Okinawan Gojuryu Karate
The Hard-Soft School:
The name Goju is quoted from a line in the Chinese Eight Poems written in the Bubishi, “Ho go ju donto”, the way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness. Goju-Ryu refers to the dual nature of the style; the “hard” (Go) aspect of Goju is the power and speed of the techniques. The “soft” (Ju) aspect refers to the relaxation of the body and the smooth flow of movement. The philosophy of Goju Karate is having a balance of the two. The Goju-Ryu style believes that the opposites are complementary. If one is attacked fiercely (Go), then one defends with Ju and vice versa.

Dojo Etiquette:

RULES OF CONDUCT:
Always be cordial and courteous to every person you meet, both in and out of the karate dojo.
Only hard training and dedicated study can advance the karateka in his/her quest for perfection.
Physical training and mental development coupled with good moral character must be equally sought after by the karateka. Personal spirit, community pride, respect of all races and cultures, and continued self-development are our strongest hallmarks. Respectful gestures and rules of etiquette vary from culture to culture. When a person enters a new situation, a new social group, a new cultural situation, or even a new friend’s home, a new set of behavioral rules (both spoken and unspoken) must be learned. In our dojo, where Japanese/Okinawan and American cultures come together, it can be confusing as to what to do or say and when to do or say it. There are a few simple rules to remember: First, do not throw away the rules of common Courtesy and second, observe the following:

・ You must bow towards the Shomen when you enter the dojo and as you step onto the training area.
・ You must bow toward the Shomen when you leave the training area and as you leave the dojo.
・ Bow to anyone you wish to speak to before beginning to talk (it does not matter what rank they are).
・ Remove shoes when entering the dojo. Never walk on the floor with your shoes on.
・ The dojo must be kept as clean as possible. Clothing and personal items should be placed neatly out of the way of traffic and classroom activity
・ Good hygiene must be observed. Uniforms must be kept clean and in good repair. Finger and toenails should be kept short to reduce the possibility of injury.
・ Jewelry, watches and rings must not be worn while training.
・ There are only two ways to stand while in the training area during class: attention stance or ready stance. Use the same stance as the senior student in the training area.
・ When directed to sit down, remember that you are not to put your hands on the floor or use your hands to stand.
・ Never stand with your back to the instructor during class unless you are following instructions.

The Dojo:

Dojo is a Japanese word meaning “Place of the way” “Do” is a Japanese word meaning “Path or Way”. “Jo” is Japanese for place. Therefore, dojo is a Japanese word meaning “place of the way”. In other words, a dojo is the place where one practices any of the Japanese martial arts. The word dojo refers only to the physical building where the karate training takes place. It does not refer to the people practicing in the building.

Bowing:

Bowing is a sign of courtesy rather than worship. It indicates humility or lack of arrogance. There is no religious significance in bowing or in any of the other movements in karate.

What to say when bowing:

When entering the dojo, you may say “Osu” or “Onegai Shimasu”. When beginning an exercise with a new partner or bowing to the instructor before class, you may say either “Osu” or “Onegai Shimasu”. When finishing an exercise with a partner you may say either “Osu” or “Arigato Gozaimashita“. When bowing before and after performing a Kata, you may say “Osu“ or nothing at all. When leaving the dojo or bowing to the instructor after class, you may say either “Osu” or “Arigato Gozaimashita”. All sayings are said at the maximum extension of the bow. Remember that in each case, it is probably safer to use the ”non-Osu” terminology. Also keep in mind (throughout the duration of this appendix) that not all clubs use Japanese terminology. If they don’t use it, do not use the Japanese terminology either.

Seiza:

When assuming the kneeling position, seiza, begin by standing in attention stance. Bend the left knee to the floor followed by the right. Keeping your back straight, sit back on your heels. The big toes of your feet should overlap (it is acceptable to have either foot on top). Your hands should be open with the fingers together. Rest them on your thighs (left hand on the left thigh, right hand on the right thigh; do not place them on your knees) with the fingers pointing slightly inward. Your shoulders should remain relaxed (i.e., they should not be supported by the hands). Men should keep their knees approximately two horizontal fists apart, while women should keep their knees together.

