Karate and the link to CSKA
What you need to know about Karate
What is Karate?
"True karate is that in daily life one's
mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of
humility, and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly
to the cause of justice." Gichin Funakoshi
Karate is described as a martial art, or fighting method,
involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes,
evasions, throws, and joint manipulations. Karate practice is
divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and
kumite (sparring).
The word karate is a combination of two Japanese characters:
kara, meaning empty, and te, meaning hand; thus, karate means
"empty hand." Adding the suffix "-do" (pronounced "doe"),
meaning "way," i.e., karate-do, implies karate as a total way
of life that goes well beyond the self-defense
applications. In traditional karate-do, we always keep
in mind that the true opponent is oneself.
Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi has said that "mind and
technique become one in true karate." We strive to make
our physical techniques pure expressions of our mind's
intention, and to improve our mind's focus by understanding
the essence of the physical techniques.
Different Karate Styles
The various karate styles practiced throughout the world,
originated in Okinawa. The Okinawan culture and economy
flourished until the end of the 16th century. Their
independence was terminated when the Japanese military regime
decreed the invasion of the island in 1609.
This lead to the prohibition of weapon carrying by the
natives. In turn, this event sparked the golden age of
Okinawan martial arts, as many natives practiced Okinawan-te
in secret (incorporating Chinese 'Chu' and 'Fa' as well as the
native 'Tode').
Master Gichin Funakoshi also studied in secret, until he
disclosed his art and philosophy of karate-do in 1901 to
Okinawa and in 1922 to the Japanese mainland. Division
into styles was never his intention, but nevertheless,
different styles were cultivated by the appearance of three
big Okinawan karate schools, Naha-te, Shuri-te and Tomari-te
(Japan).
One of the world’s most widespread styles is ‘Shotokan’, the
title derived from the pen name of Master Funakoshi (Hall of
Shoto). Other well known styles are ‘Goju-ryu’ of Miyagi
Chojun (1885 – 1953) and ‘Goju-kyu’, formed by Miyagi’s
student, Gogen. Wado-ryu style was created by Hironori (1892 –
1982), a student of Funakoshi. The ‘Shito-ryu’ style was
created by Kenwa (1889 – 1952).
CSKA's lineage
History of Ranks
The origin of the Shotokan Karate Ranking
System is believed to have evolved with the influence of the
Japanese. Originally in Okinawa, karate students did not
get promoted for learning a new kata, they did not receive
coloured belts, they did not receive certificates proclaiming
their agility, and they didn't even wear karate uniforms.
Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate, was never given a
rank by his instructor. He was taught in his instructor's back
yard in his everyday clothing. He learned karate kata
systematically one after the other without receiving colour
belts for his efforts. Upon arriving in Japan, and associating
with Kano Jigoro, the founder of modern Judo, Funakoshi
adopted the Judo uniform and the colour belt system for use in
karate. This was the first instance of karate uniforms in
history. Upon taking up this new ranking system, Funakoshi at
first seems to have rejected the idea of holding a rank for
himself.
Many different steps have been taken to standardize the
ranking system and what we have today is a reflection of the
systems in place worldwide.
Class Etiquette
1. Remove shoes upon entering the dojo
2. Keep the dojo clean
3. Do not lean on dojo walls – only stand or kneel on the
floor
4. Bow upon entering or leaving the dojo floor
5. Bow to Senior Students and Instructors
6. Always refer to your instructor as ‘Sensei’ – a sign of
respect
7. Uniforms are to be kept clean and in good repair - Finger
and toe nails should be kept short to prevent injury - hands
and feet should be clean
8. Jewellery should not be worn during training - watches,
rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. often get in the way and can
cause injuries.
9. Always answer or acknowledge your instructor with ‘Oss’
10. Thank your instructors at the end of a training session –
'Onegaishimasu' (On-a-gush-emus-soo) (Please teach me - Please
help me)
Niju Kun (20 Principles of Shotokan)
Words of Gichin Funakoshi
1. Karate is not only dojo training
2. Don't forget that Karate begins with a bow and ends with a
bow
3. In Karate, never attack first
4. One who practices Karate must follow the way of justice
5. First you must know yourself, then you can know others
6. Spiritual development is paramount; technical skills are
merely means to the end
7. You must release your mind
8. Misfortune comes out of laziness
9. Karate is a lifelong training
10. Put Karate into everything you do
11. Karate is like hot water. If you do not give it heat
constantly it will again become cold
12. Do not think you have to win, think that you do not have
to lose
13. Victory depends on your ability to tell vulnerable points
from invulnerable ones
14. Move according to your opponent
15. Consider your opponent's hands and legs as you would sharp
swords
16. When you leave home, think that millions of opponents are
waiting for you
17. Ready position for beginners and natural position for
advanced students
18. Kata is one thing, engaging in a real fight is another
19. Do not forget (1) strength and weakness of power, (2)
expansion and contraction of the body, (3) slowness and speed
of techniques
20. Devise (plan) at all times
What is Kata/Kumite/Kihon
Kata
Kata are patterns of techniques that we perform involving
imaginary defense against numerous opponents. Kata is a
method of practicing applications for particular self defense
scenarios.
Kumite
Kumite means sparring, and the focus of kumite is to practice
using the techniques we learn from kata. Kumite may take the
form of fixed step sparring (5 steps, 3 step, 1 step) or free
fighting.
Kihon
Kihon means the basics, perfecting the punch, block, kick, and
the stance. Working on the body rotation and propulsion
dynamics and using the major muscle groups.