How to Start

The Dojo Etiquette
Kihon
Kata
Kumite
Equipment
Master Camp and Tournaments

DOJO ETIQUETTE

Standing bow

Stand with your heels together, feet pointing slightly outward (like a "V"). Keep your knees straight, elbows straight and relaxed, hands open and at the seams of your pants (the outside of your legs), and fingers together. Bend at the waist, about 20 degrees forward. Unbend. The whole bow takes about a breath's length.

Kneeling (seiza)
Place your left knee on the floor, then right knee. Sit down on your feet. The big toes of your left and right feet should overlap (either one on top). Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Rest your left hand (hand open, fingers together) on your left thigh and your right hand on your right thigh, so that your fingers point inward. For anatomical reasons, men should have about a fist or two's width between their knees, and women should have their knees together.

Bowing in seiza
Slide your left hand from the thigh to the floor immediately in front of the left knee (not too far in front, i.e., your left elbow shouldn't touch the floor). Do the same with your right hand, so that the right hand motion is slightly behind (in time) the left hand motion. Your palms should touch the floor to show deep respect. Bow at the waist, taking a little longer than for a standing bow (forehead comes close to the floor, but does not touch it). Slide your hands back up to their initial position on the thighs, this time with your left hand slightly behind the right hand.

Entering and exiting the dojo
Bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the front of the dojo, whenever you are entering or exiting the dojo.

Lateness: First of all, try not to be late. But if you are late, bow in, then quietly kneel near the entrance. Wait until the instructor acknowledges you. Then bow while kneeling, get up, and quickly join the group. If you arrive just as everyone is kneeling during the opening sequence (see below), don't move or make any noise -- just wait until class begins warming up, and bow in as when the instructor acknowledges you, in the manner described above.

Opening sequence
When you hear "Line up!" or "One line!" (or however many lines is necessary for everyone to line up), stand shoulder to shoulder facing the front of the dojo, in rank order. Try to line up so that the instructor, standing before your line, is right in the middle of the line. If class is so big that the senior student says to form more than one line, try to line up so that the lines are approximately the same length.
"Seiza!": Sit down in seiza, so that knees are aligned with the person on your left. "Mokusoh!": Quiet meditation -- just lower your gaze, relax, and breathe. "Mokusoh yame!": End meditation. "Shomen ni rei!": Bow to the front of the room (which shows respect for your training space, to the institution of karate, and to the line of instructors who brought it to your instructor). "Sensei ni rei!": Bow to the instructor. When you're bowing, you can say "onegaishimas," which, roughly translated, means "Please," i.e., please teach me, please help me, please hold class, etc. (You may also say "oss," the ubiquitous sign of respect in karate.) At the signal of the instructor, get up quickly, wait for the person on your left to rise.

Closing sequence
Same as the opening sequence, except that after the meditation ends ("mokusoh yame!"), the class recites the dojo kun. Repeat what the senior student says, loudly -- but not so loudly that your voice stands out -- and in unison. During the bow to the instructor ("sensei ni rei!"), you may say "arigatoh gozaimashita," which means "Thank you." "Thank you" in English is fine, too. At the end, the instructor will get up. Wait until the person on your left bows and gets up before you do the same.

Clean-up
Before class starts, there is usually some sort of dojo-cleaning process. During this time, actively participate to the extent you can. Don't sit back and stretch when others are still cleaning.

Kiai
Don't say any words when you kiai. "Kiai" itself, being a Japanese word should NOT be a kiai. Common kiai include "Ya!" and "Ei!"
Don't be afraid to kiai! In general, people tend to kiai too softly rather than too loudly. If you have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder, as well. The overall tone of a class is set by the level of spirit of the class, which can be raised with better kiai. On the other hand, if your spirit is poor or your kiai weak, you might bring down the class spirit.

