FUNAKOSHI KARATE
NEW ZEALAND
ABOUT KARATE
Character - Sincerity - Effort - Self Control - Etiquette
WHAT IS KARATE?
Karate is an excellent form of self-defense
Karate is an exciting sport
Karate conditions the body and mind into an alert state
Karate increases endurance, strengthens the will and develops the character
Karate is for all ages and both sexes
Karate is an excellent form of whole-body exercise
THE MEANING OF KARATE
The word ‘Karate’ derives from Japanese meaning of “empty hand”. More specifically, it is a system of fighting without weapons where the feet, fists, fingertips, edges of hands, knees and elbows play a primary role. To Master Gichin Funakoshi, Karate was a martial art, but it was also a means of building character. He wrote:-
‘As a mirror’s polished surface reflects whatever stands before it and a quite valley carries even small sounds, so must the student of Karate render his mind empty of selfishness and wickedness in an effort to react appropriately to anything he might encounter”.
THE BASICS
Funakoshi Karate teaches relatively fewer techniques than many other styles. Instructors adhere to the concept of teaching a thorough knowledge of a few techniques, rather than a superficial understanding of numerous techniques. There is a very strong emphasis on basics.
Students first learn to assume strong stances and to snap punches without lifting their shoulders. After months of practise, a student is ready to integrate various stances with punching and kicking techniques while moving forwards and backwards. In each technique, the student combines breathing, timing, muscle control and momentum to produce the greatest speed and power possible. Funakoshi fighters are recognised by their excellent posture, low stances and high power; a trademark of Japanese Karate in general.
SOME TECHNIQUES
Foot sweeps and reverse punches are important weapons in a Funakoshi fighter’s arsenal, as are lunge punches, front kicks, side kicks and round house kicks. A Funakoshi student will use the rotating power of the hips in every technique executed. Funakoshi training is based on the Japanese phrase “iken hiatsu” (to kill with one blow). This is not to say that students train to hurt people, but to develop each technique to its maximum potential.
ATTAINING RANK
Funakoshi Karate employs a unique forms-based grading syllabus. At each kyu grade level, a new Grading Form is introduced. These Forms are very different to Kata and emphasise basics, introducing only one or two new techniques (e.g. Stance, striking techniques, punch or kick) at a time. These forms are an interesting variation to practising and testing basics (rather than doing basics over and over in a repetitive fashion). Also at each level, a new Kata is introduced. Some of these Karate are based on the traditional Shotokan kata. Apart from minor variations to individual moves, there is one major change (introduction) to Shotokan Kata. This is the use of a kamae (sparring posture) between combinations to help enhance and understanding timing (or rythm) in Kata.
Gradings also comprise free sparring, and a stamina test. At the Black Belt level, each student also writes a mini-thesis on an aspect of Karate, to demonstrate his or her level of understanding.
HOW DOES OUR SYSTEM WORK?
In Funakoshi Karate, the awarding of rank implies, amongst other things, additional responsibility. Because of mature mental attitude is viewed strongly within the style, it is unusual for a junior (under 18 years) to hold a senior (Dan) Black Belt. Instead, juniors are awarded junior Black Belts (differentiated from the Dan grade total black belt by having a white stripe through the belt), and are graded to different levels (degrees) within the system until they are old enough to be tested for a senior Black Belt.
ETIQUETTE AND SAFETY RULES
Be on time for training - late comers are disruptive
Bow when entering or leaving the Dojo
Do not wear shoes in the Dojo
Do not eat, chew gum, drink alcohol, or smoke in the Dojo
Remove all jewellery and watches before training
Keep finger and toenails short to prevent injury
Ask permission if you need to step outside during training
No swearing or bad thoughts in the Dojo
No talking during training
Repond to all the Sensei’s instructions by saying ‘Osu’
Always address the instructor as ‘Sensei’
Keep your gi clean and mended, wear it tidy
Never use karate to cause harm, self-defense is a last resort
Notify Sensei of any injury or unwellness before or duing training; if bleeding injury occurs, stop training and attend to it.
For Jiu Kumite (free sparring) hand mitts are compulsory; mouth, groin/breast guards are recommended, and other (shin/instep/forearm) protectors optional.
Be humble, refrain from boasting, and always help a person who is weaker than you. Use your strength nobly.
Every student will take it for granted that the basic requirement for continual development is to put forth the utmost effort at all times. Demands on the student will always increase as the student improves.
Each student must work to their own capabilities and will be graded on these capabilities.
WHERE AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAIN?
We train twice a week on Monday and Wednesday evening from 6-7 p.m. We also have a black belt training class every Saturday morning from 7h30 to 8h30. Training takes place in Pinehill School Hall, corner Spencer Road and Hugh Green Drive, Pinehill. About a 2 minute drive from Albany Shopping Centre and a 5 minute drive from Browns Bay Central.