“Teaching Life Skills through Martial Arts Training”

The relationship of a Sensei to the Dojo is very difficult to define, as it encompasses many varying aspects of life. The Sensei must flow through the student in many levels of communication and reach to the far corners of the student’s life. A Sensei is sometimes a father and also at times even a mother, adviser, chastiser. A Sensei, though different, is the same as everyone else. He is a human in a controlled way and deserves respect for he has traveled long upon the DO (way).
A Sensei should be a good teacher by conveying at the correct time the appropriate knowledge in the best possible way and manner to the student and must be able to see the student and their problems, as they never can – impartially. A Sensei shows no favor, indeed a progression is attained, and he becomes harder on those that progress.
He is kind but firm to the beginner on the path.
The Sensei advises, in an appropriate manner, in the inner spiritual aspects of the art and always a friendly ear, who listens properly as they tend to categorize him into either a teacher or a friend. He is neither, but both and more. He sees a student in a free way, unmoved by external face or appearance and he helps in the best way befitting a student. If this is to be hard, he is so, to be soft, then he is so. But always, it is in the best manner for the student, for the Sensei’s heart is forever with them.
Often a Sensei may test his students by taking views opposed to theirs and then study their reactions. Silence is often the best form of praise that a Sensei will give to his students. He will note what affects the students in and out of the Dojo, how they act towards their friends, their family, and their work and will act upon the students accordingly.
The Sensei will put forth untruths to see if they are accepted, say nothing when he would speak volumes. He is king when there is no apparent reason. He may be tyrannous or compassionate, but through all these externals, his heart is still for them. He listens when they speak but can see the inner reasons for their speech: he is unmoved but can move. The Sensei is forever active, even in a subdued way. He gives while others take and asks no rewards save proficiency of mind and body. He is sad, sometimes happy, let down and often abused, but forever holds to the way, for that is his life.
Though outsiders may change, the Sensei does not, though he can adapt at will completely, the inward ideals and principles are always there. He persists when there is no apparent reason. That is why he is a Sensei. On the average, it takes 2,000 students to produce one worthwhile Sensei.
If you have one, take care of him.
By Bob Dalgleish

The source beginnings of Meibukan Goju-Ryu began on the island of Okinawa with a man named Higaonna Kanryo, Higaonna Sensei was born in Naha-Shi, Okinawa, in 1853. He lived in the Okinawan settlement in southern China for a year before finally being introduced to a local
Gung Fu master named Ryu Ryu Ko who trained him, and instructed him in kata which he brought back to Okinawa. In his time, Higaonna Sensei—along with Itosu Anko—would come to be considered "the foremost karate-ka in Okinawa." He died in October 1910, at 62 years of age in the presence of Miyagi Chojun. Many of Higaonna Sensei’s students carried on to develop their own styles founded on his teachings. The most prominent of these were Miyagi Chojun
(Goju-Ryu) and Mabuni Kenwa (Shito-Ryu). Miyagi Chojun was born on April 15, 1888 in Naha-
Shi, Okinawa, and is the founder of Goju-Ryu Karate. His training with Higaonna Sensei was very severe. Higaonna Sensei was so demanding, it is said that Miyagi would sometimes passout while performing Sanchin Kata. He continued to train with Higaonna Sensei until the master’s death. Miyagi Chojun, now Miyagi Sensei, had developed into a karate-ka of great skill and power. Miyagi Sensei trained with an undying enthusiasm; by virtue of his superior skill and loyalty, Miyagi Sensei was Higaonna Sensei’s primary deshi (student) and successor to his system. Miyagi Sensei died on October 8 th , 1953, at the age of 65. Most notable among the students who carried on Miyagi Sensei’s teachings after his passing: Yagi Meitoku (Meibukan),
Higa Seiko (Shobukan), Toguchi Seikichi (Shoreikan), Miyazato Ei’ichi (Jundokan) and Miyagi
An’ichi (IOGKF). In 1963, Yagi Meitoku (now referred to as Yagi Dai Sensei), most senior student of Miyagi Sensei, was chosen by Miyagi Sensei’s family to receive the Menkyo Kaiden
(naming him official successor to the system) along with the master’s karate gi and belt. He was chosen by virtue of his extreme loyalty to Miyagi Sensei, his character, and his knowledge and ability in Goju-Ryu. Yagi Dai Sensei was born on March 6 th , 1912. Yagi Dai Sensei formed not only the Meibukan School of Okinawa Goju-Ryu (his immediate karate family) but also the
Okinawa Goju-Kai in 1956 (an association that includes and helps propagate all Okinawan Goju-
Ryu styles).
www.hawkesmartialarts.com

