Karate

What is Karate?

Karate is a martial art which has been developed in the southern island of Japan, Okinawa. The art was probably in Okinawa called 'Te' (hand, technique) or 'To-dei' (To=Tang=China, dei=te=hand, technique). But the letter 'To' can be read 'Kara' in Japanese. Around 1922 'To-dei' has become 'Karate', still meaning 'Chinese technique'. In 1928 Funakoshi Gichin changed the letter 'Kara' from 'Chinese' to 'Empty', influenced by the idea of emptiness in Zen-buddhism. To hit or to kick is nothing new for human being. In the ancient Greece they started the Olympic Games. In the program, there were boxing, wrestling and pancration. In pancration, punches and kicks were used. But the unique thing with Karate is the aspect of how to live. 'Kara' should be understood as 'emptiness in mind'. 'Te' is hand, but means more likely 'technique'.

Root of Karate

Karate can be trained for various purposes by various kind of people, young or old, men or women;

1. Karate as physical fitness exercise - In Karate, all parts of the human body are involved, originally in order to win a combat (symbolically). To move all parts of your body is basic for physical fitness exercise.

2. Karate as self-defence - Movements in Karate are based on techniques in combat. Therefore, you are automatically training self-defence when you are training Karate.

3. Karate as sport - Competition is one way promote our activities. In Karate there are competitions in both Kumite (fighting) and Kata (form). Everybody can enjoy this part of Karate.

4. Karate as 'do' (A Way of Life) - By training Karate we try to gain not only physical health, but also mental development. It is a final purpose for all of us in the world to reach a stage of happy living. We have chosen Karate as our method to achieve this. Karate should be trained in order to gain both physical health and satisfaction of life. May I again recommend you to read a book: 'Introduktion till Budo' (originally in Japanese by Nakabayashi Shinji, translated to Swedish by Shingo Ohgami).

5. Karate for everybody - If you train correctly, Karate is good for everyone, young or old, men or women, and even for disabled people.

Etiquette

Definition of etiquette from the Dictionary
"1.The customs or rules of behaviour regarded as correct in social life
2. A conventional code of practice in certain professions (or sports)"

I would say etiquette is respect - good manners - good behaviour but not just each of these things. It is all of these things rolled into one.

- Always bow on entering or exiting the dojo
- All Shodans and Nidans should be called Sempei
- All Sandans and above must be called Sensei
- Your instructor must be called Sensei, regardless of grade
- If you arrive late, first do your salutation, then ask to join the session
- If you need to leave early, first ask to leave the session then move to the side of the dojo and do your salutation

The Salutation
Command	Pronunciation	Meaning
Naore	Nor - ray	Stand in Musubi Dachi
Seiza	See - Zar	Kneel down
Sensei Ni Rei	Sense - ini - ray	Bow to your instructor
Otoga Ni Rei	Ortog - any - ray	Bow to your fellow students
Sempei Ni Rei	Sempar - Ni - Ray	Bow to Dan grades present
Kiritsu	Kur - its	Stand up
Rei	Ray	Bow

Etiquette in Kata

Stand In Musubi Dachi.

Rei .

Name your kata.

Adjust to the relevant Yoi Dachi for the kata.

perform the kata.

Return to Yoi Dachi.

Another Kata to perform ?

Adjust stance to Musubi Dachi and Rei.

Etiquette with a Partner

Stand In Musubi Dachi

Rei to partner

Both partners into stance together

Perform technique

Step out to musubi dachi.

Return to musubi dachi at attacking distance

Another Technique to perform ?

Rei to partner.

Reading

These two books are I consider the Bibles of Wado-ryu. I continually refer to them if a student asks a question I cannot answer straight away. The answer is usually in the Bibles. Derby Karate Club also produce a cheap range of Booklets to help with your training. The complete book from beginner to black belt includes all about karate, all the syllabus and lots more. Only £5.00

1. Karate Katas Of Wado Ryu, Shingo Ohgami

"Karate Katas Of Wado Ryu is the first book in the English language explaining the details of these nine katas. The author, Shingo Ohgami, who has been teaching karate in Sweden since 1969, explains the significance and theoretical background of each movement in Wadoryu katas based on his knowledge of physical dynamics, from a scientific point of view."

This is one of my favourite books. It deals with the technicalites of the basic 9 wado ryu katas (Pinans Nidan, Shodan, Sandan, Yodan & Godan; Kushanku; Naifanchi; Seishan and Chinto). This is the only book I have found on the Wado Ryu Katas. There are many pictures that take you through each of the Katas. The text explains the moves, the principles behind the moves and the reasons for the Katas. I have learned much from this book and frequently refer to it as a guide in my training.

2. Introduction To Karate, Shingo Ohgami

"Introduction To Karate presents the art of karate in a comprehensive manner from warming up exercises, stretching, basic techniques to combinations and fighting techniques. Introduction To Karate gives a thorough analysis of Karate techniques from a scientific and theoretical point of view. Introduction To Karate can be used by all, beginner to black belt. Introduction To Karate explains and answers the doubts and questions, the whys and hows of Karate. Introduction To Karate contains nearly 1,000 photos and illustrations. Introduction To Karate is written by Shingo Ohgami who has been teaching karate for nearly two decades. He uses his experience as a research worker in chemistry to analyze the fundamentals of Karate."

This is the second of my favourite books. Like many books on the market it explains exercises, techniques and Karate movements with photographs and text. The unusual thing about this book is that it is solely based on Wado Ryu, using Wado Ryu techniques and terminology.

Derby Karate Club Ltd

For men - women and children from 4yrs of age