General etiquette during training

• The moment class starts, your mind should be on karate and on trying to improve your own technique. Concentrate, give spirited kiai, don't talk unnecessarily, and practice hard! (This is under "etiquette" because doing otherwise would be disrespectful to the instructor, as well as to yourself.)

• Don't wear jewelry, watches, etc. Don't chew gum.

• Whenever you're told to move from one part of the room to another, do it quickly (i.e., run or trot, at least). Also, don't pass in front of anyone -- go behind and around.

• Whenever you're asked to stand back or sit back and watch, do so in a normal standing or kneeling position, silently, without leaning on walls or distracting others.

• If you're ever in a kneeling position and you're uncomfortable, it's generally okay to bow and then switch to sitting cross-legged.

• Whenever you stand from a sitting position, switch to kneeling, bow, then stand.

• If you ever need to leave a class early, let the instructor know beforehand.

• Every time you get a new partner for any exercise, bow. Every time you're about to switch partners, bow to your old partner before moving on to the next.

• Don't make overt displays of how tired you are, no matter how tired you are.

• If you're ever asked to count, count in whatever language you feel comfortable with, but make the counts short, sharp, and spirited.

• Do not hesitate to ask senior students and instructors for help before or after class. Time permitting, you should try to learn kata outside of class so that during class, the instructor can spend more time making comments about your technique rather than what move comes next.

• Follow the normal rules of etiquette that apply.

• Finally, these aren't strict rules followed by every dojo. Some don't follow them exactly, in which case, you should start off erring on the side of being overly courteous but avoid doing anything to stand out, since that in itself can be interpreted as rudeness.

KIHON

Kihon is the practice of fundamental techniques: blocking, punching, striking, and kicking. These techniques are the beginning and end of karate -- a karateka (practitioner of karate) may learn them in a matter of months, yet fail to master them after a life's worth of training. Hence, basic techniques demand regular practice, applied with as much concentration and effort as possible.
According to the late Sensei Masatoshi Nakayama, the karateka must practice kihon with the following in mind:

Form. Balance and stability are necessary to basic techniques. Kicking -- in which one leg supports the entire body -- is an example of technique that depends on the karateka’s sense of balance. Karate movements involve shifting the body's center of gravity, which demands good balance and control of the body. In addition, the karateka requires stable joints, stances, and posture to deliver (or withstand) maximum impact in (or from) a blow.

Power and speed. Karate would be meaningless without kime, the ability to concentrate the greatest amount of force at the point of attack (or block). Those with great muscular strength do not excel at karate, if they never learn to use their muscles to the greatest effect. The karateka who excels, does so by maximizing his/her muscular power through kime. In addition, the karateka's power is directly related to the speed of his/her techniques. However, speed is ineffective without proper control.

Concentration and relaxation of power. The karateka cannot generate maximum power if his/her punches rely on the arm's muscles alone, or his/her kicks on the leg's muscles alone. The greatest level of power comes from concentrating all of the karateka's strength, from every part of the body, on the target. In addition, the karateka must generate power efficiently, using power when and where it is needed. Maximum power is required only at the point of impact.
Until then, the karateka should stay relaxed and avoid generating unnecessary power. By tensing the wrong parts of the body or tensing at the wrong time, the karateka only diminishes the amount of power that goes into his/her block or attack. While he/she is relaxed, the karateka should stay mentally alert.

Strengthening muscle power. The karateka must not only understand the principles of kihon, he/she must give them effect with strong, elastic muscles. Strong muscles demand constant, earnest training. They also require the karateka to know which muscles to use in his/her techniques: well-trained muscles will lead to strong and effective karate.

Rhythm and timing. Karate has its own rhythm that the karateka should come to recognize and understand. No technique takes place in isolation; in combining basic techniques, the karateka should pay attention to the timing of his/her techniques as well as the techniques themselves. A master karateka's movements not only contain a great deal of power but also rhythm and, in their own way, beauty. A sense of rhythm and timing will help the karateka understand the techniques and the art in general.

