all these aspects. There are two types of makiwara, the tachi-makiwara and the age-makiwara. The most common version of the makiwara is the standing makiwara (tachi-makiwara). However, there are also two types of standing makiwara: (a) a flat wooden post extending up from the ground with a pad (or straw wrap-around) on the top. This makiwara is struck from the front only. (b) the other type of standing makiwara is constructed of a round pole which is set into the ground as well. Straw padding is wound around the pole, and it can be hit from all sides. 44 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Chi'ishi - strength stone The chi‘ishi origins are thought to have come from China, though it is widely used in Okinawa. The chi-ishi consists of a stone weight with a long wooden handle. The chi‘ishi enables the karateka to practice very specific movements from the kata and develop their power, strength and stamina accordingly. The length of the handle is determined by either of the following: In an upright position the top of the handle should come up to the knee joint, or if the user hold the chi‘ishi at both ends of the handle the hands should be able to go to the side of the body as in basic punching. There are many exercises with chi-ishi for strengthening the grip, shoulders and arms. It can also be used to condition the forearms by performing Kakie like exercises. Ishi Sashi - stone padlock The ishi-sashi is based on a stone padlock formally used in China and Okinawa and its uses are very similar to modern dumb bells. Being more stable in design the ishi-sashi can be used also with the foot to develop the muscles and tendons we use in kicking techniques. Most of the blocking and striking techniques with the arms can be performed with the ishi-sashi. This helps to develop strong shoulder and back muscles and increase ones kime (focus). A modern version of the ishi-sashi can be made from metal hence the name Tetsu-Sashi. Kongoken - iron ring The kongoken is unique to Okinawan Goju Ryu and was based on a steel ring used by Hawaiian wrestlers. After seeing this in Hawaii Miyagi Chojun Sensei on his return to Okinawa decided to develop a similar piece of equipment changing the shape to oval. The oval shaped kongoken better represented the shape of the human body and a greater number of exercises may be employed. The kongoken can weigh from 30Kgs upwards depending on the user, care must be taken if the kongoken is too heavy. Exercises may be performed with a partner or alone. The kongoken helps us to achieve power in the hips and legs and also helps us with the strength and co-ordination required to perform throwing techniques. Nigiri game - gripping jars The nigiri game translates as gripping jars. These are specifically designed to develop the strong grip needed to execute many of the advanced blocking and holding techniques. They also help to improve the posture and endurance in certain stances. The jars are © Damien Martin 45 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook generally cylindrical in design with the width of the upper rim being the width of the users grip from the tips of the fingers to the inside of the thumb joint. Additional practice calls for the students to combine moving from one stance to another gripping the additional weights in the fashion described, suspended at arms length, to assist in developing the legs, upper body, and in aligning the shoulders and hips for improved kata. The nigiri game is occasionally used for blocking practice, calling for exceptional strength in the hands and arms, to hold the weights in the correct position. When students become proficient at this exercise, the nigiri game may be filled with beans, rice or pebbles to increase the weights. Getting custom made nigiri game can be expensive but rewarding if one can find a potter to undertake the work. The dimensions are as follows: Rim 11cm with a 1.5cm curved lip, this would make the neck around 9cm Width at it's widest 22cm Height 30cm As mentioned previously, the jars may be filled with beans, rice or pebbles to increase the weights. Other Hojo Undo Tools Tou Bamboo bundle – used for developing powerful spear ahnd strikes Sashi Ishi Literally, heavy stone. The use is much like a heavy barbell. 46 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Tetsuwa Iron rings – for grip and forearm strength Makiage Kigu Literally, wrist roller. A weight on a string that is rolled up and down on a handle. This device can be seen in some gyms still today and is used to develop grip and forearm strength. Testuarei Dumbells Junbi Undo Junbi Undo (preliminary exercises) is the warm up exercises of developed by Goju Ryu founder Miyagi Chojun Sensei in conjunction with leading doctors of his time. The junbi undo exercises are very sport specific and as legitimate today as they were 100 years ago. Junbi undo consists of a systematic full body series of exercises designed to warm up, strengthen, stretch, condition, co-ordinate and prepare the karate practitioner‘s body and mind for the challenges of karate training and the rigours of self defence. The junbi undo exercises were compiled and developed by Miyagi Chojun after years of research and consultation with physicians and other Sensei. Contained within these exercises are a variety of karate kihon (basics) that include stances, strikes, punches, blocks, and kicks. Junbi undo exercises also develop Qigong, pronounced ―Chi Kung‖ (practice of internal and external universal energy) and Kokyu-Ho (inhale/exhale breathing method). © Damien Martin 47 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Most of the exercises involve the use of one‘s own bodyweight, as well as (sometimes) that of a partner. Modern Methods Gōki-Kai utilises the best of the old, and the new. Our training programs include elements of weightlifting (not bodybuilding – there is a difference), yoga, pilates, ginastica natural (from Brazil) and much, much more. The following pages will give you an idea of what we do. See you instructor for program development and consultation if you wish. Exercise Description Skipping rope – for cardiovascular fitness, stamina, light footwork and low level plyometric training. Weightlifting – compound lifts using fast movements, lo reps and high weights. To develop explosive speed and power. Primary lifts are: Squat, Power clean, Deadlift, and Bench press Power bag – explosive power development using a sand filled cordura bag. Run, lift, jump, kick and so on. Ginastica natural – natural gymnastics from Brazil. Developed to develop and maintain the fitness and suppleness of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters. Movements are a combination of yoga, wrestling drills and gymnastics and are named after various animals. This is quite a workout. The agility ladder – developing fast foot speed and reactive speed for attack and defence in martial arts. Reaction ball – the unusual device never bounces the same way twice. Works hand/eye coordination as well as developing fast foot speed and reactive speed for attack and defence in martial arts. 48 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Interval sprints – short duration intervals to develop the underpinning fitness elements of short brutal street situations, as well as longer sprints to develop stamina and speed in the ring. Very effective, never popular. Kettlebells – a Russian implement based on a cannonball with a handle. Extremely effective and increasingly popular in the 21st century. Plyometrics – tuck jumps, box drops, clap pushups and more. Power development at its very best. © Damien Martin 49 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of martial arts is inherently pacifistic. One of the key principles of martial arts is ―Karate ni sente nashi‖ - there is no first attack in karate. All of the great masters taught this principle. For many years it has been misinterpreted to mean that you must wait for the attacker to strike before you defend yourself - this is incorrect! The attacker initiates an attack with their intention, you are legally and morally entitled to defend yourself once you are aware that you have no other option, that the situation is going to get physical. Karate ni sente nashi means simply that the trained martial artist should not, and must not, look for trouble. BUSHIDO Bushido means ―Way of the Warrior‖. The Bushido that we know today is largely a myth created by an early 20th century Japanese scholar, Inazo Nitobe. This is not to say that it is without value. The virtues espoused as ideals by Nitobe form the heart of the philosophy of Gōki-Kai Karate-Do. There are eight primary principles of Bushido. These are: Honour, Loyalty, Truth and Sincerity, Benevolence, Self-Control, Etiquette, Courage, and Justice. An excellent book on the subject is: Morgan, Forrest. Living the Martial Way: A Manual for the Way a Modern Warrior Should Think. Fort Lee, NJ: Barricade Books, 1992. There is much mystery and mystique attached to the principles of bushido, much of it is overly theoretical and complex. Let‘s look at each virtue: Honour Doing what you say you will do. As simple as that. Loyalty Loyalty to family, friends, Dojo mates, instructor etc. Loyalty is a two way street and involves mutual respect. Truth and Sincerity Veracity is the key term. Habitual truthfulness. Benevolence Being well meaning and kindly. Looking after those less fortunate than yourself. Self-Control Self-discipline. Doing something you don‘t want to do simply because you know you should or, not doing something you want to do, because you know you shouldn‘t. Ettiquette Manners and social graces. 50 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Courage Not the absence of fear but the facing of fear. Courage to stand up for what is right. Justice Not legality but morality. Knowing the difference between right and wrong and striving to do the right thing. THE FIVE RINGS The five rings refer to a thesis written by the great swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, in 1645. The book was titled Go Rin No Sho, the ‗Book of Five Rings‘. Miyamoto Musashi Musashi was born in 1584. His full name was Shinmen Musashi No Kami Fujiwara No Genshin. Being of Fujiwara blood made him a member of a prominent noble family, the lineage can be traced back over a thousand years. At the age of seven, after both of his parents died, Musashi was placed in the care of his uncle, a warrior priest. After six years in this strict environment he had his first duel. The Samurai he fought was named Arima Kihei. He is said to have been skilled with sword and spear. Musashi, who was large for his age, threw the man to the ground and beat him to death with a stick. At the age of 19, after winning a number of other duels, Musashi fought in the last battle to be fought in Japan. On the losing side. Somehow he managed to survive the massacre of over 70 thousand men and the hunting down of survivors. His single combats to the death continued, by the time he was thirty years old he had fought and killed over sixty opponents, most of whom were warriors of renown. It was about this time that Musashi stopped using real swords in his duels, and proved that he was invincible using sticks against swords. Having mastered the art of fighting, he delved into other arts, producing masterpieces in sculpture, ink painting, calligraphy and wood sculpture. He wrote, "Study the way of all professions"‖ It is evident that he did just that as he sought out not only great swordsmen, but priests, strategists, artists, and craftsmen, always eager to broaden his knowledge. He died of old age at age 61. GO RIN NO SHO Musashi wrote of swordsmanship in such a manner that it is possible for the beginner to study at beginner‘s level, and for masters to study the same words at a higher level. This applies not only to military strategy, but all aspects of life. As the title implies the book is in five sections, named after the five elements of Taoist philosophy: © Damien Martin 51 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Earth – Know yourself and your way completely. Water – Seemingly fluid but internally unchanged. Fire – Strategy. The what, when, how and why. Wind – Know your enemy completely. Void – The end of the beginning. What goes around comes around. Musashi asserts that one cannot attain Heiho (the path to enlightenment and understanding) without knowing all five books completely. The Go Rin No Sho should be considered compulsory reading for any aspiring warrior. 52 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook RECOMMENDED READING Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings) by Miyamoto Musashi (edited by Thomas Cleary) (1994), Shambhala Publications; ISBN: 0877739986 The Unfettered Mind by Takuan Soho The Art of War by Sun Tzu Bubishi translated by Patrick McCarthy, Tuttle Publishing; ISBN: 0804820155 The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama by Cameron Quinn (1987), Coconut Productions; ISBN 0731611195 Bushido by Inazo Nitobe (edited by Charles Lucas) (1979) Ohara Publication; ISBN: 0897500318 Living the Martial Way by Forrest E. Morgan (1992) Barricade Books inc; ISBN0942637763 © Damien Martin 53 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook THE GRADING SYSTEM INTRODUCTION The story goes that in the early days of karate there were no belts as such. A student wore whatever clothing was comfortable and in the manner of the times a belt was used to keep the jacket closed. The cheapest cloth was undyed, an off-white colour. This made a cheap and easy ‗obi‘ for training. Over time, with hard training and the sweat of effort and perseverance, the obi got stained darker until one day, after many years of training, it was black. This darkening of the belt led to the development of the coloured belt system we know today. In reality, Kano Jigoro, the founder of Judo, developed the coloured belt system in the late 19th Century. Prior to this, the belt was simply to hold the training uniform closed. He developed a simple system which initially consisted of a white students belt, and a black instructors belt. This soon evolved into a more complex system of ranks, colours and titles. Kano was emphatic that shodan was in fact a new beginning in the practitioners study of the martial arts. Funakoshi Gichin, the ‗father‘ of modern karate, adopted Kano‘s grading system when he introduced Okinawan karate to Japan. Funakoshi adapted the Kano system and introduced the first pragmatic grading examination system that we would recognise today. This system has now been adopted almost universally in the martial arts community. It should be noted that Miyagi Sensei, the founder of Goju Ryu, never awarded any black belts during his lifetime. Each grading examination that is passed should give a sense of accomplishment and enables the student to set an attainable goal for the next step in their journey of the Way. ―The coloured belts are awarded in recognition of the training efforts and encourage the student to continue such endeavours in the future. They are not designed to feed the ego. Coloured belts also offer incentive to others who may see the belts as attainable goals towards which their own efforts in training may be directed. Keep in mind that the belts are nothing more than symbols. Their true significance for the students should not lie in simply gaining the belts themselves but understanding and adopting what each belt represents5‖ The grading system in Gōki-Kai is structured in such a way as to allow the novice student to set achievable goals and for all practitioners to chart their physical, intellectual and esoteric progress. ―One thing which the student should always remember: have faith in the guidance of your instructor with regard to the timing of gradings. The instructor usually knows better than you do when you are ready for the next level. Sometimes it may seem that the requirements of the next step are too much. But if you seize the opportunity of a challenge, you may surprise yourself by reaching another goal that not long ago seemed far too difficult to obtain. 