Yagi is the current head master of Okinawan Goju Ryu. He is the president of the
Meibukan Goju Ryu Karate Association. The Association’s headquarters and central dojo are in Naha, Okinawa. He is assisted there by his two sons. The Goju Ryu style is represented in the All Okinawan Karate-Do Federation.
Yagi studied Goju Ryu under Miyagi, Chojun and ultimately became Miyagi’s successor.
Yagi began his karate training under Miyagi’s supervision when he was fourteen years old and continued training under him until Miyagi’s death in 1953. Miyagi’s belt and other mementos are on display in Yagi Sensei’s dojo. Interestingly, Yagi’s ancestry can be traced back to 1392 to a member of the original thirty-six families who arrived in
Okinawa from China and established Kume Village.

 We expect our students to train consistently each week without missing more than one class on a given week and without missing more than two weeks of classes at any given time. This is for very student’s benefit to keep him or her developed and focused
 We expect every student to have the best attitude and behaviour as possible inside and out of class. Our instructors reinforce good behaviour and attitudes at all times
 We expect every student to maintain a decent appearance at all times. All students must have clean uniforms and good hygiene. We will ask any student to purchase a new uniform if it becomes stained or ripped
 We expect every student to come to us with any problems or concerns regarding our school. Although we may sometimes accidentally overlook something, we are happy and committed to help solve any problems that we can
 We expect every student to respect our instructors, staff and students. Our biggest desire is to provide a safe and positive atmosphere. Please encourage your child to remain respectful in all cases and contact us immediately with any problems
 We will expect all parents to support their child in their training. This includes attending special events for the students, helping them cope with challenges in their training, reinforcing commitment, etc.
 We will expect all parents to approach us first with any problems or concerns regarding the school. We want to always provide a positive environment to our members, and although we may accidentally overlook some issues, we open our doors to solve all problems in a positive manner.
 We want all of our students to allow us to do the training for their child. We commend those parents who want their child to succeed, but need for parents to sit back while class is in progress. Of course, if any parent feels the need to comment on any procedures in the classroom operation, please come to us first and allow us the opportunity to resolve the situation.
 We want all of our parents to support the school. If there is a child who you believe could benefit from training at our school, please bring them in for a complimentary class. We do reward all students who refer other students.
Thank you for your continued support. Your recommendations are a reflection of the confidence you have in our martial arts programs. I am sincerely grateful for your support.
NOTE: As we are not a ‘contract’ school, we do require 30 days notice should you wish to cancel your membership

 Bow before entering and when leaving the dojo floor. The training floor should be regarded as a sacred ground where the learning process takes place. Showing respect to an empty space fills that space with motive, but more importantly, one is showing respect to an idea and an experience not to be forgotten or taken lightly
 Line up when Sensei gives the command in the manner shown below. You will notice that your senior is always on your right, showing respect for the time he has spent learning in the art
0 = Sensei @ = Senior X = students
_____
0
X X X X X X X X X X X @
 Class comes to attention at the command of Kiyotsuke! (Sounds like “Skeet”)
 Sensei turns to face front of dojo
Commands you will hear:
Shinzen tash ni rei
(Sensei faces the class)
(Sensei faces the senior) Ota gie ni rei (bow to one another)
This procedure may be carried out either standing at attention or in a kneeling position (zazen position)
(Bow to core, heart of our Karate, beginnings – the masters)
Sensei tash ni rei (bow to Sensei)
 The class ends in the same manner
Note: When the procedure is done in the kneeling or zazen position, you will hear one more command after “shinzen tash ni rei”. The command is “Mukuso”. At this time, close your eyes, clear your mind – meditate.
After a few minutes you will hear “Yamai” (which means stop meditating now and open your eyes)
 The most important part of the procedure is to realize the class starts and ends with respect, leaving the connotation that one of the most important parts of the training is learning respect.
Upon entering the Dojo (school), all students will follow the procedure outlined below. These procedures have been designed to avoid unnecessary wastes of both the instructor’s and class time and to keep you, the student, abreast of important dates, functions, etc.
 Check your uniform and general appearance before entering the Dojo. All students are expected to be presentable to guests or spectators.
 Bow in: As a sign or respect to the instructor, the other students and anyone else in the Dojo, all students must bow upon entering and leaving the Dojo.
 Check in: All students must sign in before starting class; this is important as your record of attendance is a factor for your grading
 Read the bulletin board to ensure you are aware of all Dojo functions.
 Students must be on time for class, consistent tardiness shows a lack of respect for their fellow students.
Once inside the Dojo, use the time prior to class to warm up, review kata and new techniques, etc. Higher belts are present – this is the time to ask for more help.

