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[Home] [The Instructor] [Frequently Asked Questions] [Site Contents] [Mature Age Class] [Dojos (regional)] [Kenseikan History] [Links] [New Members] [Calender of Events 2003] Frequently asked questions More questions and replies will be added later!!
How do I know if a school is Traditional ?"[Initially, there is no one answer to this question. At first glance most Japanese traditional karate schools, wear white gi's (karate suit), but in this 'modern era', that is not always the normal procedure, however, it is a good starting point. Secondly, traditional karate schools usually wear only one patch on the gi, either the country, the style or school patch, however some schools who partake in competition karate in a large way, occasionally wear both school and country. If the school is a member of a traditional karate organisation recognised by the State or National Government, (visual certification should verify this), then this would almost ensure the school is 'Traditional', as only traditional karate schools generally gain this recognition. Do the students call the Instructor by name? the traditional practice is to refer to the Instructor as Sensei (at the very least within the dojo). The wearing of jewelry inside a traditional dojo, is not permitted whilst training. No headbands or 'sweatbands' are worn during training in a traditional dojo.] Back to TopHow do I know if the Instructor is qualified ?[This is an area which is sometimes difficult to determine. All qualified or certified Instructors should have at least one Dan grade certificate (Black Belt certificate) issued from the style from which they were first graded, however it is not easy to ascertain if any of the certificates offered as 'credentials' are from 'recognised or accepted' systems. Certainly if a stamp or seal is attached from a well known or Government organisation, then there is a good chance that the Instructor is qualified. Any school or association membership certificates, should be dated as current year or period, this would help in knowing that the Instructor and /or school is currently financial and not 'used to be'.] Back to TopHow do I practice on my own ?[Mirrors are an excellent training partner, when practicing form of any technique, whether the practice is designed around kata or individual application. The advantages of mirrors when kicking drills are practiced is second only to having your Instructor with you. Bag work is necessary for the development of 'hitting' power of your kicks and strikes. A structured training routine is a must if you have to train on your own. Home training has to be taken just as serious as one would train in the dojo, otherwise advancement is by chance rather than hard work.] Back to TopHow do I choose a karate school ?[This is an individual choice, however there are a number of points to consider.... 1. Is the school recognised by or a member of any Government Association or known Organisation ? 2. Does the Instructor carry and supply effective insurances ? 3. Is proper certification of the Instructor available ? 4. Is there any local information of the school available ? 5. Is the distance of travel to the school premises suitable to yourself ? 6. Are the school objectives similar to your own ? 7. Are the classes offered, separate in age or grade ? 8. Are the fees agreeable to yourself ?] Back to TopHow long does it take to reach Black Belt ?[The time varies somewhat from one style to another. Usually the time can vary from around two and a half years and beyond. The time most styles work around for a student to achieve Black Belt 1st Dan, training twice weekly, is about three years. ] Back to TopHow long should I wait between grades ?[This is a time not decided upon by the student. The Instructor makes the decision of the progress of each student and makes the grading recommendation accordingly. Some styles hold Kyu (below Black Belt) gradings every three months, others three times a year, in Kenseikan these gradings are placed about six months apart.] Back to TopWhere can I find Kenseikan membership information ?[There are several ways in which to obtain this information...1. Directly by email... kenseikan@bigpond.com 2. Complete the membership application form on our "membership" page on this site. 3. Post directly to 'Japan Karate Do Kenseikan PO Box 6118 Park Beach Plaza, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 AUSTRALIA.] Back to TopWhere can I find links to other Australian Karate styles ?[On our 'Links' page, you will find a large number of links to other karate styles/organisations, some of which are Australian based. Two of the prominent links are "Australian Karate Federation" & "Traditional Karate Federation"] Back to TopWhere can I find information on Shotokan ?[Kenseikan Karate Do is Shoto Ryu based, teaching a greater number of 'older Shoto Ryu type' kata with "Shito Ryu" influences, as was the early "Shotokan" offering. In Australia an Instructor also teaching and researching "Shoto Ryu" on a major scale, with his main dojo (Australian Karate Academy) operating out of the Brisbane region, is Mr Bob McMahon. Bob's contact information may be found on our 'Links' page also.] Back to TopWhere can I find origins of, and/or explanations of kata... ?[The textbook "Karate Do, A challenge of self", was published by Mark Passmore (Kenseikan) in 1985, covering around 26 Shotokan kata as well as a host of related material. 