5 Quinn, C. (1987), The Budo Karate of Mas Oyama, p. 84, Coconut Productions: Brisbane 54 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Remember, you will never know what you can do unless you attempt what you can‟t. As you improve, your ability to acquire the skills of karate-do becomes more rapid. Any weakness you thought you had will be resolved without too much trouble through a process of elimination in regular training, provided your training is supported by a logical basis.6‖ Below black belt the grades are traditionally known as ―kyu‖, meaning ―boy‖. In the GōkiKai system the kyu grades are numbered in descending order starting at 10 th kyu, white belt, and ending in 1st kyu, brown belt with three black bars. Belts with bars are essentially progress markers. The stripes are located on both ends of the belt and are 1cm wide and located 2cm from the end of the belt. Where there are two stripes they are 1cm apart. At black the belts levels, or degrees, are called ―dan‖, literally ―man‖. These are numbered in ascending order from 1st to 10th dan. The following chapters contain the requirements for attempting each belt. View each set as a holistic progression within the martial arts. Remember too that the information contained herein is a minimum requirement and dedicated practice, both in and out of the Dojo, is required. Many of the techniques are taught long before they need to be perfected for grading. For example, a student will learn to fall at white belt but not tested for it until much later, once they have had time to perfect the technique. They will learn pressure points from white belt but not tested on that knowledge until blue belt, and so on. Also, at many levels, the techniques listed are to be found in the application and of the kata for that kyu grade. Normally you will not demonstrate all of the techniques listed at grading but you may be requested to demonstrate any or all of them so be prepared. The path to earning a black belt in our system of martial arts is long and strenuous, but well worth the journey. Our black belts are as good as any black belt anywhere and can hold their heads up as examples of excellence in martial arts. We also strive to ensure that they are excellent people. GRADES From the lowest to the highest, the belts are: Grade Belt Description th 10 Kyu White Belt 1st Yellow Bar 2nd Yellow Bar 9th Kyu Yellow Belt 1st Orange Bar 2nd Orange Bar th 8 Kyu Orange Belt 1st Purple Bar 2nd Purple Bar 7th Kyu Purple Belt 1st Blue Bar 6 Op. Cit p.85 © Damien Martin 55 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 6th Kyu 5th Kyu 4th Kyu 3rd Kyu 2nd Kyu 1st Kyu 1st Dan 2nd Dan 3rd Dan 4th Dan: 5th Dan 6th Dan 7th Dan 8th Dan 9th Dan 10th Dan 2nd Blue Bar Blue Belt 1st Green Bar 2nd Green Bar Green Belt 1st Brown Bar 2nd Brown Bar Brown Belt 1st Black Bar 2nd Black Bar 3rd Black Bar Solid Black Belt. Neither a ‗boy‘ nor a ‗man‘. The ‗void‘. In Gōki-Kai all black belts have the students name and Gōki-Kai Karate-Do embroidered in red in Japanese. Gōki-Kai on the right, student name on the left. Black belt with red writing. Black belt with red writing. Black belt with red writing. Black belt with red writing. Black belt with red writing. Black belt with red writing. Black belt with red writing. Black belt with red writing. The belt now turns solid red, no stripes, with black writing. GRADINGS Gradings are normally held quarterly. It is up to the student to ensure that they have been attending training long enough and hard enough to achieve their grading requirements prior to testing for the belt. Gradings are by no means automatic. Prior to attempting each rank a student must have completed an ‗intent to promote form‘ and be authorised to grade by the senior instructor. All fees must be up to date, the official dogi clean and in good order and all mandatory protective equipment available. Up to brown belt, belt bar gradings are far less formal than solid belt colour gradings. They are often done in class or even awarded at formal gradings for extraordinary prowess (i.e. the student may progress two ranks). Two bars usually denote the student is ready to attempt the next full coloured belt. For example, two yellow bars on a white belt means the students should be attempting their yellow belt at the next grading. This at the discretion of the senior instructor. Before brown belt the bars are not part of the formal kyu system but denote progress and the students position in the hierarchy of the school. At brown belt, the black bars added to the belt are part of the classic kyu/dan system and will be done in a formal grading. Black belt gradings are held at formal grading ceremonies and will usually be followed by a ‗back to black‘. 56 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook TEACHING RANKS Teaching ranks are separate from belt rank. These denote the level of study achieved by the instructing black belts. A teaching rank is akin to a tertiary certificate, Diploma, Bachelor of Arts, Masters, Ph.D etc. Gōki-Kai does not use all the belt ranks that some other styles do. Kanji Japanese Term Translation ‗Older Brother‘ or ‗mentor‘. Sempai Sensei Teacher. Literally ‗one who has been before‘. A Bachelor of Arts. Renshi Lower level master. Literally ―A person who has mastered oneself‖. A Masters Degree. Shihan Upper level master. Literally ―A teacher of teachers‖. A Ph.D. Kyoshi Literally ―Knowledgeable person‖. Hanshi Literally ―Master‖. Usually reserved for 9th dans and above. Soké Founder Other titles that may be used include: Kanchō – Head of a Dojo Kaichō – Head of a school In Gōki-Kai Karate-Do we utilise Sempai, Sensei, Renshi, Shihan and Hanshi. A Dojo head would be the Kancho of that Dojo and the head of the ‗style‘ of Gōki-Kai is the Kaicho. OTHER GRADINGS Black gi‘s and crosses are detailed in a separate section of the handbook. These should © Damien Martin 57 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook be seen as grading‘s. Remember, the black gi symbolises toughness. In order to be awarded the black gi the aspiring student must demonstrate extraordinary physical and mental toughness and demonstrate that they are willing to train harder than the rest of the class – all the time. The process is straightforward and is initiated by the student identifying themselves as a candidate by training harder than everyone else, or by competing in eligible events. Senior students and instructors within the school may nominate someone for a black gi. Usually this is not even considered to be an option until at least 5th kyu (green belt). The black gi assessment then takes place over a period of months (or years) and is a subjective process. The fastest path to the black gi is to actively compete in the full contact kumite arena within an acceptable rules framework (ie. Kyokushin or modified Kyokushin rules). Some students prefer the Muay Thai or Mixed Martial Arts arena to demonstrate that they are ‗extra-ordinary‘. USING THIS TEXT The following chapters are broken up firstly by kyu grade, and then separately into the 1 st and 2nd bar grade. Each belt rank is further divided into mental development and physical development sections. The mental development section looks at things such as the grade quote, instructions from the masters and any theory or written requirements for the rank. The physical development section looks at the fitness requirements, the technique requirements, the self defence applications and the sparring requirements for the rank being attempted. Note that mental and physical development requirements are both necessary to progress. 58 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 10th KYU: WHITE BELT MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: GRADE QUOTE Potential is dormant within; effort will bring it out. Your potential is like a diamond coated in mud. PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING The making of habits: the establishment of a regular training habit and realizing the importance of a solid technical foundation. INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS Those who face the unprepared with preparation are victorious - Sun Tzu 1st YELLOW BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―The first step in a journey of a thousand miles, seemingly the hardest step‖ Anonymous PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING The making of habits: the establishment of a regular training habit and realizing the importance of a solid technical foundation. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING: Be aware of the Two Laws of Karate Dynamics — 1. Keep the spine upright, the chin down and the head still; 2. Relax the shoulders and maintain the centre of gravity. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS There are no written requirements but the student should be able to recite the Dojo Kun: We are proud to study Martial Arts; Following the path of Warrior; We are training for strength together; We intend to develop self-discipline to bring out the best in ourselves and others; We intend to use what we learn constructively and defensively and never be abusive or offensive. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 10 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 10 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine Demonstrate improved flexibility since commencement. FOOTWORK: 1. Kumite Dachi – Fighting Stance 2. Stamp 3. Blitz 4. Switch 5. Masubi Dachi – Attention Stance © Damien Martin 59 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: 6. Heisoku Dachi – Normal Stance 7. Heiko Dachi – Parallel Stance 8. Shiko Dachi – Square Stance 9. Zen Kutsu Dachi – Deep Lunging Stance Offence: 1. Seiken Tsuki - Two knuckle punch 2. Kizami Tsuki - Jab 3. Gyaku Tsuki - Reverse Punch 4. Oi Tsuki - Lunge Punch 1. Mae Geri - Front Kick 2. Mawashi Geri - Round Kick Nil Ni Introduction and practice of basic rolls and falls: 1. Yoko Ukemi - Side Breakfall 2. Ushiro Ukemi - Back Breakfall 3. Mae Ukemi - Front Breakfall 4. Zenpo Kaiten Ukemi - Front Rolling Breakfall 5. Ushiro Kaiten Ukemi - Back Roll 1. A defence for a front kick 2. A defence for a lapel grab 3. A defence for a wrist grab Ido Kihon Tsuki (Three Step Punching Drill) – Jodan Oi Tsuki, Chudan Oi Tsuki, Gedan Oi Tsuki 1 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite. Emphasis on reigi (attitude), kamae (fighting stance), courage, balance and strong kiai. 2nd YELLOW BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Practice a thousand hours and you learn self discipline. Practice ten thousand hours and you learn about yourself‖ Miyamoto Musashi PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Consolidation of training as a part of daily life. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Improve technical ability and fluidity of movement. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil 60 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 15 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 15 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. FOOTWORK: Revision plus: 1. Clock face pattern (Octagon). Defence: HANDS: 1. Jodan Age Uke – Upper Block 2. Chudan Uke – Middle Block 3. Gedan Barai – Lower Parry 4. Soto Uke – Centre Block 5. Inside Check (front hand for linear punch) 6. Outside Check (front hand for linear punch) KICKS: Revision plus: 1. Sune Uke waza: a. Roll Check b. Wedge Check ELBOWS: Nil KNEES Ni Standing: GRAPPLING: 1. Muay Thai style ―pummelling‘ (a.k.a. European drill) Ground: Revision plus: 1. Trap and Roll Escape – Mount (L1) a. Standard variation b. Punch block variation c. Headlock variation d. Open guard pass SELF DEFENCE: Basic boxing type defensive skills with ducking and weaving. KATA: Ido Kihon Uke (Three Step Blocking Drill) – Jodan Age Uke, Chudan Uchi Uke, Gedan Barai. SPARRING: 2 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite. Emphasis on reigi (attitude), kamae (fighting stance), courage, balance and strong kiai. © Damien Martin 61 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 9th KYU: YELLOW BELT MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear‖ Mark Twain PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Consolidation of training as a part of daily life. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Position. Having all the body parts in the right place at the right time. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS …the ability to gain victory by changing and adapting according to the opponent is called genius - Sun Tzu PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS a. b. c. d. FITNESS REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). 20 Push-ups 20 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. PHYSICAL TECHNIQUES 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 20 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 20 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: 62 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision plus: 1. Head kick defence/parry Revision plus: 1. Yoko Geri - Side Kick 2. Mikazuki Geri - Crescent Kick (also called Ko Geri) 3. Ushiro Geri - Back Kick Nil 1. Hiza Geri – ‗Free‘ Knee Kick 2. Mae Hiza Geri – Front Knee Kick Standing: Revision plus: 1. Muay Thai knee grappling 2. Defences for Thai grappling 3. ‗Jagging‘ and advanced grappling applications © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Ground: Revision plus: 1. Americana Armlock – Mount (L2) a. Basic Application (Preparation Drill) b. Standard Variation c. Neck-hug Variation Increase in boxing skills with addition of integrated leg checking and building the Muay Thai ‗Wall‖. San Dan Gi 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite. Emphasis on an understanding of correct reigi (etiquette), Kamae (posture and stability), courage and strong kiai. 1st ORANGE BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Tomorrows battle is won with today‘s practice‖ Samurai maxim PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Consolidation of previous gains TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Fudo! Power and progress are built on a solid foundation. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 25 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 25 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. FOOTWORK: Revision plus: 1. Hanzenkutsu Dachi – Half Lunging Stance 2. Sanchin Dachi – Three Battle Stance HANDS: Revision plus: 1. Uraken Tsuki – Backfist 2. Shuto – Knife hand KICKS: Revision ELBOWS: 1. Hiji Age Uchi – Uppercut Elbow 2. Mawashi Hiji – Round Elbow 3. Uwate Hiji Empi – Overhand Elbow KNEES Revision Standing GRAPPLING: Revision plus: 1. O Soto Gari – Outer Reaping Throw Ground: © Damien Martin 63 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Revision plus: 1. Positional Control – Mount (L3) a. Hips and Hands (Preparation Drill) b. Anchor and Base c. Low Swim d. High Swim Revision plus: 1. Morote Uke – Augmented block (a.k.a. SPEAR concept) Gekisai Dai Ichi pattern 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 2nd ORANGE BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE The more you sweat in training the less you bleed in battle. Ancient Roman Legionnaires Motto PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Further build on the basic techniques developed previously. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Balance. Controlling the position in motion by keeping the balance centred within yourself. Take the basic body positions of 9th kyu and move from one to another without loss of control. Fluidity in motion. Control of position and balance creates perfect leverage to allow the body to generate maximal force. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 30 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 30 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. FOOTWORK: Revision plus: 1. Development of Tai-Sabaki style body shifting to avoid attacks. HANDS: Revision plus: 1. Shotei – Palm Heel KICKS: Revision ELBOWS: Revision KNEES Revision Standing: GRAPPLING: Revision plus: 1. De Ashi Barai – Front Foot Sweep Ground: 64 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: © Damien Martin 1. Take the Back – Mount (L4) a. Take the Back b. Remount Technique Revision plus: 1. Shredder concept 2. use of effective offense as a defence. Gekisai Dai Ichi Bunkai 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite. 65 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 8th KYU: ORANGE BELT MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―What I do today is very important to me as I sacrifice a day in my life for it‖ Roman Neubacher (Zen Do Kai Rokudan) PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING The development of an improved sense of fluidity. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING The four major weapons (left and right hands, left and right legs), work as a single unit. Every action has an opposite and equal reaction — left and right, forward and back, upper and lower. The body counterbalances diagonally. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others - Sun Tzu In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak as water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it - Tao Te Ching PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 30 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 30 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading FOOTWORK: Revision Strikes HANDS: Revision plus: 1. Ura Tsuki - Body Rip 2. Kagi Tsuki - Hook Punch Strikes KICKS: Revision ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: 66 Defence Revision plus: 1. Sune Uke waza: a. Roll Check b. Wedge Check c. High Roll Check d. High Wedge Check e. Front Check f. Cross Check. Revision Revision plus: 1. Mawashi Hiza Geri – Round Knee Kick Standing: © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Revision plus: 1. Uke Goshi – Minor Hip Throw 2. O Goshi – Major Hip Throw 3. Ippon Seionage – One Armed Shoulder Throw Ground: 1. Rear Naked Choke – Back Mount (L5) a. Basic Application b. Strong Side Variation c. Weak Side Variation Revision Gekisai Dai Ichi + Bunkai 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite. Emphasis on courage, kiai, movement with controlled balance and fluid footwork, coordination between the hands and feet. 1st PURPLE BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―The five secrets of Japanese Goju: Move Quickly Sound, clam mind Be light in body Have a quick, clever mind Master the basics‖ Yamaguchi Gogen PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING The development of an improved sense of fluidity. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING The development of fluid and tactically sound combinations. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 35 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 35 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: Revision plus: 1. Nekoashi Dachi – Cat Stance HANDS: Revision plus: 1. Hiki uke – hooking block KICKS: Revision ELBOWS: Revision KNEES Revision GRAPPLING: Revision plus: Standing: © Damien Martin 67 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Shoots: 1. Single Leg Shoot 2. Sprawl defence for leg shoots 3. Leg Hook Takedown – Standing (L6) a. Clinch Control (Preparation Drill) b. Leg Hook Takedown Ground: 1. Guard and variations – inner guard, outer guard etc. 2. Basic control drill (i.e. mount - dismount - side hold - front hold - side hold - switch base and mount). 3. Kami Shiho Gatame – Upper 4 Quarters Hold 4. Yoko Shiho Gatame – Side 4 Quarters Hold 5. Kesa Gatame – Scarf Hold 6. Kata Gatame – Shoulder Hold Revision plus basic ground defence where you are down and the opponent is standing (under pressure). Gekisai Dai Ni pattern 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 1 x 2 minute rounds of submission grappling 2nd PURPLE BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Fall down seven times, get up eight‖ Judo maxim PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Consolidation of grappling skills. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Development of ability to relax and grapple effectively without utilising too much energy. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 35 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 35 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: Revision HANDS: Revision KICKS: Revision ELBOWS: Revision KNEES Revision Standing: GRAPPLING: Revision plus: 1. Clinch (Aggressive Opponent) – Standing (L7) a. Keep the Distance (Preparation Drill) b. Close the Distance 68 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Ground: Revision plus: 1. Mune Gatame – Chest Hold 2. elbow escape 3. bridging escape 4. familiarity with the ginastica natural exercises SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: © Damien Martin Submissions: Revision plus: 1. Juji Gatame - Far Arm Bar 2. Ude Gatame - Wrist Lock. 3. Kata Juji Jime - Lapel Choke 4. Okuri Eri Jime - Sliding Lapel Strangle Revision plus: 1. Escapes from mount (i.e. bridge & roll, skippy hips etc) whilst under pressure Gekisai Dai Ni Bunkai 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 2 x 2 minute rounds of submission grappling 69 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 7th KYU: PURPLE BELT MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―They are skilled in both planning and adapting and need not fear the result of a thousand battles; for they win in advance, defeating those that have already lost‖ Sun Tzu PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Firmly establish the habit of regular training and set daily objectives to aim for. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of balance and increased awareness of the control of the centre of gravity. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Test on Japanese terminology to 7th Kyu and test on history of Gōki-Kai INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS Understand the Five Elements. 1. Earth is the energy of stability and base; 2. Water is the expression of fluidity and adaptability; 3. Fire gives mental volition — the fire in the heart; 4. Wind stands for the sensitivity and perception which allows you to enclose your opponent like a gale or a breeze; 5. Void is emptiness, the calmness that is the source of all seeing and all knowledge. It allows you to create from the moment and grasp the truth of the instant. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 40 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 40 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: Revision General proficiency in the Hedgcock Angles padwork drills. HANDS: Revision KICKS: Revision ELBOWS: Revision KNEES Revision Standing: GRAPPLING: Revision plus: 1. Thai Style neck control for knees 2. Posting off rear hand. 3. Underhook Ground: Revision plus: 1. Knee Ride 2. Knee Ride Hip Escape 3. Punch Block Series – Guard (L8) a. Stage 1 70 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook b. Stage 2 c. Stage 3 d. Stage 4 SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Submissions: Revision plus: 1. Straight Armbar Takedown 2. Figure 4 Armbar & variations Application of the Shredder concept in a simulation environment Gekisai Dai Ni + Bunkai 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 3 x 2 minute rounds of submission grappling Emphasis on courage, kiai, balance, fluid footwork, coordination, counter fighting with simple but effective combinations. Improvement in smoothness of motion. 1st BLUE BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Receive a blow like flowing water; attack decisively with the attitude of one punch, certain death‖ Chang Sang Feng PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Firmly establish the habit of regular training and set daily objectives to aim for. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of balance and increased awareness of the control of the centre of gravity. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 40 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 40 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: © Damien Martin Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision Revision plus: 1. Kansetsu Geri - Knee Joint Kick Revision Revision Standing: Revision plus: 1. Ko-soto-barai - Outer Leg Hook 2. Koshi Garuma – Hip Wheel 3. Kata Garuma - Shoulder Wheel 71 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Ground: Revision plus: 1. Straight Armlock – Mount (L9) a. Final control (preparation drill) b. Standard variation c. Side variation SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Submissions: Revision plus: 1. Hadaka Jime – Naked Strangle/Sleeper Hold 2. San Gyaku Gatame – Triangle Arm Bar / Figure 4 Arm Bar Counters for each of the basic throws to this grade. Sanchin pattern 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 3 x 2 minute rounds of submission grappling 2nd BLUE BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. ― Frank Outlaw PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Firmly establish the habit of regular training and set daily objectives to aim for. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of balance and increased awareness of the control of the centre of gravity. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 3 minutes (60 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body parts). FITNESS 40 Push-ups REQUIREMENTS: 40 Sit-ups 3 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: 72 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision plus: 1. Hiraken – Chisel Fist 2. Ura Kote – Reverse or Rear Forearm. The little finger side. 3. Hira Kote – Top/Back Forearm 4. Omote Kote – Front Forearm or Inner Forearm. The thumb edge side that when standing naturally faces to the front. 5. Haito – Ridge Hand © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: 6. Nukite – Spear Hand 7. Kakate – Heel Strike 8. Kake Uke – Hooking Defence Revision Revision Revision Standing: Revision plus: 1. Hiza Garuma - Knee Prop 2. O Garuma - Thrusting Throw 3. Kote Garuma - Wrist Wheel 4. Uchi Mata - Inner Thigh Throw 5. Tomoe Nage - Stomach Throw 6. Kani Basami - Scissor Throw Ground: Revision plus: 1. Triangle Choke – Guard (L10) a. Triangle Finish (Preparation Drill) b. Stage 1.5 Variation c. Giant Killer Variation SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: © Damien Martin Submissions: Revision plus: 1. Juji Gatame - Bent Leg Lock 2. Ashi Gatame - Ankle Lock Revision plus: defences for each of the basic submissions to this grade. Uke Waza Tensho pattern 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 3 x 3 minute rounds of submission grappling 73 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 6th KYU: BLUE BELT MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE "We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it." Thomas Jefferson PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Learn the value of confronting fears. Look them in the face and they will cease to bother you. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Coordination. Position + balance in motion with all the body parts moving to the right place at the right time and moving from the hara/tanden. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Research project of 250-500 words or oral presentation of 8 minutes duration on the origins, lineage and history of Gōki-Kai. INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS Subjecting yourself to vigorous training is more for the sake of forging a resolute spirit that can vanquish the self than it is for developing a strong body - Sosai Mas Oyama The few are those on the defensive against others, the many are those who cause others to be on the defensive against themselves - Sun Tzu PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 45 Push-ups 45 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: 74 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision plus: 1. Jodan Uraken - Uppercut Revision plus: 1. Kake Geri - Hook Kick 2. Kakato Otoshi Geri - Axe Kick 3. Mikazuki Geri - Crescent Kick (also called Ko Geri) 4. Ushiro Geri - Back Kick 5. Kani Basami - Scissor Kick (throw) 6. Kin Geri – Groin Kick Revision Revision Revision plus: 1. Elevator Sweep – Guard (L11) a. Standard Variation b. Headlock Variation 2. Elbow Escape – Mount (L12) a. Shrimp Drill (Preparation Drill) © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: b. Standard Elbow Escape c. Hook Removal d. Fish Hook e. Heel Drag 3. Positional Control – Side Mount (L13) a. Roll Prevention b. Guard Prevention c. Mount Transition Revision plus: 1. Demonstrate the locations of the following: a. infra orbital point b. mandibular angle c. hypoglossal d. gall bladder 13, 14 and 15 (Frontal Lobotomy) e. brachial plexus origin f. jugular notch g. brachial plexus clavicular notch h. brachial plexus tie in i. suprascapularis j. ulnar motor point (Triple Warmer 11) k. radial motor point (Large Intestine 10) l. medial motor point (Large Intestine 7) m. liver n. spleen o. kidney p. solar plexus q. Wrist Motor Point (Lung 8) r. Gall Bladder 20 (Gerber Slap) s. Femoral Motor Point t. Common Peroneal Motor Point u. Superficial Peroneal Motor Point v. Tibial Motor Point Sanchin & Tensho 3 x 3 minute rounds of jiyu kumite Emphasis on courage, kiai, smooth footwork coordinated with flowing 3 and 4 technique combinations, awareness, confidence to initiate attacks, speed 1st GREEN BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Move! One step at a time but always forward‖ Anonymous PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Learn the value of confronting fears. Look them in the face and they will cease to bother you. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Coordination. Position + balance in motion with all the body parts moving to the right place © Damien Martin 75 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook at the right time and moving from the hara/tanden. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 45 Push-ups 45 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: 76 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision plus: 1. Cross Punch 2. Uwate Tsuki - Overhand Punch 3. Uraken Shita Uchi - Uppercut Rip 4. Chudan Mawashi Tsuki - Hook Rip 5. Tettsui – Hammer Fist Revision Revision plus: 1. Ushiro Hijiate - Back Elbow 2. Hiji Oroshi Uchi - Descending (drop) Elbow. Revision Revision plus: 1. Body Fold Takedown – Standing (L14) 2. Clinch (Conservative Opponent) – Standing (L15) a. Surprise Entry 3. Headlock Counters – Mount (L16) a. Basic Positioning (Preparation Drill) b. Prevent the Getup c. Back Mount Finish d. Armlock Finish 4. Double Leg Takedown – Standing (L17) a. Basic Application (Preparation Drill) b. Aggressive Opponent c. Conservative Opponent 5. Headlock Escape 1 – Side Mount (L18) a. Standard Frame Escape b. Scissor Failure Variation c. Super Lock Variation Revision plus: 1. 3 defences for a reverse punch 2. A defence for a bear hug 3. A defence for a side headlock Saifa pattern 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite sparring 3 x 3 minute rounds of submission grappling © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 2 nd GREEN BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Every person today is the results of their thoughts from yesterday‖ - anonymous PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Learn the value of confronting fears. Look them in the face and they will cease to bother you. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Coordination. Position + balance in motion with all the body parts moving to the right place at the right time and moving from the hara/tanden. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 45 Push-ups 45 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: © Damien Martin Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision Revision Revision Revision Revision plus: 1. Straight Armlock – Guard (L19) a. Low Variation b. High Variation c. Triangle Transition 2. Double Ankle Sweep – Guard (L20) a. Knee Thrust Variation b. Stand up in Base (Preparation Drill) c. Kick Variation 3. Pull Guard – Standing (L21) 4. Headlock Escape 2 – Side Mount (L22) a. Standard Leg Hook Escape b. Super Base Variation c. Punch Block Variation Revision Saifa Bunkai 5 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite. 77 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 5th KYU: GREEN BELT MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall‖ Confucius PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Develop increased confidence and courage in training through regular attendance and the desire to take part in kumite and develop mastery of ma-ai (distance), tai-sabaki (offensive and defensive body movement) and kime (focus). TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of coordination by developing an awareness of the centre of gravity in motion. From this point on in training, strive never to lose your balance. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Research project of 250-500 words or oral presentation of 8 minutes duration on the importance of strength & conditioning training in martial arts. INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS When you are concentrated into one while the opponent is divided into ten, you are attacking at a concentration of ten to one, so you outnumber the opponent - Sun Tzu PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 50 Push-ups 50 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: 78 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision Revision Revision Revision Revision plus: 1. Guillotine Choke – Standing (L23) a. Basic Application (Preparation Drill) b. Standing Variation c. Guard Pull Variation 2. Shrimp Escape – Side Mount (L24) a. Block and Shoot Variation b. Shrimp and Shoot Variation c. Punch Block Variation 3. Kimura Armlock – Guard (L25) a. Basic Application (Preparation Drill) b. Rider Variation c. Forced Variation © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Revision plus: 1. 5 defences for a reverse punch taken from the forms. 2. A defence each for: a. a front kick, b. a round kick and c. a back kick. 3. 3 defences for a frontal grabbing attack. Saifa + bunkai 5 x 2 minute rounds of Jiyu Kumite Emphasis on coordinating the kiai and balanced footwork with flowing combinations. Selfconfidence, courage, speed. 1st BROWN BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind‖ Morihei Ueshiba (creator of Aikido) PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Develop increased confidence and courage in training through regular attendance and the desire to take part in kumite and develop mastery of ma-ai (distance), tai-sabaki (offensive and defensive body movement) and kime (focus). TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of coordination by developing an awareness of the centre of gravity in motion. From this point on in training, strive never to lose your balance. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 55 Push-ups 55 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: © Damien Martin Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision Revision Revision Revision Revision plus: 1. Headlock Defense – Standing (L26) 2. Punch Block Series (Stage 5) – Guard (L27) a. Stage 5 b. Rollover Technique 3. Hook Sweep – Guard (L28) 79 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: a. Hook Sweep b. Sweep Follow-up 4. Rear Takedown – Standing (L29) a. Achieving the Rear Clinch b. Rear Takedown Revision plus: 1. 2 defences for a reverse punch utilising either Mawashi Uke or Kake Uke with finish off. 2. A defence for a sleeper hold attack 3. A defence for a throat attack 4. A defence for a forward wrist lock 5. A defence for a reverse wrist lock 6. Demonstration of revival techniques for pressure point knockouts and choked out students Seiyunchin 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 3 x 2 minute rounds of throws only grappling (ie. Judo-like Randori). 2nd BROWN BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Everything, mountains, rivers, plants, trees, should be your teacher‖ Morihei Ueshiba (founder of Aikido) PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Develop increased confidence and courage in training through regular attendance and the desire to take part in kumite and develop mastery of ma-ai (distance), tai-sabaki (offensive and defensive body movement) and kime (focus). TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of coordination by developing an awareness of the centre of gravity in motion. From this point on in training, strive never to lose your balance. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Nil PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 60 Push-ups 60 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: 80 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Revision Revision plus: 1. Toho – Tiger Claw or Sword Peak Hand 2. Koken - Wrist Strike Revision plus: 1. Tobi Mae Geri – Jumping Front Kick © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: © Damien Martin 2. Tobi Mawashi Geri – Jumping Round Kick 3. Tobi Yoko Geri – Jumping Side Kick Revision plus: 1. Ushiro Ko Empi - Spinning Back Elbow. Revision Revision plus: 1. Haymaker Punch Defence – Standing (L30) 2. Take the Back – Guard (L31) a. Head and Arm Control b. Achieve the Angle c. Final Getup 3. Guillotine Defence – Standing (L32) 4. Elbow Escape – Side Mount (L33) a. Knee Drive Variation b. High Step Variation Revision plus: 1. A defence for a straight arm elbow lock 2. A defence for a shoulder grab from the rear 3. A defence for a double shoulder grab 4. A defence for a bear hug 5. A defence for a head lock Seiyunchin bunkai 3 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite 3 x 2 minute rounds of throws only grappling (ie. Judo-like Randori). 81 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 4th KYU: BROWN BELT MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―When you see a worthy person, try to emulate them. When you see an unworthy person, look inside yourself‖ Peter Urban PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Establish yourself as a senior member of the Dojo through participation in all activities available. The Dojo is your second home. Command a thorough understanding of the Japanese terminology so that techniques can be names in Japanese by compounding different words, e.g. Chudan + mae + hiji ate. Tested for flexibility - must show distinct improvement and be very supple in back and hips. Ability to take class for basics and have a good understanding of the junbi undo. Knowledge of major nerve centres on body. Good general knowledge of health, diet and fitness principles. Knowledge of principle of impact and how to apply it in the techniques Brown belt symbolises VOID. This is the Practical, Creativity level. The brown belt is practical in every way and possesses a cultured outlook. A relaxed mental state is not sleep, it is a calm state of mental preparedness, sensitivity and receptivity. Remain calm and do your best. Learning to relax under pressure is a mental skill developed through demanding physical experiences. This is the first senior level so students should demonstrate confidence and excellence in technique, whilst beginning to develop the correct attitude of a true karate-ka. Students should be developing an interest in the progress of junior grades and a willingness to be of assistance when asked. This is the spirit of benevolence. 82 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Form. Combining position, balance and coordination with perfect relaxation gives correct form. Hara. Continued mastery of the concept of movement from the hara. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Research project of 500-1000 words or oral presentation of 10 minutes duration on the effects of fear on performance of self defence skills. INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS Courtesy should be apparent in all our actions and words and in all aspects of daily life. But by courtesy, I do not mean rigid, cold formality. Courtesy in the truest sense is selfless concern for the physical and mental comfort of others - Mas Oyama Defence is for times of insufficiency, attack is for times of surplus. Tire them by flight. Cause division among them. Attack when they are unprepared, make your move when they do not expect it. Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles and then seeks victory. In ancient times those known as good warriors prevailed when it was easy to © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook prevail. Therefore the victories of good warriors are not noted for cleverness or bravery. Therefore their victories in battles are not flukes. Their victories are not flukes because they position themselves where they will surely win, prevailing over those who have already lost - Sun Tzu PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 65 Push-ups 65 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading. Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation plus: 1. Standing Armlock – Standing (L34) a. Basic Application b. Walking Application 2. Twisting Arm Control – Mount (L35) a. Basic Control (Preparation Drill) b. Back Mount Finish c. Armlock Finish 3. Double Underhook Guard Pass – Guard (L36) a. Modified Side Mount (Preparation Drill) b. Double Underhook Pass c. Posture and Pass Consolidation plus: 1. 2 defences for the front kick, round kick and back kick. 2. 3 groundfighting defences (defender down and attacker up) 3. 3 defences for a headlock. Seiyunchin + bunkai 5 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite, including grappling. Emphasis on strong kiai, courage, excellent footwork and form, speed, timing of initiation techniques and counter techniques, powerful explosiveness and impact. © Damien Martin 83 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 3rd KYU: BROWN BELT WITH BLACK BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance‖ Confucius PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING Training has become a serious and important part of your life. Aim to remain calm under pressure and develop a mature and fearless attitude in kumite. Look to control the kumite, assess each round and work out how you can improve with each session. Seek experience in every respect. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of understanding of form in motion, with an improved level of relaxation. Students should work on the co-ordination of speed and strength to develop explosive POWER. Develop the confidence to attempt new and perhaps difficult techniques. Expand training horizons and seek broader knowledge of the martial arts. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Research project of oral presentation of 10 minutes on the importance of a good diet and proper nutrition in training. INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS Those who know when to fight and when not to fight are victorious. Those who discern when to use many or few troops are victorious... Those who face the unprepared with preparation are victorious. So it is that good warriors take their stand on ground where they cannot lose, and so not overlook conditions that make an opponent prone to defeat - Sun Tzu Strength without justice is violence; justice without strength is impotence - Mas Oyama PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 75 Push-ups 75 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: 84 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation plus: 1. Tobi Ushiro Geri - Jumping Back Kick 2. Ushiro Ko Geri - Spinning Back Kick Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation plus: 1. Standing arm bar (with sweep or takedown) © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: Consolidation Shisochin pattern 5 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite, including grappling. Emphasis on strong kiai, absolute courage, timing, sensitivity to the opponent‘s moves, relaxed motion allowing powerful explosiveness, deceptive footwork. © Damien Martin 85 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 2nd KYU: BROWN BELT WITH 2nd BLACK BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.‖ Robert F Kennedy PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING The preparation for the black belt realms. Assume more responsibilities in the Dojo and cheerfully help where possible. This attitude will carry over into your daily life. Ability to teach a full class Be able to clearly explain meaning of training exercises and how to properly perform all techniques with power. Possess excellent technique and a clear understanding of the philosophy of karate movement. Demonstrate all the weapons of the body and their use. Increased flexibility. Block teach as an assistant instructor for 3 months Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Speed. Increased explosiveness and speed in all techniques without loss of form. Have a well-developed sense of creative freedom and economy of movement. Techniques become a REFLEX. This is where all the principles learned so far— Position, Balance, Co-ordination, Form, Speed and Power—combine as a natural, flowing movement. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Research project of 500-100 words or oral presentation of 10 minutes duration on the energy systems of the human body and how to effectively train them for improved performance. INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS So the important thing in a military operation is victory, not persistence. So the rule of military operations is not to count on opponents not coming but to rely on having ways of dealing with them; not to count on opponents not attacking but to rely on having what cannot be attacked. Therefore a victorious army first wins and then seeks battle; a defeated army first battles then seeks victory - Sun Tzu PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 80 Push-ups 80 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: 86 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation plus: © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: 1. Tobi Ushiro Ko Keri - Jumping Spinning Back Kick Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation plus: 1. Demonstrate five groundfighting attacks and their defences. 2. Demonstrate an escape from a sleeper hold attack 3. 5 defences for a rear grab attack while walking. 4. 5 defences for a reverse punch taken from the forms. 5. 5 defences for kicking attacks. Shisochin Bunkai 5 x 2 minute rounds of jiyu kumite, including grappling. Emphasis on superior kiai, speed above all else, timing, footwork, fluid and effective multilevel combinations, personal creativity in fighting style, absolute courage, nonacknowledgment of pain. © Damien Martin 87 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 1st KYU: BROWN BELT WITH 3rd BLACK BAR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE ―All the resources we need are in the mind‖ Theodore Roosevelt PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING To bring all the techniques learned to a mature level of ability. Seek out any weaknesses and remove them so as not to carry any bad habits over to the black belt. Develop a well-balanced approach to life in general, and to karate and training. Guard against complacency. To develop an even more balanced outlook to life, co-ordinating body, mind and spirit as one. Introspect daily upon every aspect of your life and training. Before retiring, review your day‘s words, thoughts, actions and efforts. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING Consolidation of form and relaxation so that excellence of technique is improved even with an increase of speed. Possess a well-developed ability to judge an opponent‘s spirit and technique in kumite. Must demonstrate excellent timing in all techniques, kata and kumite. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Either: Research project of 1000-1500 words on the benefits of martial arts for modern society, or on the differences between the various martial arts. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Minimum of 100 contact hours since 2nd kyu or 200 contact hours since 3rd kyu. Be able to lead a full class successfully. 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 85 Push-ups 85 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: 88 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Shisochin + Bunkai 5 X 2 minute rounds of kumite 5 X 2 minute rounds against 2 opponents © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Emphasis on superior kiai, speed, timing, footwork, fluid and effective multi-level combinations, personal creativity in fighting style, absolute courage, non-acknowledgment of pain. © Damien Martin 89 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SHODAN MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE: "A true Black Belt following the path of Bushido unwittingly changes his way of life....for he can never be the same person again" Peter Urban PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING To pursue excellence in martial arts and in life. To understand the transcendence from the ‗Jutsu‘ (art) to the ‗Do‘ (way). To achieve virtuosity of the basics. Virtuosity. TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Exam – a 100 question multiple choice examination based on the information in this student handbook. A mark of 90% is required to pass. Essay – 500 to 1000 words on the students thoughts and experiences relating to the martial arts to this point in their training. This should be presented with a project relevant to the essay demonstrating the students depth of thought. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Minimum of 100 contact hours since 1st kyu. Be able to lead a full class successfully. 6 minutes (120 seconds each on upper, middle and lower body FITNESS parts). REQUIREMENTS: 100 Push-ups 100 Sit-ups 6 minute stretching routine FOOTWORK: HANDS: KICKS: ELBOWS: KNEES GRAPPLING: SELF DEFENCE: KATA: SPARRING: 90 Demonstrate improved flexibility since last grading Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Consolidation Thorough grasp of the kata and applications: a) Gekisai Dai Ichi + Bunkai b) Gekisai Dai Ni + Bunkai c) Sanchin + Bunkai d) Tensho + Bunkai e) Saifa + Bunkai f) Seiyunchin + Bunkai g) Shisochin + Bunkai h) Freeform + Bunkai 10 X 2 minute rounds of kumite © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook NIDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Superb physical fitness and mental discipline The student should bring a spare uniform, bucket, towel and drink bottle. At least one competent assistant will be required. Taking of fluids is compulsory between rounds to prevent heatstroke/dehydration. MENTAL REQUIREMENTS GRADE QUOTE: "A way to free the ego from the limitations of its physical equality" Peter Urban PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING To transcend physical limitations. WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS Essay –250-500 word essay on the applications of Musashi‘s ―Go Rin No Sho‖ to the martial arts in the 21st Century to be submitted one month prior to attempting grading. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING: Technical excellence in sparring. Power. Power is a combination of speed and strength. Technically, power is generated by the perfect combination of position, balance and coordination (form) with the body weight concentrated in the body weapon accelerating through the point of impact. F=ma. Perfect form allows perfect leverage (mass) and perfect speed (acceleration) to coordinate in the instant of the strike. Stamina. The karate-ka is at the peak of his physical strengths and fitness, endurance and stamina are exemplary. THEORY: Gekisai Dai Ichi + Bunkai Gekisai Dai Ni + Bunkai Sanchin + Bunkai Tensho + Bunkai Saifa + Bunkai Seiyunchin + Bunkai Shisochin + Bunkai Sanseiru + Bunkai Freeform + Bunkai KUMITE: 30 x 2 minute rounds with students of the same, or lower, rank. Nidan is the fighting grade. Candidate must win 80% of bouts. Superior timing, superior footwork, superior stamina, unyielding courage, painlessness, will-power. © Damien Martin 91 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SANDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Excellent communication skills. Excellent grasp on adult learning principles and teaching physical skills to a broad range of students. A minimum of 500 hours teaching (verifiable). A minimum of three years consistent training since Nidan. 