Hips. The hips are a crucial, yet oft-neglected component in executing karate techniques. Hip rotation adds power to the upper body, and is thus essential to strong blocks and punches. The hips' proximity to the body's center of gravity make them the foundation of strong, stable movements, good balance, and proper form. The karateka cannot move as smoothly, quickly, or powerfully if the hips are passive. For this reason, teachers often remind their students to "block with your hips," "punch with your hips," and "kick from your hips."

Breathing. The karateka should coordinate breathing with his/her techniques. Breathing enhances the karateka's ability to relax and concentrate maximum power in his/her techniques. Correct breathing -- fully exhaling when finishing a strike, for example -- is necessary to developing kime. The karateka should not breathe in a uniform manner; his/her breathing should change with the situation. Proper inhaling fills the lungs completely. Proper exhaling leaves the lungs about 20 percent full -- exhaling completely makes the body limp, leaving the karateka vulnerable to even a weak attack.

KATA

The kata are formal exercises that combine basic karate techniques -- blocking, punching, striking, and kicking -- into a series of predetermined movements. Kata combines offensive and defensive techniques, proper body movement, and changes in direction. The kata teach the karateka to dispose of numerous attackers from at least four directions. Although the kata do not involve visible opponents, the karateka, through serious study of the kata, learns the art of self-defense and the ability to calmly and efficiently deal with dangerous situations. For these reasons, the kata have been the core of karate training since ancient times.

According to Sensei Nakayama, there are five characteristics of kata:

1. For each kata, there are a fixed number of movements. (The basic Heian kata have 20 to 27 movements; advanced kata can have over 60.) One must perform the movements in the correct order.

2. One must begin and end the kata at the same point on the floor “Embusen”. Each kata has its own "shape" -- depending on the kata, the karateka may move along a straight line or a "T"- or "I"-shaped formation.

3. There are kata that all karateka must learn, and kata that are optional. The former consist of the five Heian kata and three Tekki kata. Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Empi, Hangetsu, Jitte, Gankaku, Jion. The optional kata include Meikyo, Chinte, Nijushiho, Gojushiho-dai and Gojushiho-sho, Unsu, Sochin, Ji'in, and Wankan.

4. There are three aspects to performing a dynamic kata: (1) correct use of power; (2) correct speed of movement, be it fast or slow; (3) expansion and contraction of the body. The kata's beauty, power, and rhythm depend on these aspects.

5. One bows at the beginning and end of the kata.

KUMITE

Kata and kumite are complementary training methods. In kata, one learns basic techniques; in kumite, one applies them with a sparring partner. The principles of kihon (see above) still apply to kumite: the karateka must apply proper karate techniques, demonstrate correct power and speed, and, above all, exercise good control -- contact is prohibited. One must remember that, while kumite is a useful application of the fundamentals learned through kata, it is not a substitute for kata.

There are three types of kumite: basic kumite, ippon (one-step) kumite, and jiyu (free) kumite.
Basic kumite, consisting of five- or three-step sparring, permits the karateka to cultivate basic blocking and attacking through prearranged techniques. It is a useful introduction to sparring for beginning students.

Ippon kumite also involves basic, prearranged techniques, but adds emphasis on body movements and proper distancing from the opponent.

In jiyu kumite, techniques are not prearranged. The karateka may freely engage his/her physical and mental powers, but must strictly control his/her attacks -- contact is prohibited. The karateka must be well trained and disciplined enough to make a powerful blow that stops just before it reaches its target. For these reasons, only advanced students may practice jiyu kumite.
(Note: Most karateka learn jiyu ippon kumite -- a combination of one-step and free sparring -- as brown belts. In this semi-free form of sparring, both sides must use basic, prearranged techniques, but may act according to their own rhythm and timing. Jiyu ippon kumite often serves as a bridge between ippon and jiyu kumite.)