Kata means “form” or “formal exercise”. In karate the word refers to the method of practice by which students go through a series of techniques that have been arranged in a particular order.
All Japanese martial arts, such as kendo and judo, have kata practice, but karate is the only one in which kata can be done by just one person.
You have probably seen a karate kata even if you did not know what the word meant until now.
It is the exercise that can look like an intricate dance. Students throw punches, kicks and other techniques in the air, imaging opponents coming at them from all directions. Sometimes, it is very clear from their movements what they are doing. Other movements are more mysterious and only experts who have studied karate for a long time know what they mean.
By repeating kata properly, over and over, your techniques will gradually improve, because proper form is the secret to striking with the most force and speed. Kata also develops balance, coordination and mental discipline. Its not easy to practice a kata repeatedly with concentration, yet this is precisely what is required in proper kata training.
Another important aspect of kata is that it makes you a part of something bigger than yourself.
Remember, your fellow classmates all study the same kata, and so did your instructor. If you attend a very traditional karate school, the kata you practice may be hundreds of years old, first developed by the great masters in ancient Okinawa or even China. And as you improve your karate to the point where you are teaching the kata to you own students, they also will be carrying on this important tradition.
As you practice your kata, make sure each technique is as close to perfection as you can make it.
Pay a great deal of attention to your stances, as techniques tend to appear very sloppy if you are not standing properly. Also, learn how to breath properly and relax, as this will produce the best results.
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Most important, however, is respecting your kata. You can do this by bowing properly before and after performing each one. By bowing you are recognizing the kata’s tradition and history and the efforts of all karate students who worked hard to learn it before you.
Ten Points on Kata
1. Embusan
Opening
Eyes
Breathing
Kiai
Focus
Pace
All kata should begin and end on the same spot. This symbolizes the philosophy of life: that we all come into the world and leave the world in the same way
Each kata must be announced strongly, to establish the fighting spirit
Look before you move in each direction and do it with intensity
Inhale and exhale in the proper places
The kiai must be done with feeling
The expansion and contraction must be used in the proper places
Like good music, good kata has rhythm
Technique Without proper technique, there is no kata
Visualize During kata, you must visualize the attackers
10. There are four steps to masting a kata:
(i) Learn the schematics of the kata
(ii) Learn the rhythm of the kata
(iii) Visualize attackers
(iv) Become one with the kata
You can always do better than you think you can, if you try