500-1000 word essay on the applications of Bushido in the 21 st Century to be submitted one month prior to attempting grading. Three assistants are required. The student will present wearing a plain white gi. It is recommended that their assistants wear black for presentation. GRADE QUOTE: "Mirror reflection of self through students" Peter Urban PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: In depth knowledge of the use and application of the traditional strength and conditioning exercises of the Hojo Undo including: a. Chi‘ishi – Stone lever weight b. Nigiri Game – Gripping jar c. Kongoken – Iron oval weight d. Ishisashi – Iron padlock e. Makiwara – Striking post f. Tetsu Geta – Iron clogs KATA: Gekisai Dai Ichi + Bunkai Gekisai Dai Ni + Bunkai Sanchin + Bunkai Tensho + Bunkai Saifa + Bunkai Seiyunchin + Bunkai Shisochin + Bunkai Sanseiru + Bunkai Seipai + Bunkai Freeform + Bunkai FREE COMBAT: Demonstration of application of the bunkai from each kata against three (3) opponents. The student is to choreograph and demonstrate each kata‘s against three (3) opponents. Applications and demonstration must be valid, realistic and precise. FREE FORM: Personal kata which starts and finishes in the same place, lasts for 60 seconds and has an accompanying set of Bunkai and a two person flow drill. LECTURE: Personal synopsis of the martial arts to this point in the students training. The lecture should last for approximately 3 minutes. 92 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook YONDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Before attempting Yondan it is recommended that the student hold a teaching level rank in another style or form of martial arts (suitability of such at the discretion of the Chief Instructor) i.e. black belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate, traditional Jiu Jitsu or a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Gracie Combatives. Produced at least two black belt students. A minimum of four years consistent training since Sandan. An assistant is required. The student will present wearing a plain white gi. It is recommended that their assistant wear black for presentation. GRADE QUOTE: "Man cannot discover new oceans until he has the courage to lose sight of the shore" Anonymous PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Demonstration of mastery of each kata and associated bunkai to this level. Namely: Gekisai Dai Ichi + Bunkai Gekisai Dai Ni + Bunkai Sanchin + Bunkai Tensho + Bunkai Saifa + Bunkai Seiyunchin + Bunkai Shisochin + Bunkai Sanseiru + Bunkai Seipai + Bunkai Kururunfa + Bunkai Freeform + Bunkai © Damien Martin 93 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook GODAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Before attempting Godan the student should be fully conversant with the principles of Kyusho jutsu and Tuite (including applications and revivals). Produce at least two Nidan students. A minimum of five years consistent training since Yondan. An assistant is required. The student will present wearing a plain white gi. It is recommended that their assistant wear black for presentation. GRADE QUOTE: "It is then philosophy of calmness and confidence which is the antithesis of aggression and inhumanity" Anonymous PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Demonstration of mastery of each kata and associated bunkai to this level. Namely: Gekisai Dai Ichi + Bunkai Gekisai Dai Ni + Bunkai Sanchin + Bunkai Tensho + Bunkai Saifa + Bunkai Seiyunchin + Bunkai Shisochin + Bunkai Sanseiru + Bunkai Seipai + Bunkai Kururunfa + Bunkai Sesan + Bunkai Freeform + Bunkai 94 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook ROKUDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of six years consistent training since Godan. Produce at least three Sandan students. Additional Martial Arts Skills: Instructor rank in another well regarded system of Martial Arts. For example: Modern Arnis, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Bojustsu, and Iaijutsu, or Instructor rank in a related field; i.e. Yoga, Meditation, and Pressure Points. A contribution to Gōki-Kai that your peers recognize and wish to acknowledge by way of this elevation in rank. GRADE QUOTE: ―Mans ability to put his ideas into practice‖ Peter Urban PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Demonstration of mastery of the grade kata and associated bunkai. Suparinpei + Bunkai © Damien Martin 95 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SHICHIDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of seven years consistent training since Rokudan. Produce a minimum of two Yondan students. Additional Martial Arts Skills: Instructor rank in another well regarded system of Martial Arts. For example: Modern Arnis, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Bojustsu, and Iaijutsu, or Instructor rank in a related field, i.e. Yoga, Meditation, and Pressure Points. A contribution to Gōki-Kai that your peers recognize and wish to acknowledge by way of this elevation in rank. GRADE QUOTE: ―Mans ability to consolidate and unite the material world‖ Peter Urban 96 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook HACHIDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of eight years consistent training since Shichidan. Produce a minimum of two Godan students. A contribution to Gōki-Kai that your peers recognize and wish to acknowledge by way of this elevation in rank. GRADE QUOTE: ―Mans ability to analyse, to divide up the world into its constituent parts‖ Peter Urban © Damien Martin 97 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook KUDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of nine years consistent training since Hachidan. Produce a minimum of two Rokudan students. A contribution to Gōki-Kai that your peers recognize and wish to acknowledge by way of this elevation in rank. GRADE QUOTE: ―Mans ability to penetrate and unite all things of matter and spirit‖ Peter Urban 98 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook JUDAN GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of ten years consistent training since Kudan. Produce a minimum of two Shichidan students. A contribution to Gōki-Kai that your peers recognize and wish to acknowledge by way of this elevation in rank. GRADE QUOTE: ―One living daily in the Way carries his head low and his eyes high; reserved in speech and possessing a kind heart, he steadfastly continues in his training efforts‖ Mas Oyama © Damien Martin 99 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook APPENDIX A: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT The Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre is a progressive traditional self defence school that combines modern training methods and a scientific approach, yet still follows and promotes traditional values. Our training sessions are conducted in the spirit of mutual cooperation and friendly competition to enable everyone to develop their personal skills. Traditional values at our school means acting with the: • Spirit of Contribution • Spirit of Respect • Spirit of Harmony and Unity • Spirit of Determination • Spirit of Humanity We endeavour to promote the positive aspects of martial culture and this is achieved through the use of traditional methods such as belt ranking systems, a school hierarchy and traditional rituals of respect and courtesy which honour the founders and predecessors of the arts we study. As such: • always bow when entering and leaving the training area. We also bow at the commencement and completion of each class, as well as to our training partners before and after training drills. • always refer to instructors by their teaching rank or title. If unsure, the title Sensei will suffice. • appreciate that martial arts, regardless of ‗style‘, is defensive in nature and violence, either in or out of the school, will not be tolerated. • show respect for each other, and cultivating the virtues of modesty and humility. • recognise that a martial arts school is not a democracy. Know that your instructors are professionals and have your best interests at heart. 1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being • Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin or religion • Respect your parents and elders at all times • Show respect and humility to all you should meet especially your instructors and senior members 2. Be responsible to ensure that your time spent in training is a positive experience • You are studying a martial art in a school which promotes traditional values. • Pay attention to the direction and teaching of your instructor • Be diligent in your training, concentrate, and remain focused • Do not disrupt the class in so doing endangering the safety of others, being disrespectful to your instructor and embarrassing yourself • Practice in your own time and develop your own mental and physical ability 3. Treat each person as an individual • Respect the talent, desire to learn, and goals of each individual in the class • Help each person reach their full potential • Unnecessary roughness, crude language, or a display of ill temper or disrespect is strictly forbidden. 4. Be fair, considerate and honest with fellow students • Safety comes first • Control your personal ego 100 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook • • Remember humility in training Out of respect for instructors and class mates, maintain good personal hygiene – this means a clean uniform, clean body, controlled body odour, long hair tied back and fingernails and toenails kept short 5. Be professional in and accept responsibility for your actions • Language, manner, punctuality, attitude and integrity should display high standards • Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with the martial art/sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators • Rank is earned, not given 6. Make a commitment to yourself • Maintain or improve your current skills, ability and develop your personal attitude • Seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing training • You will make a healthy body through unyielding training and perseverance 7. Any physical contact with fellow students should be: • Appropriate to the situation • Necessary for training skills development 8. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards fellow students • This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse • Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards other members of the Southern Cross Martial Arts Centre 9. Refrain from any form of harassment towards fellow students 10. Maintain a safe environment for training and competition • Ensure that you comply to equipment and facility safety standards • Always follow our infection control guidelines • Always demonstrate poise under pressure, adherence to the competition rules and display control, respect, dignity and professionalism 11. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured members • Support members training using a modified training program as a result of an injury or disability where appropriate 12. Be a positive role model for your martial art • Treat people with respect and openness • Train diligently while being considerate of others • Remember that your actions can affect the reputation of the school and your classmates. Breaches of the Code of Conduct Any student‘s breach of the Student Code of Conduct will have some consequence. The severity of the consequences will be determined by the severity of the breach. It is also important to remember that in many sections the Code of Conduct is directly in keeping with the laws of Australia (specifically Queensland). These laws make it an offence to harass, intimidate or discriminate against others; and it is also unlawful to assault another person without lawful authority, justification or excuse. In short, violations of the Student Code of Conduct could result in legal problems: either being charged with a Crime, or sued for a Tort (i.e. negligence or battery) © Damien Martin 101 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Behaviour Policy: The 3-Strikes Rule is designed to help measure the effort and attitude of our students. These rules are meant to maintain certain standards that we believe contribute to the overall atmosphere of our school. If a student does not meet these standards, then the rules will be enforced. This will help us eliminate unnecessary distractions that prevent other students from learning and training. Unacceptable and distracting behaviour, inconsistent attendance, and negative unreported comments are considered behaviours that can weaken our school‘s positive atmosphere. To maintain our Quality Guarantee, we will enforce the 3-Strikes Rule when necessary. In addition to the Student Code of Conduct, the following standards are included in the 3Strikes Rule along with the necessary procedures of enforcement: Unacceptable and distracting behaviour: If a student displays a poor attitude or distracting behaviour, it affects the entire class. Inconsistent attendance: If a student becomes inconsistent in attendance, it slows down the entire class and takes the attention away from the hard-working and consistent student‘s. Negative unreported comments: If a student, or a family member, talks negatively about another student (or family member), staff, instructor, or any other person or situation related to the school and does not report it to our management first, it is considered unfair and inappropriate; and decreases the school‘s (and its members) overall morale. If the breach is not a Criminal offence, and no one has been physically or psychologically injured, then the procedures of enforcement for the 3-Strikes Rule are: First time someone violates the 3-Strikes Rule, a verbal warning is given and a permanent mark is made on his or her record. The second time someone violates the 3-Strikes Rule a student (parent if student is under 18) conference is scheduled and a second permanent mark is made on the student‘s record. The third time someone violates the 3-Strikes Rule a final student (parent if the student is under 18) conference is scheduled and the students membership may be cancelled or the student may be required take a leave of absence with a term length from 4-weeks to one year depending on the severity of the violation. In the event that the breach is a Criminal offence, and someone one has been physically or psychologically injured, then the procedures of enforcement for the 3-Strikes Rule are: Immediate cancellation of the membership. Possible referral to the authorities for prosecution depending on the offence. 102 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook APPENDIX B: TOURNAMENT rdTERMINOLOGY Sourced from the 2005 World Karate Federation rules, 23 November 2005. TERM SHOBU HAJIME ATOSHI BARAKU YAME MOTO NO ICHI TSUZUKETE TSUZUKETE HAJIME SHUGO HANTEI HIKIWAKE TORIMASEN ENCHO-SEN AIUCHI AKA (AO) NO KACHI AKA (AO) SANBON AKA (AO) NIHON © Damien Martin DEFINITION Start the Match or Bout After the announcement, the Referee takes a step back. A little more time left An audible signal will be given by the timekeeper 30 seconds before the actual end of the bout and the Referee will announce ―Atoshi Baraku‖. Stop Interruption, or end of the bout. As he makes the announcement, the Referee makes a downward chopping motion with his hand. Original position Contestants and Referee return to their starting positions. Fight on Resumption of fighting ordered when an unauthorised interruption occurs Resume fighting - Begin The Referee stands in a forward stance. As he says ―Tsuzukete‖ he extends his arms, palms outwards towards the contestants. As he says ―Hajime‖ he turns the palms and brings them rapidly towards one another, at the same time stepping back. Judges called The Referee calls the Judges at the end of the match or bout, or to recommend Shikkaku. Decision Referee calls for a decision at the end of an inconclusive EchoSen. After a short blast of the whistle, the Judges render their vote by flag signal and the Referee indicates his own vote at the same time by raising his arm. Draw In case of a tied bout, the Referee crosses his arms, then extends them with the palms showing to the front. Unacceptable as a scoring technique The Referee crosses his arms then makes a cutting motion, palms downward. Extension of the bout The Referee re-opens the match with the command, ―Shobu Hajime‖. Simultaneous scoring techniques No point is awarded to either contestant. Referee brings his fists together in front of his chest. Red (Blue) wins The Referee obliquely raises his arm on the side of the winner. Red (Blue) scores three points The Referee raises his arm up at 45 degrees on the side of the scorer. Red (Blue) scores two points The Referee extends his arm at shoulder level on the side of the scorer. 