TRAINING EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS

The SLSKA has taken the initiative to purchase equipment and uniforms (gis) from overseas and sell to its members in order to reduce the high cost incurred in purchasing such equipment.

We guarantee the quality and durability of equipment/uniforms purchased and that the prices charged is much less than that which would be obtainable in any local retail store. By using the advantages of bulk purchasing and waiver of duties by the Ministry of Sports, tremendous savings are obtained, which is reflected in the cost of the equipment/uniforms that we sell to our members.

We are not in the practice of stocking equipment. If stocks are not available, please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Members wishing to purchase training uniforms have an option of paying 50% in advance, and the balance on delivery.

MASTER CAMP

Master Camp the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) premiere annual training event, is held in its natural secluded and exclusive environment at Camp Green Lane in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA.

The aim of ISKF Master Camp is to offer the best JKA Shotokan Karate instructions available in the world today; whilst fostering a sense of community among the many karate-ka who travel from far distant places to train, relax and enjoy an exclusive karate environment with so many others who share a common passion for karate. It is also the venue for the dissemination of karate instructions throughout the ISKF world.

Instructors

The camp boasted an impressive roster of instructors ever to assemble in one location. It includes Masters:

Teruyki Okazaki, 9th Dan – East Coast Region, ISKF/US
Takayuki Mikami, 8th Dan –Southern Region, ISKF/US
Yutaka Yaguchi, 8th Dan –Mt. States Region, ISKF/US
Shojiro Koyama, 7th Dan –Western Region, ISKF/US
Shigeru Takashina, 7th Dan –South Alantic, ISKF/US

Occasionally instructors from the rest of the JKA world are invited as guest instructors to the camp.

This list is well supplemented by junior instructors in the persons of Senseis:

Robin Rielly, 7th Dan – East Coast Region
Maynard Miner, 7th Dan – East Coast Region
James Fields, 7th Dan – Southwest Region
Frank Woon-a-Tai, 7th Dan – ISKF/Canada
Cathy Cline – 6th Dan, ISKF North West
Hiroyoshi Okazaki – 6th Dan, ISKF East Coast

Training

In keeping with the Master Camp philosophy to provide expert-level karate instruction to all students, the camps curriculum is divided into five (5) categories:

(a) Beginner (10-7 Kyu),
(b) Color belt (6b-4 Kyu),
(c) Brown belt (3b-1 Kyu),
(d) Black belt (shodan and above) and
(e) Instructor Trainee (Nidan and above).

Not only are classes divided but also, each group trains in separate facilities complete with a Dojo-quality hardwood floor.

The ISKF Master Camp training and activity schedule consisted of daily routines, which ran from 6:00am (wake-up call) to 10:00pm (lights-out). Each day teams of certified instructors teach up to four classes per day. During the daily sessions, instructions are received on a diversity of topics including the following:

(a) Stances
(b) Punches
(c) Blocks
(d) Kicking
(e) Kata
(f) Body-shifting
(g) Striking
(h) Kumite
(i) Self-defense and their applications.

Lectures are also held on a variety of topics including the following:

(a) Martial Arts Philosophy
(b) Biomechanics
(c) Movement analysis
(d) Self-defense
(e) Dojo (organizational) Development

We at SLSKA have come to recognize the importance and necessity of the attendance of our members at this prestigious training camp. This is prompted by the need for more qualified instructors to help in the development of Shotokan Karate in St. Lucia to international standards. From our past experience we are certain that the continued exposure to such quality instruction has and will continue to have a tremendous impact on our ability to assist karate development locally.

Grading

Examinations are conducted in the following categories:

(a) Dan
(b) Judges
(c) Instructors Qualifications
(d) Examiners

Facilities/Accomodations

ISKF Master Camp is held at Camp Green Lane, a year-round training facility for athletic and youth programs. The cluster of cabins and training facilities include Dojo space, athletic and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, boating lake and swimming pool. Students room in cabins with 10 others.
A camp store offered special camp T-shirts, books and other karate related paraphernalia.