Opening Sequence:

After lining up, the instructor or highest-ranking student will say “seiza.” Kneel as described above in the section on kneeling. The next command given will be “mokuso”. This is the command given at the meditation before the training session, which loosely means clear your mind in preparation to receive instruction. Close your eyes and relax. Again, either the instructor or the highest-ranking student gives this command. The meditation period should take at least thirty seconds. Following this period of time, the instructor or highest-ranking student will say “mokuso yame”. This means end the meditation period. Open your eyes, but remain motionless in the kneeling position. The next command is “shomen ni rei”. This means bow to the front of the dojo. The bow is a sign of respect to the instructors who taught before you, the art of karate itself, and to the training space. Bow as described in the section on the kneeling bow. The instructor will then turn around to face the students (everyone remaining in the kneeling position). “Sensei ni rei” will be the next command. This means bow to the instructor. When you bow, bow as described in the section on bowing and say either “onegai shimasu” or “osu”. On the signal of the instructor, get up quickly.

Closing Sequence:

This follows the same sequence as above, with some minor modifications. The command “mokuso yame” will be given to end meditation. On the bow following the command “sensei ni rei” say either “arigato gozaimashita” or “osu”. Following the bow, the instructor will get up.

Keep in mind that not all clubs begin and finish in the kneeling position. Many will simply bow from one of the standing positions described above, however, in this dojo, members learn to utilize both methods.

As a note on kneeling, if you find yourself uncomfortable sitting in a kneeling position (i.e., injuries), it is okay to switch to a cross-legged position. However, before you return to a standing position, move back into the kneeling position, bow and then stand up. When you stand up from the kneeling position, immediately assume an attention stance. You should rise with your right leg first, followed by the left leg. You should stand without using your hands.

Questions:

Some instructors allow their students to ask questions during class, while others do not. I personally encourage anybody to ask questions. However, it is important to think about your question before you ask it. Asking a question that was answered two minutes earlier will try the patience of the instructor. It is also important to ask questions that are appropriate to your rank. For example, a beginner should think twice before answering a question about an advanced kata. Generally, limit your technical questions to subjects that you have been introduced to previously. During class, please limit the questions to the topic being taught or discussed in that particular class. You may ask questions on any topic you like before or after class.

Health Care:

Personal cleanliness is essential. Finger and toenails must be clipped short. People with long hair should tie it back so that it does not interfere with training (i.e. getting in your face or in the face of others). Any injuries or medical conditions you are suffering from that may have an impact on your karate training should be reported to the instructor. If you are cut or injured during class, stop and immediately inform the instructor of the injury. Although major injuries are extremely rare, minor injuries (cuts, bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, etc.) do occur. It is important to notify the instructor of any injury sustained in class, no matter how small. All students are encouraged to check with their doctor prior to enrollment.

Uniform:

Students ranked with white belt (9th kyu) or higher, wear a dogi or uniform. The uniform may be purchased from the karate club or any other source. If you purchase the uniform from a source other than the karate club, ensure that it is all white with no markings or tags. The original manufacturers’ labels are the only acceptable markings on the uniform (these labels are generally on the bottom right corner of the jacket (when worn) and the waist portion of the pants). It is also important that the uniform be fitted properly. The jacket, when tightened around the waist with the belt, must cover the hips, but not extend past the middle of the thigh. The sleeves of the jacket must cover at least half of the forearm, but not extent past the wrist. Women may wear a t-shirt underneath the jacket. The pants must be long enough to cover at least two thirds of the shin. However, the pant legs should not extent past the ankles.

All students who wear a uniform must also wear a belt. The belt should be about 1.5 inches wide and should be a length sufficient to allow approximately six inches free on each side of the knot.

UNIFORMS MUST BE KEPT CLEAN AND IN A GOOD STATE OF REPAIR AT ALL TIMES.

Other Items:

Glasses may be worn during class. However, during any free sparring exercises, glasses are usually removed. Soft contact lenses may be worn at the student’s own responsibility.

Attendance:

Students should make every effort to attend all scheduled classes. If you will be missing a class, need to leave class early, or plan to stop training altogether, please let the instructor know in advance. Informing the instructor of these things are not required, but will be appreciated.