Ryukyu Kobudo is the original weapons system of Okinawa with its roots tracing back over 400 years.
The practice of weaponry in the Ryukyu has been handed down to the present day by many famous practitioners, beginning with Sakugawa “Tode” (1762 – 1843). The eminent Kobudo master, Yabiku
Moden (1878 – 1941) created the “Ryukyu Kobudo Kenkyu Kai”. In 1955, to carry on the unfinished work of his Sensei, Yabiku’s devoted student, Taira Shinken (1897 – 1970), established the “Ryukyu Kobudo
Hozon Shinko Kai” (Ancient Weapons Promotion and Preservation Society). Upon Taira’s untimely death in 1970, Akamine Eisuke (1925 – 1999), his senior student, assumed the leadership of the prestigious
Weapons Society until his death in 1999. Upon Akamine Sensei’s death, Tamayose Hidemi, in order to perpetuate Ryukyu Kobudo in the manner he was taught by Akamine Sensei, formed the Tesshinkan
Ryukyu Kobudo Association on May 22, 1999.
The Ryukyu Kobudo system, as we know it today, consists of 36 Kata, gathered and preserved by Taira
Sensei. Unfortunately, some of these kata were not maintained and are now lost. The Tesshinkan uses 23 of the main kata, employing Bo, Sai, Nunchaku, Tekko, Tunfa, Eku, Kama and Tinbe/Rochin as the primary weapons in its curriculum.
Bo boh Also referred to as Rokushaku, the six foot staff is considered the most important weapon and the most difficult to master. Today, there are thirteen accepted Bo kata but there are many more village forms still practiced. Okinawan Bo’s are generally made from red oak and are heavy, slightly flexible and tapered toward both ends
Sai
Eku
Kama
Timbe
Rochin
Tekko
Nunchaku seye eck oo kah mah tim bay roh chin teck oh noon chah koo
A short, three-pronged metal trident, generally used in pairs and has spearing, hooking, blocking and striking capabilities. Said to have come to Okinawa from China, it was originally designed as a fighting instrument
An oar or paddle used by the local Okinawan fishers. These oars were usually hand carved and the size and shape varied from village to village
A sickle with a sharp curved blade and wooden handle used for a variety of farming functions, usually used in pairs when used as a weapon
The shied (Timbe) and short spear (Rochin) were the tools of the local fishers. The shield was generally a turtle shell and the spear was used to kill intruder fish when the net was pulled in
Originally, metal horseshoes carried inside the kimono sleeve to be used to block in case of self-defence. Two were placed opposite to each other and tied together to form a handle. They were generally used in pairs
Two wooden sticks connected by a chain or cord. Originally a wooden horse bridle, it could easily be concealed in the sleeve of a kimono. When swung in a figure eight motion, it develops a tremendous amount of centrifugal force.
Tunfa toon fah Originally the detachable handle of a primitive grindstone used to grind rice, corn, beans etc. Used in pairs and swung in a figure eight pattern, this tool also develops terrific centrifugal force

Kumite means training with a partner. It is made up of the characters kumi, which means ‘to cross’ and te, or hand.
Kumite therefore means ‘crossing hands’ with the person with whom you are working.
There are two kinds of kumite. The first, called yakusoku kumite, or ‘agreement kumite’ , is a form of practice in which both partners agree upon a particular attack and a counter, and practice these techniques repeatedly. For example, the agreement may be that one partner attack with a punch, which the other blocks and counters with a kick.
The two then practice this sequence over and over. In this kind of training, each partner can focus on perfecting specific techniques without fear of the other reacting in unpredictable ways.
When practicing yakusoku kumite, you should focus on timing and proper technique. A cooperative partner provides the perfect opportunity for you to concentrate on polishing your form.
The other kind of kumite is called jiyu kumite, or ‘free kumite’. The partners fight each other freely, using any techniques at their disposal that are within limits of safety. This training sharpens your reflexes and teaches you to look for openings in your opponent’s defences, as well as to predict when and how your opponent will attack you.
The way in which jiyu kumite is conducted differs according to school, but there is always a great deal of consideration given safety. After all, it is rather pointless studying karate to defend yourself if you are constantly getting hurt in karate class.
Nonetheless, there is no question that karate training involves some risk of injury. Just as you cannot learn to swim without getting wet, you cannot learn to defend yourself without acquiring a few bruises along the way. But there is a way to ensure that your kumite training is as safe as possible, and it is, once again, cooperation. Keep in mind that even during jiyu kumite, you are working with your partner so that both of you can improve your skills. A bit of competitive spirit is fine, bur harming your partner is not the objective of jiyu kumite. Presumably, you want to continue your practice, and you will not be able to if you constantly injure your training partners.
Treat your partner with respect, and concern yourself with his or her safety, and the same consideration will be given to you.
The invention of free sparring is a relatively new addition to karate and was developed in Japan in the 1930’s. It was developed to give a sporting aspect to the art. Sparring, as we know it today, has some very real benefits to consider.
Sparring in class and under controlled situations is the closest thing that you can get to real fighting. A constant change of fighting partners is crucial, allowing you to try your techniques under a variety of circumstances and give you valuable fighting experience.
There are many different types of sparring, including variations of non-contact, semi-contact and full contact. At our studio, the regular classes are semi-contact oriented. That means that techniques are to be executed effectively, but with good control to avoid serious injury.
There will be no sparring in the Dojo without the express permission of the Sensei (supervision by a qualified person is an absolute necessity).
These are some points that will help make you a better fighter:
 Get into the best physical shape possible
 Consistently train your body’s flexibility
 Concentrate on improving your timing
 Try to see through your opponent’s attacks
 Try to make openings where there are no openings
 React as quickly as possible to your opponent’s movements
 When attacking your opponent, go strong and with full conviction. Anything less than full commitment to your techniques will minimize the effectiveness of your attack
 Practice with fighters that are better than you
There are many more points that could 9be mentioned about fighting, but these are possibly some of the best principles to follow in learning to become a better fighter.