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	How to Start... ...and things to know I want to know more about: The Dojo Etiquette Kihon Kata Kumite Equipment Master Camp and Tournaments DOJO ETIQUETTE Standing bow Stand with your heels together, feet pointing slightly outward (like a "V"). Keep your knees straight, elbows straight and relaxed, hands open and at the seams of your pants (the outside of your legs), and fingers together. Bend at the waist, about 20 degrees forward. Unbend. The whole bow takes about a breath's length. Kneeling (seiza) Place your left knee on the floor, then right knee. Sit down on your feet. The big toes of your left and right feet should overlap (either one on top). Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Rest your left hand (hand open, fingers together) on your left thigh and your right hand on your right thigh, so that your fingers point inward. For anatomical reasons, men should have about a fist or two's width between their knees, and women should have their knees together. Bowing in seiza Slide your left hand from the thigh to the floor immediately in front of the left knee (not too far in front, i.e., your left elbow shouldn't touch the floor). Do the same with your right hand, so that the right hand motion is slightly behind (in time) the left hand motion. Your palms should touch the floor to show deep respect. Bow at the waist, taking a little longer than for a standing bow (forehead comes close to the floor, but does not touch it). Slide your hands back up to their initial position on the thighs, this time with your left hand slightly behind the right hand. Entering and exiting the dojo Bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the front of the dojo, whenever you are entering or exiting the dojo. Lateness: First of all, try not to be late. But if you are late, bow in, then quietly kneel near the entrance. Wait until the instructor acknowledges you. Then bow while kneeling, get up, and quickly join the group. If you arrive just as everyone is kneeling during the opening sequence (see below), don't move or make any noise -- just wait until class begins warming up, and bow in as when the instructor acknowledges you, in the manner described above. Opening sequence When you hear "Line up!" or "One line!" (or however many lines is necessary for everyone to line up), stand shoulder to shoulder facing the front of the dojo, in rank order. Try to line up so that the instructor, standing before your line, is right in the middle of the line. If class is so big that the senior student says to form more than one line, try to line up so that the lines are approximately the same length. "Seiza!": Sit down in seiza, so that knees are aligned with the person on your left. "Mokusoh!": Quiet meditation -- just lower your gaze, relax, and breathe. "Mokusoh yame!": End meditation. "Shomen ni rei!": Bow to the front of the room (which shows respect for your training space, to the institution of karate, and to the line of instructors who brought it to your instructor). "Sensei ni rei!": Bow to the instructor. When you're bowing, you can say "onegaishimas," which, roughly translated, means "Please," i.e., please teach me, please help me, please hold class, etc. (You may also say "oss," the ubiquitous sign of respect in karate.) At the signal of the instructor, get up quickly, wait for the person on your left to rise. Closing sequence Same as the opening sequence, except that after the meditation ends ("mokusoh yame!"), the class recites the dojo kun. Repeat what the senior student says, loudly -- but not so loudly that your voice stands out -- and in unison. During the bow to the instructor ("sensei ni rei!"), you may say "arigatoh gozaimashita," which means "Thank you." "Thank you" in English is fine, too. At the end, the instructor will get up. Wait until the person on your left bows and gets up before you do the same. Clean-up Before class starts, there is usually some sort of dojo-cleaning process. During this time, actively participate to the extent you can. Don't sit back and stretch when others are still cleaning. Kiai Don't say any words when you kiai. "Kiai" itself, being a Japanese word should NOT be a kiai. Common kiai include "Ya!" and "Ei!" Don't be afraid to kiai! In general, people tend to kiai too softly rather than too loudly. If you have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder, as well. The overall tone of a class is set by the level of spirit of the class, which can be raised with better kiai. On the other hand, if your spirit is poor or your kiai weak, you might bring down the class spirit. General etiquette during