Students will be informed of class times in advance. Please be on time. In the event that you are late (due to work, flat tire, etc.), the correct procedure is to bow in, as you normally would, then quietly wait until the instructor acknowledges you. At that time, bow quickly and join the group. If the group is lined up in order of rank, join at the end of the line (at the end of class, take your proper position in line).

Theatrics:

At all times during training you should maintain a serious attitude. The moment class begins your mind should be on learning karate and improving your technique. We expect that you give us 100% of your energy during class, and we in turn, will give you 100% of our energy during class. Pay attention to what the instructor is saying. If you don’t understand, it is all right to ask for clarification.

As in any classroom, only one person should be speaking at a time. All other students should be paying attention. It is bad manners to talk while someone else is speaking. It is also impolite to visibly display that you are bored. Occasionally, everyone gets bored. However, it is not acceptable to roll your eyes, groan, etc. Be polite. If you want people to listen to your comments, you need to listen to theirs.

Another general rule is that you should not make overt displays of how tired you are, no matter how tired you are. Again, rolling your eyes, groaning, panting, etc., is not permitted. In order to succeed in karate, you must work past your exhaustion. However, if you simply cannot continue, bow, step out of the way of others and kneel.

Sometimes people are injured and may not be able to perform certain techniques. That too is acceptable. Focus on what you can do, not on what you can’t.

Criticism:

It is okay to criticize. Karate is not perfect and neither are the instructors who teach it. There are flaws. Karate can be improved and so can the teaching methods. However, the only criticism that is accepted in the dojo is constructive criticism. Disagreeing with the instructor or other students is okay if it is done in an intelligent manner. We do not expect you to regurgitate everything we say and do as if you were a robot. Think for yourself. Remember though, if you criticize something, be prepared to back it up with evidence. Criticizing something you know nothing about is dangerous. In other words, if you are going to criticize, make sure you know what you are talking about and you are capable of defending your position.

Titles:

Sensei:

Sensei is a Japanese word meaning “teacher”. It is also used to refer to a person who is not a teacher, but is accorded a similar kind of respect. These people typically include professional people like a doctor or lawyer. In a karate dojo, “sensei” is the title of the instructor. In Japanese, the title comes after the name. Therefore if Mr. X were a karate instructor in Japan, he would be referred to as “X Sensei”. In the West, most titles come before the name, therefore in Canada; Mr. X may be referred to as “Sensei X”. Either way is acceptable. However, in Canada, I think that it is also perfectly acceptable to address the teacher using the terms such as Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. Or Sir/Ma’am.

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that you should behave towards the karate teacher as you would any other teacher. Treat them with respect and kindness and they will likely do the same for you.

Courtesy:

Remaining courteous at all times is one of the keys of training in a karate dojo. It is important that common courtesy is displayed between student and student and also between student and teacher (both ways). Remember that you do not demand respect you must earn it. Actions speak louder than words on this point. Treat everyone, whether you out rank them or not, as you would wish to be treated.

Fees:

Fees will be paid prior to receiving any instruction. Generally, fees are due on the first class of a new month. However, we do not wish to turn any student away because of financial limitations. If you are having financial difficulties, talk to the instructor about an alternative payment schedule.

Contact:

All classes are not “full-contact”. This however does not mean that there is no contact between the participants. There will be contact when one student blocks another student’s attack. However, this contact must always be controlled and limited to the areas specified by the instructor. Under no circumstances will excessive contact be permitted other than to block an attack. Contact to the joints, instep, back, throat, face, neck, groin, chest, abdomen, and ribs must be done in a controlled manner. It is extremely important that you learn to control your distance. Your safety and your partner’s safety depend on it.

Food and Drink:

No alcohol is to be taken before class. Eating food, candy, or chewing gum is not permitted in the dojo.

Terminology and Counting:

Both English and Japanese words might be used in the dojo. If you are asked to count and you are uncomfortable doing so in Japanese, it is okay to count in English. Whatever language you choose to use, ensure that your count is short, sharp and spirited.

Bullies Need Not Apply:

Under no circumstances, will any karate student provoke violence outside of the dojo. The karate taught in class is to be used only in self-defense or other exceptional circumstances.