103 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook AKA (AO) IPPON CHUKOKU KEIKOKU HANSOKU-CHUI HANSOKU JOGAI SHIKKAKU KIKEN MUBOBI SHOMEN-NI-REI OTAGAI-NI-REI 104 Red (Blue) scores one point The Referee extends his arm downward at 45 degrees on the side of the scorer. First Category 1 or Category 2 warning without penalty For Category 1 offences, the Referee turns toward the offender and crosses his arms at chest level. For Category 2 offences, the Referee points his index finger (arm bent), at the face of the offender. Warning with Ippon penalty The Referee indicates a Category 1 or 2 offence then points with his index finger downwards at 45 degrees in the direction of the offender, and awards Ippon (one point) to the opponent. Warning with Nihon penalty The Referee indicates a Category 1 or 2 offence then points with his index finger horizontally in the direction of the offender and awards Nihon (two points) to the opponent Disqualification The Referee indicates a Category 1 or 2 offence then points with his index finger upwards at 45 degrees in the direction of the offender, and announces a win for the opponent. Exit from the match area The Referee points his index finger on the side of the offender to indicate to the Judges that the contestant has moved out of the area. Disqualification “Leave the Area” The Referee points first upwards at 45 degrees in the direction of the offender then motions out and behind with the announcement ―Aka (AO) Shikkaku!‖ He then announces a win for the opponent. Renunciation The Referee points downwards at 45 degrees in the direction of the contestant‘s starting line. Self Endangerment The Referee touches his face then turning his hand edge forward, moves it back and forth to indicate to the Judges that the contestant endangered himself. Bow to the front The Referee extends his arms palms to the front. Bow to each other The Referee motions to the contestants to bow to each other. © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook APPENDIX C: TOURNAMENT FLAG GESTURES rd Sourced from the 2005 World Karate Federation rules, 23 November 2005. © Damien Martin 105 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 106 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook © Damien Martin 107 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 108 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook © Damien Martin 109 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 110 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook © Damien Martin 111 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 112 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook © Damien Martin 113 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook 114 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook APPENDIX D: INFECTION CONTROL POLICY7 ABOUT THIS POLICY Infectious diseases may be extremely debilitating and potentially disastrous for Gōki-Kai and/or individual(s) concerned. These diseases may be spread by direct contact between broken skin or mucous membranes and infected blood and other body fluids and substances. Note: There is no current evidence that sweat, urine or tears will transmit these infective viruses. The following information and recommendations may reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases. TYPES OF INFECTIONS8 Blood-Borne Viruses Viruses, like other microscopic organisms, live in, on and around us all the time. When they (a) exist in sufficient quantities, (b) are able to spread from someone or something (like food or animals) and (c) enter your body, they can cause disease. When our bodies are under stress, for example during periods of intensive training for competition, we are more susceptible to illness caused by these tiny germs. Blood-borne viruses are those which are transmitted from one person‘s blood to another person‘s blood stream. Hepatitis Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is responsible for filtering the blood and breaking down food and poisons in the body. Viral hepatitis (often simply called hepatitis) refers to a number of different viruses which affect the liver and can potentially cause fever, vomiting, jaundice (where the eyes and skin go yellow) or sometimes permanent liver damage, even cancer. Sometimes people with hepatitis have no obvious symptoms but may still be able to infect others. The most significant types of hepatitis are A, B & C and these are described below. Several new types of hepatitis have been discovered in recent years (hepatitis D, E, & G), and it is possible that more strains will be identified in the future. Other forms of hepatitis (non-viral) can be caused by alcohol or drug abuse (including steroids). 7 Adapted from the Sports Medicine Australia (2005) Infectious Diseases Policy Adapted from The Blood Book (2000), Sports Medicine Australia, Austraian Institute for Primary Care: Bundoora 8 © Damien Martin 115 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Hepatitis A Hepatitis A is passed on through contaminated food or water, or through oral contact indirectly with infected faeces (poo). This is why it‘s important to always wash your hands after going to the toilet and immediately prior to handling food. In older children and adults the symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and yellow skin and eyes (called jaundice). Many people with hepatitis A show few or no symptoms, particularly children less than three years old. Hepatitis A is not a chronic (prolonged) infection and people who‘ve had hepatitis A cannot be reinfected. An effective vaccine is available. Recommended fact sheets http://www.health.gov.au/hfs/pubhth/strateg/hiv_hepc/hepc/index.htm http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is highly infectious - about 100 times more infectious than HIV. In Australia, most hepatitis B infections occur in adolescents and young adults. It is transmitted via body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, saliva or breast milk) from one person into another. Hepatitis B can be passed on during vaginal or anal sex, through sharing injecting equipment or body piercing and tattooing with improperly cleaned and sterilised equipment. Even sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail files, nail scissors or other personal equipment where small traces of blood may be present can be risky. Symptoms of hepatitis B include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen and/or joints, fever and jaundice. Normally these symptoms disappear in a few weeks. Some people who are infected with hepatitis B do not get ill and some show no symptoms at all. A small number, about 10% who look and feel well, will still be able to transmit the virus to others. Babies and children with hepatitis B are more likely than adults to be able to do this. An effective vaccine is available. There have been a number of reported cases of hepatitis B being spread through sporting activities. These were mainly due to poor infection control measures in the past when the risks of infection through blood contact were not widely known. An increasing number of sports are encouraging players, coaches, officials, trainers, and first-aiders to be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus and is the most commonly reported notifiable infectious disease in Australia, with an estimated one in a hundred people infected. (Notifiable diseases are those that doctors must report to State or Territory Health Departments). In Australia, hepatitis C is most commonly transmitted through the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes and other injecting equipment by people who inject drugs. Hepatitis C can also be spread by using body piercing and tattooing equipment which has not been properly cleaned and sterilised, as well as by sharing toothbrushes, razors, nail files, nail scissors or other personal equipment where small traces of blood may be present. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C is unlikely. People with hepatitis C may initially show only mild, flu-like symptoms, or no symptoms at 116 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook all. Symptoms that do appear include dark urine, signs of jaundice, nausea and tiredness. Once infected with hepatitis C, over 70% of people will not clear the virus from their bodies, and as a result may be capable of transmitting the virus to others. No vaccine is available. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the blood-borne virus that can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV can be passed on through anal or vaginal sex without a condom, through sharing equipment used for injecting drugs, from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding, and much less commonly, through oral sex where a person has cuts or sores in their mouth. Some years after an HIV infection, a person‘s immune system can become so weak that it can no longer fight off infections, and this is when the person is said to have developed AIDS. A person with HIV gradually loses immune function along with certain immune cells, called CD4 T-lymphocytes. HIV infection is detected by a blood test to see whether there are HIV antibodies present in the bloodstream (the body develops antibodies to fight HIV). In most people, if antibodies are present they can be detected within three months of infection. Some of the common symptoms and physical signs of AIDS are also common to a number of other illnesses, and can include: recurrent fevers, chills and night sweats; extreme and constant tiredness; a persistent or dry cough; diarrhoea; decreased appetite; rapid weight loss; swollen lymph glands; white spots or unusual marks in the mouth, and purplish raised or flat marks or bumps on the skin. About 50% of people with HIV will develop AIDS within 10 years, and close to 70% within 15 years. No vaccine is available for HIV and there is no cure for AIDS. There are a number of drug therapies that can delay the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. Recommended fact sheets http://www.health.gov.au/hfs/pubhth/strateg/hiv_hepc/hepc/index.htm http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com Other Infections There are a number of other infectious diseases, caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi and tiny parasites that can have an effect on the health and performance of people participating in sport. Some may be transmitted during play, some through social activities after training. The way in which they are passed on from person to person varies and some are more serious than others, particularly if left untreated. Influenza Influenza, or ‗the flu‘, is more than a bad cold. It is caused by a highly contagious virus which is spread by coughs and sneezes, and can easily ‗wipe out‘ whole classes at a time. There are three types of flu virus - A, B and C. Influenza A is more likely to be responsible for epidemics (infection in large numbers of people in a population). The flu typically © Damien Martin 117 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook involves high fever, chills and sweating, muscle and joint pain, weakness, headache and dry cough, and can last a week to 10 days. Some people are ‗at risk‘ of complications from the flu. Immunisation for influenza is available and needs to be renewed every year. Scrumpox Scrumpox is a broad term referring to a range of contagious skin infections which can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact sports such as rugby, wrestling, boxing and judo. These include impetigo, a bacterial infection, and herpes which is described below. Symptoms may include blisters, weeping or crusty sores on the skin. These can be very contagious and you should not participate in contact sport until they have cleared up. Medical attention should be sought so a correct diagnosis can be made prior to treatment. Gentital Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) Genital herpes is a common condition that is easily spread through sexual contact. It is caused by infection with one of two kinds of the herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). These viruses also cause cold sores on the mouth. Infection comes via direct contact with blisters or ulcers, not necessarily during penetrative sex, so HSV can be spread by any kind of sex or, in some circumstances non-sexual touching of affected areas. Very rarely, herpes can be spread to the eyes or to cuts or abrasions in the skin. Potential risk factors include sparring (i.e. being punched in the lesion and then in the eye) and grappling. There is no cure for HSV infection, however in recent years an antiviral drug has become available to relieve the symptoms. Meningococcal Disease Meningococcal disease is a rare but very serious illness caused by a number of different groups of meningococcus bacteria causing meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) or septicaemia (blood poisoning). The infection is difficult to spread but may be passed on from person to person by sharing saliva, for example by mouth kissing or sharing drink bottles. Children aged under five and young people aged 15 to 24 years are most at risk. A person with meningococcal disease will become very ill and will probably feel sicker than they have ever felt before. The signs and symptoms of meningitis include: fever, vomiting, neck stiffness, headache, joint pains, dislike of bright lights. In septicaemia, a rash of red-purple pinprick spots or larger bruises anywhere on the body will be present. Young children may not complain of symptoms, so fever, pallor (pale skin), vomiting lethargy and rash are important signs. The infection can develop very quickly, and can be fatal in about 10% of cases, however if it is diagnosed early enough and the right antibiotics given quickly, most people make a complete recovery. Tinea Tinea is a fungal infection of the skin which, like all fungi, thrives in warm, moist conditions. ‗Athletes Foot‘ and ‗Jock Itch‘ refer to fungal infections on the feet and groin areas respectively. Fungal infections are spread through skin-to-skin contact, or indirectly through towels, clothes or even floors. The fungi firstly eat dead skin cells and then, when these are gone, live skin cells. The infection causes itching and stinging, a red scaly rash, and cracking, splitting and peeling of the skin. The best way to prevent getting tinea is to always use your own towel and dry your skin thoroughly after showering, particularly between the toes and skinfolds, wear cotton underwear and socks if possible, and wearing thongs in communal locker rooms and showers. Anti-fungal treatments are available from chemists and should go hand in hand with personal hygiene measures. 118 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook Lice Lice are small, flat, light brown insects that cling to, and lay their eggs (called nits) on, hair. Lice suck blood for nourishment which can cause small red areas or sores, and itching. Lice can be passed on through close skin-to-skin contact including sexual activity, and via shared bedding, towels or clothes. Lice may or may not be visible, but people with lice complain of itching. Scratching may cause open sores that can become infected. People with pubic lice may be at risk of other sexually transmitted infections and should consider seeing their doctor or sexual health specialist. Treatment involves the use of special lotions and shampoos which are available from a chemist without a prescription, and washing all contaminated clothing etc in hot water. Scabies The scabies mite is a tiny spider-like creature which makes a shallow burrow in the skin to lay its eggs. Scabies can be passed on during sex and through non-sexual contact in family groups or institutions. New mites hatch from the eggs and can be spread to other parts of the body by scratching. Red, itching bumps or blisters on the skin are an allergic reaction to the mite. Infestations usually occur around the genital or waist area on the body, and on the wrists, hands and in between HOW INFECTIONS CAN SPREAD THROUGH SPORT People can be exposed to infection through participation in sport in a variety of ways: Through blood to blood contact via broken skin and open wounds. Of most concern are the serious blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C. Through contact between a person‘s broken skin, mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes with another person‘s infected body fluid (blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluids). A number of serious infections are possible, including those which are sexually transmitted. Through exposure of the skin to another person‘s infected skin or body fluids. This may be via direct body to body contact or indirectly through the use of shared equipment (eg wrestling mats), clothing (eg jumpers, socks) and other surfaces that remain moist for a period of time (shower floors, rub down benches). These usually involve fungal skin infections such as tinea, viral infections such as warts, or parasites such as scabies. Through ingestion of contaminated food and drinks. If people handling food don‘t wash their hands properly, hepatitis A or a number of other infectious diseases, such as those which cause gastroenteritis, can be passed on. By breathing in airborne droplets of saliva or sputum when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or spits. The common cold and the flu are easily passed on from person to person in this way. RISK OF INFECTION THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS The risk of being infected by one of the serious blood-borne viruses through participation in martial arts is very low. ―The chances [of being infected by HIV through sport] have been estimated to be 1 in 125 million. Your chances of getting killed driving to the football stadium are infinitely greater…..