Why Take Up karate
For me the essence of Karate is summed up with the name of the GoJu Ryu Kata Sanchin, which translates as three battles: Mind, Body, Spirit. The battle of the mind could be to increase a persons confidence, the battle of the body to increase fitness, and the battle for the spirit to control anger.
We want our children to grow confident, physically strong, and mentally balanced. I have found that Martial Arts is one of the best mediums for helping children to achieve this. As they grow up the battles they face will change. Whether it is having the confidence to say no to peer pressure on drugs, coping with the changes that will occur to their bodies during puberty, or the discipline to keep trying and not give up when they come up against difficulties in studying or work.
Karate Training
My favourite saying about Karate training is from Sensei George Andrews (7th Dan in GoJu Ryu). "The only hard thing about Karate training is coming through the door to training!". Once you get in the Dojo (Karate class) it will be difficult, but not nearly a tough as making the decision in the first place to begin training. So if you have always wondered what Karate was about (or other Martial arts) come along for a free lesson and see if you like it. If you have ever said to someone that you have always been interested in Karate, or have always wanted to study Karate but have never attended a class then that is your first battle to overcome.
Grayswood Karate Club
At Grayswood Karate Club emphasis is on traditional Karate training as well as teaching more modern techniques and applications to deal with everyday issues and threats. The training will be physically hard (be prepared to sweat) and mentally demanding. As a beginner your battle will not be to neccesarilly keep up but to show up every week because there will always be an excuse not to come training.IOGKF Dojo Kun
Hitotsu Reigi O Omon Zuru Koto (Respect others)
Hitotsu Yuki O Yashinau
Koto (Be courageous)
Hitotsu Shinshin O Renmashi (Train your mind and body)
Hitotsu
Dento Karate O Mamori Hibino Tanren O Okotarazu Tsune Ni Kenkyu Kufu O Suru
Koto (Practice daily and protect traditional karate-do Goju Ryu Karate)
No Shinzui
O Kiwameru Koto ( Strive to teach the essence of Goju-Ryu)
Hitotsu Futofukutsu
No Seishin O Yashinau Koto (Never give up)
Club Etiquette/Rules
As a new student of karate you will notice many traditional behaviours and actions that all the students adhere to. These customs are not religious in nature. Their purpose is to help build common courtesy, respect, structure, and safety. Should there be any etiquette problems please consult Sensei or any Senpai. It is a long list, but most of them are common sense.- Please strive to be on time.
- In the dojo, karate is your only concern.
- The instructor should be referred to as Sensei which means teacher in Japanese
- Students should bow as a mark of respect to any Senior Instructor (Sensei) or senior student (Senpai)
- All students must bow on and off the dojo floor
- When entering the Dojo and bowing the student should call out "ONEGAISHIMASU" which means please teach me (I'd like to ask you), to show the instructor they are ready to learn.
- Always bow to your training partner as a sign of mutual respect and appreciation.
- Reply to feedback given by the Sensei or Senpai with a spirited Yes Sensei
- Tell the teacher if you are on any medication or have any minor injuries that may effect your training (before class starts if possible)
- Tie your obi (belt) neatly with both ends at equal lengths.
- The Karate uniform (Gi) is to be kept clean and tidy
- All students (yellow belt and higher) should wear a GoJu Ryu badge on the left chest of their Gi.
- If you are early and waiting for your class to begin while another is in progress please refrain from all unnecessary talking while class is in session.
- Always work in a cooperative manner with each other.
- Respect should be shown to all students no matter what their age, grade or physical ability
- Higher belts(Senpai) should assist lower belts (kohai).
- Please keep hands and feet clean and keep fingernails and toenails cut short
- Shoes are to be removed outside the Dojo and placed neatly in order on entry to the Dojo
- Student should ask permission before leaving the Dojo (even if it is to go to the toilet)
- No eating in the Dojo
- Students should bring a water bottle to class (please label the bottle)
- No jewellery whatsoever is to be worn during training
- At the end of class student should finish by bowing to the instructor and saying “Arigato Gozaimashita”
- Always thank the Sensei or Senpai for extra help.
- Never criticize another dojo or teacher. Focus on the positive and don't waste your energy on the negative.
- Do not free spar without the permission or supervision of a Sensei or Senpai
- Stand or sit in a respectful manner. Arm crossing or sitting with your legs stretched out is inappropriate unless you are exercising or stretching.
- Keep the dojo clean and don't hesitate to help straighten up even if it is not your mess.
- Return all equipment to its proper place when you are finished using it.
- It is impolite to leave class before it is over without permission. If possible, make arrangements with your Sensei before class begins.
- Let your Sensei or Senpai know if you will be absent from the dojo for a prolonged period of time.