training • The moment class starts, your mind should be on karate and on trying to improve your own technique. Concentrate, give spirited kiai, don't talk unnecessarily, and practice hard! (This is under "etiquette" because doing otherwise would be disrespectful to the instructor, as well as to yourself.) • Don't wear jewelry, watches, etc. Don't chew gum. • Whenever you're told to move from one part of the room to another, do it quickly (i.e., run or trot, at least). Also, don't pass in front of anyone -- go behind and around. • Whenever you're asked to stand back or sit back and watch, do so in a normal standing or kneeling position, silently, without leaning on walls or distracting others. • If you're ever in a kneeling position and you're uncomfortable, it's generally okay to bow and then switch to sitting cross-legged. • Whenever you stand from a sitting position, switch to kneeling, bow, then stand. • If you ever need to leave a class early, let the instructor know beforehand. • Every time you get a new partner for any exercise, bow. Every time you're about to switch partners, bow to your old partner before moving on to the next. • Don't make overt displays of how tired you are, no matter how tired you are. • If you're ever asked to count, count in whatever language you feel comfortable with, but make the counts short, sharp, and spirited. • Do not hesitate to ask senior students and instructors for help before or after class. Time permitting, you should try to learn kata outside of class so that during class, the instructor can spend more time making comments about your technique rather than what move comes next. • Follow the normal rules of etiquette that apply. • Finally, these aren't strict rules followed by every dojo. Some don't follow them exactly, in which case, you should start off erring on the side of being overly courteous but avoid doing anything to stand out, since that in itself can be interpreted as rudeness. KIHON Kihon is the practice of fundamental techniques: blocking, punching, striking, and kicking. These techniques are the beginning and end of karate -- a karateka (practitioner of karate) may learn them in a matter of months, yet fail to master them after a life's worth of training. Hence, basic techniques demand regular practice, applied with as much concentration and effort as possible. According to the late Sensei Masatoshi Nakayama, the karateka must practice kihon with the following in mind: Form. Balance and stability are necessary to basic techniques. Kicking -- in which one leg supports the entire body -- is an example of technique that depends on the karateka’s sense of balance. Karate movements involve shifting the body's center of gravity, which demands good balance and control of the body. In addition, the karateka requires stable joints, stances, and posture to deliver (or withstand) maximum impact in (or from) a blow. Power and speed. Karate would be meaningless without kime, the ability to concentrate the greatest amount of force at the point of attack (or block). Those with great muscular strength do not excel at karate, if they never learn to use their muscles to the greatest effect. The karateka who excels, does so by maximizing his/her muscular power through kime. In addition, the karateka's power is directly related to the speed of his/her techniques. However, speed is ineffective without proper control. Concentration and relaxation of power. The karateka cannot generate maximum power if his/her punches rely on the arm's muscles alone, or his/her kicks on the leg's muscles alone. The greatest level of power comes from concentrating all of the karateka's strength, from every part of the body, on the target. In addition, the karateka must generate power efficiently, using power when and where it is needed. Maximum power is required only at the point of impact. Until then, the karateka should stay relaxed and avoid generating unnecessary power. By tensing the wrong parts of the body or tensing at the wrong time, the karateka only diminishes the amount of power that goes into his/her block or attack. While he/she is relaxed, the karateka should stay mentally alert. Strengthening muscle power. The karateka must not only understand the principles of kihon, he/she must give them effect with strong, elastic muscles. Strong muscles demand constant, earnest training. They also require the karateka to know which muscles to use in his/her techniques: well-trained muscles will lead to strong and effective karate. Rhythm and timing. Karate has its own rhythm that the karateka should come to recognize and understand. No technique takes place in isolation; in combining