‖ Professor John Dwyer Immunologist [ABC News] Blood Rules, OK Video By adopting an Infection Policy and implementing Blood Rules and other preventive © Damien Martin 119 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook strategies consistently in our organisation we are making these risks even lower. Most contact with other people doesn‘t lead to us catching an infection. In order for an infection to be transmitted from one person to another all of the following must occur: the organism (virus, bacteria, fungi or parasite) must be in or on a person‘s body and still be able to be transmitted; the organism must leave the body of the person who has the virus; the organism must be able to survive in the environment; the organism must find its way onto or into another person; and the organism must be in sufficient quantity to infect that person. Our body‘s immune system can fight many infections and it usually wins the battle. However, when it is weakened in some way or the infectious organism is strong enough or in sufficient quantity, our immune system may not be able to fight off these infections. Adequate nutrition, water intake and rest are important to help maintain a healthy immune system. Where it is available, immunisation can help our body‘s immune system to overcome an infection. Infectious organisms don‘t always last long outside the body. Hepatitis B can survive for up to 3 weeks in dry blood and remain transmissible. While under some circumstances HIV can survive outside of the body for days, generally it will only survive for a matter of minutes. This is why nearly all people who become infected by a blood-borne virus do so through behaviours or means which pass the virus directly from one person‘s body to another‘s: sharing infected drug injecting equipment; unprotected sex; or transmission from mother to child in utero, during or soon after birth. In the past, the people most at risk of becoming infected with a blood-borne virus were those receiving transfusions of blood or blood products for treatment of an existing medical condition - such as haemophilia, kidney disease - or for trauma patients. With improvements in the screening of donated blood in Australia, the group at highest risk of infection with bloodborne viruses is with people who inject drugs. SUMMARY OF INFECTION CONTROL POLICY 1. Participants and staff should not train when they know they have any form of infectious disease. 2. All open cuts and abrasions must be reported and treated immediately. 3. It is every participant‘s responsibility to maintain strict personal hygiene at all times, in all activities on and off the mat. 4. It is strongly recommended that all adult participants be vaccinated against Hepatitis B. 5. All participants with prior evidence of the listed diseases and infections are strongly advised to obtain confidential advice and clearance from a doctor prior to participation. 6. Fingernails and toenails must be kept short and neatly trimmed to prevent causing cuts and injuries to other participants. 7. Toilets and all common area‘s (including dressing rooms) are to be kept clean and tidy. They are disinfected at least weekly. 8. Shoes or thongs must be worn in the toilets. 9. No shoes or footwear at all are permitted on the mats in the main Dojo. 10. The mats are to be disinfected at least weekly. 11. Shower facilities are not available on site. 12. Spitting is NOT permitted. 13. When cleaning up blood and body substances: 120 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook gloves must be worn; if the blood spill is large, confine and contain the spill; remove the bulk of the blood and body substances with absorbent material, eg paper towels; place the paper towels in a sealed plastic bag and dispose with normal garbage. clean the spill site with a detergent solution; wipe the site with disposable towels soaked in a 1:10 solution of bleach. 14. Sharing of towels, shaving razors, face washers, mouthguards, personal sparring equipment and drink containers must NOT occur. 15. Each student will purchase their own sparring equipment for personal use. Do not loan or borrow personal sparring equipment. 16. Common sparring equipment (i.e. Headgear) and training pads must be disinfected between uses. © Damien Martin 121 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 1 THE MEANING OF GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO ........................................................ 1 THE GŌKI-KAI LOGO........................................................................................... 2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO ............................................ 2 Seek ......................................................................................................... 2 Purpose ...................................................................................................... 2 Spirit ......................................................................................................... 2 VISION, MISSION & VALUES ......................................................................................... 3 OUR VISION ......................................................................................................... 3 OUR MISSION ...................................................................................................... 3 OUR VALUES ....................................................................................................... 3 DOJO KUN ...................................................................................................................... 4 THE SPIRIT OF ‗OSU‘ ..................................................................................................... 5 THE SPIRIT OF OSU............................................................................................ 5 INSTRUCTOR PROFILES............................................................................................... 7 Damien Martin, Kaichō: Roku-dan ....................................................................... 7 Hannah Thornton, Shihan: Yondan .................................................................... 10 John Trebilco, Renshi: Yondan ........................................................................... 11 REISHIKI – THE ETIQUETTE OF GŌKI-KAI ................................................................ 12 STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ....................................................................... 13 EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR ................................................................................... 15 THE HISTORY OF GŌKI-KAI KARATE-DO .................................................................. 18 FAMILY TREE..................................................................................................... 18 OKINAWAN ROOTS ........................................................................................... 20 MIYAGI CHŌJUN ................................................................................................ 20 Miyagi‘s Black Belts .................................................................................. 21 Successor................................................................................................. 21 More Information ...................................................................................... 22 THE HISTORY OF ZEN DO KAI ......................................................................... 22 GLOSSARY OF COMMON MARTIAL ARTS TERMS ................................................... 24 GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPLES OF GŌKI-KAI .................................. 24 ALPHABETICAL LISTING .................................................................................. 24 UNIFORMS .................................................................................................................... 30 PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: .............................................................................. 30 FOLDING THE DOGI: ......................................................................................... 31 AWARDS ....................................................................................................................... 32 THE BLACK GI ................................................................................................... 32 CROSSES .......................................................................................................... 33 The History ............................................................................................... 33 The Evolution ........................................................................................... 33 Gōki-Kai Crosses ..................................................................................... 33 KATA ............................................................................................................................ 35 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 35 ROLE OF KATA IN TRAINING ........................................................................... 35 GŌKI-KAI KATA .................................................................................................. 36 GEKISAI DAI ICHI............................................................................................... 37 GEKISAI DAI NI .................................................................................................. 37 SANCHIN ............................................................................................................ 37 TENSHO ............................................................................................................. 38 SAIFA 38 SEIYUNCHIN ...................................................................................................... 39 122 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook SHISOCHIN ........................................................................................................ 39 SANSEIRU .......................................................................................................... 39 SEPAI 39 KURURUNFA...................................................................................................... 39 SESAN ................................................................................................................ 40 SUPARINPEI ...................................................................................................... 40 THE EIGHT PRECEPTS OF THE FIST......................................................................... 42 TRAINING APPARATUS ............................................................................................... 43 Hojo Undo ........................................................................................................... 43 Makiwara - punching board ................................................................................. 43 Chi'ishi - strength stone ....................................................................................... 45 Ishi Sashi - stone padlock ................................................................................... 45 Kongoken - iron ring ............................................................................................ 45 Nigiri game - gripping jars ................................................................................... 45 Other Hojo Undo Tools ....................................................................................... 46 Junbi Undo .......................................................................................................... 47 Modern Methods ................................................................................................. 48 PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................................................... 50 BUSHIDO ............................................................................................................ 50 Honour...................................................................................................... 50 Loyalty ...................................................................................................... 50 Truth and Sincerity ................................................................................... 50 Benevolence............................................................................................. 50 Self-Control .............................................................................................. 50 Ettiquette .................................................................................................. 50 Courage.................................................................................................... 51 Justice ...................................................................................................... 51 THE FIVE RINGS................................................................................................ 51 GO RIN NO SHO ................................................................................................ 51 RECOMMENDED READING ......................................................................................... 53 THE GRADING SYSTEM .............................................................................................. 54 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 54 GRADES ............................................................................................................. 55 GRADINGS ......................................................................................................... 56 TEACHING RANKS ............................................................................................ 57 OTHER GRADINGS ........................................................................................... 57 USING THIS TEXT ............................................................................................. 58 10th KYU: WHITE BELT ................................................................................................. 59 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: .................................................................... 59 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 59 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 59 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 59 1st YELLOW BAR ................................................................................................ 59 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 59 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 59 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 59 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING: ..................................... 59 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 59 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 59 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 59 nd 2 YELLOW BAR ............................................................................................... 60 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 60 © Damien Martin 123 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 60 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 60 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 60 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 60 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 61 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 61 9th KYU: YELLOW BELT................................................................................................ 62 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 62 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 62 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 62 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 62 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 62 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 62 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 62 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS .......................................................... 62 PHYSICAL TECHNIQUES ............................................................ 