2002, will see the next two volumes in this series with greater research and updates of the earlier "Shoto" kata. Previews of all volumes, old and new may be viewed by going to our "Site Contents" page, and following the links. Additionally, Bob McMahon has several booklets on the subject available on his website.] Back to TopWhy doesn't my Instructor... ?[.... give praise if the students are doing well in their training? In general, the majority of class members "do well in their training". The Instructor does in fact give praise in his / her own mind, to be recalled as necessary if a particular student appears to be 'flagging' in training. Imagine the scenario, if Instructors 'gave praise' each time students performed well in training, the object of the training does in fact call for everyone, even the instructor to 'do well', that is what Karate-Do is about!.] Back to TopWhy do we bow to the front of the class ... ?[The question is often asked whether the opening and closing practice of bowing has a religious connotation or 'ego' move for the Instructor. I find it easiest to explain by stating that most State schools (as well as just about every respectful organisation) continue the practice of acknowledgement of the 'Flag' or Sovereign, at the commencement of each assembly, the bow in Karate Do is a similar ideal ie: the recognition of the formal front of the dojo, in a Japanese way. The bowing to each other in the class is simply a matter of respect. After a time in Karate Do, the experience is easier to explain, as no explanation is neccessary.] Back to TopWhy do we have to know Japanese terms ... ?[The simple answer is "we don't". Having said that, 'We Do". In my opinion, if one studies a martial art / idea / or practice, of any culture other than one's own, the respect should be to learn the terminology of that art. Regardless of the country of practice, the term "Traditional" is sometimes stated much too easily, in my opinion, without the correct terminology relating to the art (in this case Karate Do) then the training is only a form of 'Traditional' karate.] Back to TopWho is Kanazawa Sensei ?[1931-? Former Instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) Shotokan, Kanazawa Hirokozu, is the founder of Shotokan Karate International, a large and successful Shotokan system. Kanazawa Sensei also is a practitioner of Tai Chi] Back to TopWho is Konishi Sensei ?[1895-1983 :-Konishi Yasuhiro, was the founder of "Shindo Jinen Ryu". Studies gained by Mabuni Kenwa (Shito Ryu) and Funakoshi Gichin (Shotokan) formed the basis of his style. Japan Karate Do Ryobukai is the organisation by which Mr Konishi is generally recognised. Konishi Takehiro (son of the founder) is the current head of the JKR.] Back to TopWho is Yamazaki Sensei ?[1940-? Formerly of "Shotokai" karate and current International Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Do Ryobukai.] Back to TopWho is Nakayama Sensei ?[1913-1987 Chief Instructor of the Japan Karate Association (JKA), trained under Funakoshi Gichin] Back to TopWho is Funakoshi Sensei ?[1868-1957 . Professor at the Okinawa Teacher's College, established the 'Shotokan' 1936. Founder of Shotokan Ryu.Studied under Yasutsune Azato (1828-1906) and Yasutsune (Ankoh)Itosu (1830-1915). Known as 'The father of modern karate"] Back to TopWho is Ohtsuka Sensei ?[1892-1982 :-Founded Wado Ryu."Wado" literally means the way of peace/harmony, although it can have numerous interpretations. Mr Ohtsuka also studied with Mabuni Kenwa and Funakoshi Gichin.] Back to TopWho is Egami Sensei ?[1912-1981 Senior student of Funakoshi Gichin and head of the Shotokai School. Continued the tradition of 'no sport in karate' until his passing.] Back to TopWho is Mabuni Sensei ?[1889-1952. Founder of Shito Ryu. Trained under Anko Itosu (1830-1915) , Higashionna Kanryo(1853-1915) and Arakaki Kamadeunchu (1840-1918). Mr Mabuni also studied Fukien white crane Kung fu.] Back to TopWhat is the best age to start karate ?[The age that you are right now!! Because any age (over six years) is just right to commence karate training!! six or sixty... and beyond... you decide, all reputable karate styles will encourage you all the way in your training endeavours.] Back to TopWhat is the meaning of "DO" ?[General meaning is the 'way'... or 'path'. Accepted as meaning 'the way one studies the art' or 'the path one chooses' in the martial arts (not just karate). Most often this 'way' is taken as a way of life in and out of one's chosen martial art.] Back to TopWhat is a Dojo ?[In simple terms... (Japanese)- the training hall, (Korean - dojang)] Back to TopWhat is the cost of karate lessons ?[The single most difference in all martial arts is cost per style. Ranges are per lesson, weekly, monthly, family rates, per term or annually. Speaking in my humble opinion, martial arts lessons would be in general terms, one of the least expensive 'sports' available.] Back to TopWhat is the reason for a white Gi... ?[A number of answers may be given here, depending upon the style/Instructor/origin. White is symbolic of purity. 'One who studies Karate Do, should be pure of Body, Mind and Spirit.. In Kenseikan, we also use the white gi as an example of responsibility, ie:- it is the responsibility of all members to have a clean gi at all times, at all training sessions, this is somewhat difficult with a white gi, so, a degree of planning is needed to maintain this.] Back to TopWhen are Kenseikan classes held ?[For Kenseikan training times and classes, please refer to out 'Dojos (regional)' page.] Back to Top[Home] [The Instructor] [Frequently Asked Questions] [Site Contents] [Mature Age Class] [Dojos (regional)] [Kenseikan History] [Links] [New Members] [Calender of Events 2003] Author : Mark Passmore
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