basic techniques, the karateka should pay attention to the timing of his/her techniques as well as the techniques themselves. A master karateka's movements not only contain a great deal of power but also rhythm and, in their own way, beauty. A sense of rhythm and timing will help the karateka understand the techniques and the art in general. Hips. The hips are a crucial, yet oft-neglected component in executing karate techniques. Hip rotation adds power to the upper body, and is thus essential to strong blocks and punches. The hips' proximity to the body's center of gravity make them the foundation of strong, stable movements, good balance, and proper form. The karateka cannot move as smoothly, quickly, or powerfully if the hips are passive. For this reason, teachers often remind their students to "block with your hips," "punch with your hips," and "kick from your hips." Breathing. The karateka should coordinate breathing with his/her techniques. Breathing enhances the karateka's ability to relax and concentrate maximum power in his/her techniques. Correct breathing -- fully exhaling when finishing a strike, for example -- is necessary to developing kime. The karateka should not breathe in a uniform manner; his/her breathing should change with the situation. Proper inhaling fills the lungs completely. Proper exhaling leaves the lungs about 20 percent full -- exhaling completely makes the body limp, leaving the karateka vulnerable to even a weak attack. KATA The kata are formal exercises that combine basic karate techniques -- blocking, punching, striking, and kicking -- into a series of predetermined movements. Kata combines offensive and defensive techniques, proper body movement, and changes in direction. The kata teach the karateka to dispose of numerous attackers from at least four directions. Although the kata do not involve visible opponents, the karateka, through serious study of the kata, learns the art of self-defense and the ability to calmly and efficiently deal with dangerous situations. For these reasons, the kata have been the core of karate training since ancient times. According to Sensei Nakayama, there are five characteristics of kata: 1. For each kata, there are a fixed number of movements. (The basic Heian kata have 20 to 27 movements; advanced kata can have over 60.) One must perform the movements in the correct order. 2. One must begin and end the kata at the same point on the floor “Embusen”. Each kata has its own "shape" -- depending on the kata, the karateka may move along a straight line or a "T"- or "I"-shaped formation. 3. There are kata that all karateka must learn, and kata that are optional. The former consist of the five Heian kata and three Tekki kata. Bassai-dai, Kanku-dai, Empi, Hangetsu, Jitte, Gankaku, Jion. The optional kata include Meikyo, Chinte, Nijushiho, Gojushiho-dai and Gojushiho-sho, Unsu, Sochin, Ji'in, and Wankan. 4. There are three aspects to performing a dynamic kata: (1) correct use of power; (2) correct speed of movement, be it fast or slow; (3) expansion and contraction of the body. The kata's beauty, power, and rhythm depend on these aspects. 5. One bows at the beginning and end of the kata. KUMITE Kata and kumite are complementary training methods. In kata, one learns basic techniques; in kumite, one applies them with a sparring partner. The principles of kihon (see above) still apply to kumite: the karateka must apply proper karate techniques, demonstrate correct power and speed, and, above all, exercise good control -- contact is prohibited. One must remember that, while kumite is a useful application of the fundamentals learned through kata, it is not a substitute for kata. There are three types of kumite: basic kumite, ippon (one-step) kumite, and jiyu (free) kumite. Basic kumite, consisting of five- or three-step sparring, permits the karateka to cultivate basic blocking and attacking through prearranged techniques. It is a useful introduction to sparring for beginning students. Ippon kumite also involves basic, prearranged techniques, but adds emphasis on body movements and proper distancing from the opponent. In jiyu kumite, techniques are not prearranged. The karateka may freely engage his/her physical and mental powers, but must strictly control his/her attacks -- contact is prohibited. The karateka must be well trained and disciplined enough to make a powerful blow that stops just before it reaches its target. For these reasons, only advanced students may practice jiyu kumite. (Note: Most karateka learn jiyu ippon kumite -- a combination of one-step and free sparring -- as brown belts. In this semi-free form of sparring, both sides must use