Permission:

Sparring will only occur under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Unless otherwise indicated by the instructor, you do not have permission to spar on your own in the dojo.

You must also obtain permission to compete in any dojo-sponsored tournaments, clinics, seminars, or examinations. You do not require permission to participate in any event not sanctioned by this dojo. However, it is strongly recommended that you discuss any desire to participate in another organizations event with your instructor.

If you wish to attend another dojo, it is your decision. You do not require permission from the instructor to do this. Membership in this dojo does not preclude any other memberships. However, informing the instructor of your decision will be appreciated.

Warning:

Failure to comply with the rules of the dojo will result in suspensions and/or loss of privileges. The rules are intended to protect you, your fellow students, and your instructors.

General Comments:

No two Dojo’s are exactly alike. Some may do things very similar to what we do, while others will do things completely differently. When in doubt, act as if you were in a University classroom. Be polite and treat others courteously.

KARATE TERMINOLOGY

UCHI STRIKES

1. Seiken Zuki Front Punch
2. Shuto Uchi Knife Hand Strike
3. Tae Zuki Vertical Fist
4. Empi Ate Elbow Strike
5. Seiken Zuki Two Knuckle Punch
6. Choku Zuki Straight Punch
7. Uraken Uchi Back Fist Strike
8. Haito Uchi Ridge Hand Strike
9. Mawashi Zuki Palm Heel Thrust
10. Shotei Zuki Palm Heel Thrust

GERI - KICKS

1. Mae Geri Front Ball Kick
2. Yoki Geri Roundhouse Kick
3. Yokokara Geri Sidekick
4. Ushiro Geri Back Kick
5. Ushiro Mawashi Geri Hook Kick
6. Kaiten Ushior Mawashi Geri Spin Heel Kick
7. Ashi Barai Foot Sweep
8. Yoko Mawashi Geri Spin Side Kick
9. Kin Geri Groin Kick
10. Yoko Tobi Geri Jumping Side Kick

UKE - BLOCKS

1. Jodan Uke High Block
2. Chudan Uke Middle Block
3. Gedan Uke Low Block
4. Uchi Uke Inner Forearm Block
5. Mawashi Uke Circular Block
6. Kake Uke Hooking Block
7. Shotei Uke Palm Heel Strike
8. Ko Uke Wrist Block
9. Soto Yoko Uke Outside Side Block
10. Soto Kosa Uke Outside Cross Block

DACHI - STANCES

1. Hesoku Dachi Feet Together
2. Musubi Dachi Heels Together, Toes Out
3. Heiko Dachi Parallel Stance
4. Hachiji Dachi Natural Stance
5. Shiko Dachi Straddle Leg Stance
6. Kiba Dachi Horse Riding Stance
7. Sanchin Dachi Hourglass Stance
8. Hanzenkutsu Dachi Half Front Stance
9. Zenkutsu Dachi Front Stance
10. Sesan Dachi Sesan Stance
11. Koshi Dachi Squat Stance
12. Kokutsu Dachi Back Stance
13. Kosa Dachi Twisted Stance

NUMBERS

1. Ichi
2. Ni
3. San
4. Shi
5. +Go
6. Roku
7. Shichi
8. Hachi
9. Ku
10. Ju

GENERAL TERMINOLOGY

1. Ha Jime Begin
2. Yame Stop
3. Yoi Ready
4. Kime Focus
5. Waza Technique
6. Kumite Sparring
7. Jodan Upper Level
8. Chudan Middle Level
9. Gedan Lower Level
10. Migi Right
11. Hidari Left
12. Ushiro Back
13. Kata Form
14. Karate Empty Hand Fighting
15. Kiai Gut Yell
16. Sensei Teacher
17. Shihan Master Instructor
18. Tatte Stand Up
19. Otagai Ni Face Each Other
20. Shomen Ni Face Front
21. Kiyotsuke Attention
22. Shugo Line Up
23. Seiza Kneel Down
24. Rei Bow
25. Mokuso Meditation

Domo Arigato Gozaimashita,

Glenn Cunningham, Sensei
Staten Island Jundokan / Kouketsu Dojo
Traditional Okinawan Gojuryu Karatedo
Jundokan Shibu Member