62 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 62 1st ORANGE BAR ............................................................................................... 63 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 63 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 63 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 63 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 63 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 63 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 63 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 63 nd 2 ORANGE BAR............................................................................................... 64 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 64 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 64 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 64 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 64 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 64 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 64 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 64 8th KYU: ORANGE BELT ............................................................................................... 66 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 66 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 66 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 66 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 66 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 66 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 66 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 66 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 66 1st PURPLE BAR ................................................................................................ 67 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 67 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 67 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 67 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 67 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 67 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 67 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 67 nd 2 PURPLE BAR ................................................................................................ 68 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 68 124 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 68 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 68 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 68 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 68 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 68 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 68 7th KYU: PURPLE BELT ................................................................................................ 70 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 70 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 70 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 70 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 70 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 70 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 70 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 70 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 70 1st BLUE BAR ..................................................................................................... 71 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 71 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 71 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 71 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 71 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 71 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 71 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 71 nd 2 BLUE BAR ..................................................................................................... 72 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 72 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 72 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 72 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 72 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 72 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 72 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 72 6th KYU: BLUE BELT ..................................................................................................... 74 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 74 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 74 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 74 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 74 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 74 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 74 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 74 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 74 1st GREEN BAR .................................................................................................. 75 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 75 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 75 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 75 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 75 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 76 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 76 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 76 2nd GREEN BAR ................................................................................................. 77 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 77 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 77 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 77 © Damien Martin 125 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 77 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 77 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 77 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 77 5th KYU: GREEN BELT .................................................................................................. 78 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 78 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 78 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 78 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 78 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 78 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 78 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 78 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 78 1st BROWN BAR ................................................................................................ 79 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 79 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 79 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 79 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 79 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 79 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 79 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 79 nd 2 BROWN BAR ................................................................................................ 80 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 80 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 80 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 80 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 80 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 80 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 80 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 80 4th KYU: BROWN BELT ................................................................................................. 82 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 82 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 82 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 82 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 82 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 82 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 82 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 83 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 83 rd 3 KYU: BROWN BELT WITH BLACK BAR ................................................................. 84 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 84 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 84 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 84 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 84 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 84 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 84 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 84 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 84 nd 2 KYU: BROWN BELT WITH 2nd BLACK BAR ........................................................... 86 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 86 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 86 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 86 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 86 126 © Damien Martin Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 86 INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MASTERS ...................................... 86 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 86 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 86 1st KYU: BROWN BELT WITH 3rd BLACK BAR ............................................................. 88 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 88 GRADE QUOTE ............................................................................ 88 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 88 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 88 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 88 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 88 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 88 SHODAN ....................................................................................................................... 90 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 90 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 90 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 90 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING ...................................... 90 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 90 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 90 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS: ......................................................... 90 NIDAN............................................................................................................................ 91 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 91 MENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 91 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 91 PRIMARY PURPOSE OF TRAINING ............................................ 91 WRITTEN REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 91 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 91 TECHNICAL PRIORITY FOR GRADING: ..................................... 91 THEORY: ....................................................................................... 91 KUMITE: ........................................................................................ 91 SANDAN ........................................................................................................................ 92 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 92 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 92 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 92 KATA: 92 FREE COMBAT: ............................................................................ 92 FREE FORM: ................................................................................ 92 LECTURE: ..................................................................................... 92 YONDAN ....................................................................................................................... 93 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 93 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 93 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 93 GODAN.......................................................................................................................... 94 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 94 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 94 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 94 ROKUDAN ..................................................................................................................... 95 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 95 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 95 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 95 SHICHIDAN ................................................................................................................... 96 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 96 © Damien Martin 127 Gōki-Kai Karate-Do Student Handbook GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 96 HACHIDAN .................................................................................................................... 97 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 97 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 97 KUDAN .......................................................................................................................... 98 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 98 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 98 JUDAN ........................................................................................................................... 99 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: ................................................................. 99 GRADE QUOTE: ........................................................................... 99 APPENDIX A: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ........................................................ 100 1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being .............. 100 2. Be responsible to ensure that your time spent in training is a positive experience ...................................................................... 100 3. Treat each person as an individual ..................................................... 100 4. Be fair, considerate and honest with fellow students .......................... 100 5. Be professional in and accept responsibility for your actions ............. 101 6. Make a commitment to yourself .......................................................... 101 7. Any physical contact with fellow students should be: ......................... 101 8. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards fellow students ..... 101 9. Refrain from any form of harassment towards fellow students ........... 101 10. Maintain a safe environment for training and competition ................ 101 11. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured members ........ 101 12. Be a positive role model for your martial art ..................................... 101 Breaches of the Code of Conduct ..................................................................... 101 APPENDIX B: TOURNAMENT TERMINOLOGY ......................................................... 103 APPENDIX C: TOURNAMENT FLAG GESTURES ..................................................... 105 APPENDIX D: INFECTION CONTROL POLICY ......................................................... 115 ABOUT THIS POLICY ...................................................................................... 115 TYPES OF INFECTIONS .................................................................................. 115 Blood-Borne Viruses .............................................................................. 115 Hepatitis ................................................................................................. 115 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) ................................................... 117 Other Infections ...................................................................................... 117 Influenza ................................................................................................. 117 Scrumpox ............................................................................................... 118 Gentital Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) ...................................................... 118 Meningococcal Disease ......................................................................... 118 Tinea ..................................................................................................... 118 Lice ..................................................................................................... 119 Scabies................................................................................................... 119 HOW INFECTIONS CAN SPREAD THROUGH SPORT .................................. 119 RISK OF INFECTION THROUGH MARTIAL ARTS ......................................... 119 SUMMARY OF INFECTION CONTROL POLICY ............................................. 120 DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 122 128 © Damien Martin