basic, prearranged techniques, but may act according to their own rhythm and timing. Jiyu ippon kumite often serves as a bridge between ippon and jiyu kumite.) TRAINING EQUIPMENT/UNIFORMS The SLSKA has taken the initiative to purchase equipment and uniforms (gis) from overseas and sell to its members in order to reduce the high cost incurred in purchasing such equipment. We guarantee the quality and durability of equipment/uniforms purchased and that the prices charged is much less than that which would be obtainable in any local retail store. By using the advantages of bulk purchasing and waiver of duties by the Ministry of Sports, tremendous savings are obtained, which is reflected in the cost of the equipment/uniforms that we sell to our members. We are not in the practice of stocking equipment. If stocks are not available, please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Members wishing to purchase training uniforms have an option of paying 50% in advance, and the balance on delivery. MASTER CAMP Master Camp the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) premiere annual training event, is held in its natural secluded and exclusive environment at Camp Green Lane in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA. The aim of ISKF Master Camp is to offer the best JKA Shotokan Karate instructions available in the world today; whilst fostering a sense of community among the many karate-ka who travel from far distant places to train, relax and enjoy an exclusive karate environment with so many others who share a common passion for karate. It is also the venue for the dissemination of karate instructions throughout the ISKF world. Instructors The camp boasted an impressive roster of instructors ever to assemble in one location. It includes Masters: Teruyki Okazaki, 9th Dan – East Coast Region, ISKF/US Takayuki Mikami, 8th Dan –Southern Region, ISKF/US Yutaka Yaguchi, 8th Dan –Mt. States Region, ISKF/US Shojiro Koyama, 7th Dan –Western Region, ISKF/US Shigeru Takashina, 7th Dan –South Alantic, ISKF/US Occasionally instructors from the rest of the JKA world are invited as guest instructors to the camp. This list is well supplemented by junior instructors in the persons of Senseis: Robin Rielly, 7th Dan – East Coast Region Maynard Miner, 7th Dan – East Coast Region James Fields, 7th Dan – Southwest Region Frank Woon-a-Tai, 7th Dan – ISKF/Canada Cathy Cline – 6th Dan, ISKF North West Hiroyoshi Okazaki – 6th Dan, ISKF East Coast Training In keeping with the Master Camp philosophy to provide expert-level karate instruction to all students, the camps curriculum is divided into five (5) categories: (a) Beginner (10-7 Kyu), (b) Color belt (6b-4 Kyu), (c) Brown belt (3b-1 Kyu), (d) Black belt (shodan and above) and (e) Instructor Trainee (Nidan and above). Not only are classes divided but also, each group trains in separate facilities complete with a Dojo-quality hardwood floor. The ISKF Master Camp training and activity schedule consisted of daily routines, which ran from 6:00am (wake-up call) to 10:00pm (lights-out). Each day teams of certified instructors teach up to four classes per day. During the daily sessions, instructions are received on a diversity of topics including the following: (a) Stances (b) Punches (c) Blocks (d) Kicking (e) Kata (f) Body-shifting (g) Striking (h) Kumite (i) Self-defense and their applications. Lectures are also held on a variety of topics including the following: (a) Martial Arts Philosophy (b) Biomechanics (c) Movement analysis (d) Self-defense (e) Dojo (organizational) Development We at SLSKA have come to recognize the importance and necessity of the attendance of our members at this prestigious training camp. This is prompted by the need for more qualified instructors to help in the development of Shotokan Karate in St. Lucia to international standards. From our past experience we are certain that the continued exposure to such quality instruction has and will continue to have a tremendous impact on our ability to assist karate development locally. Grading Examinations are conducted in the following categories: (a) Dan (b) Judges (c) Instructors Qualifications (d) Examiners Facilities/Accomodations ISKF Master Camp is held at Camp Green Lane, a year-round training facility for athletic and youth programs. The cluster of cabins and training facilities include Dojo space, athletic and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, boating lake and swimming pool. Students room in cabins with 10 others. A camp store offered special camp T-shirts, books and other karate related paraphernalia.
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