Basic Belt Requirements
Please note that this outline is merely meant to give the beginning student some idea as to what is expected of him for belt progression. Many other aspects of the student’s training and character will be taken into consideration, including dedication, rate of improvements, attendance, personal development etc. It will be up to the student’s instructors to decide on his performance with regards to the instructor’s decisions through either an informal meeting or a personal interview to be made at the convenience of both parties.
Grading Requirements; NEED AS FOR ADULT PROGRAM
The grading exams consist of two main areas for each belt or kyu (of which there are eight to black belt).
There is the physical exam, or grading, in which you are required to perform the basic punches, kicks, strikes and blocks to a level of proficiency relative to your grade. Secondly, you will have an oral examination of which you can be asked any number of questions relative to the art of karate-do.
Grading letters and all fees must be handed in prior to your physical grading. The grading fees are as follows:
Kids
Black Belt
$70.00 (kyu belts)
$500.00
The examination board will have at least two members consisting of the chief instructor and one other black belt.
To pass the physical examination you must have at least 60% to be considered.
Each grading will consist of various aspects such as basic fundamentals, combinations, kata, kumite, history of karate and physical condition. But the most important aspect is the student’s character and attitude toward the art of karate, his fellow classmates, his Dojo and his instructors.
All successful graduates will receive a rank certificate and their respective belt. All essays and exams must be completed and handed in one week before grading.
Promotions
Each student’s progress shall be judged on the following basis:
 Character and attitude
 Knowledge of the history of karate
 Knowledge of the association and directors’ background
 Perfection of fundamental stances, basic blocks, strikes and kicks
 Mastery of the authentic forms (kata) as prescribed by the head instructor
 Knowledge and appreciation of techniques
 Length of time in practice
 Development of control, precision, power, speed and form
 Teaching ability and assistance rendered to others
 Progress through practical application of techniques

White
Yellow
Orange
Green
Blue
Brown
Black minimum 6 weeks minimum 6 weeks minimum 6 weeks minimum 8 weeks minimum 12 weeks minimum 12 weeks minimum 6 months
Please note that individual progress/ability is a factor for advancement and that these minimum time requirements are meant as a guideline only

SANCHIN
TENSHO
3 BATTLES
TURNING PALM
JO, CHU, GE
CHU, SHUTO, GE etc
HIGH, MIDDLE, LOW
MIDDLE, CHOP, LOW
GEKISAI ICHI
GEKISAI NI
SAIFA
DEMOLISH & DESTROY 1
DEMOLISH & DESTROY 2
TEARING OR BREAKING GROUND
SHISOCHIN
SANSERU
SESAN
SEIPAI
SEIENCHIN
KURURUNFA
SUPARINPE
4 DIRECTIONS
36 MOVEMENTS
13 MOVEMENTS
18 MOVEMENTS
TO RIP OR PEACEFULNESS
HOLDING GROUND
108 MOVEMENTS
TENCHI
SEIRIU
BIAKKO
SHUJAKU
GENBU
HEAVEN & EARTH
BLUE DRAGON
WHITE TIGER
RED SPARROW OR PHOENIX
BLACK TURTLE
TENSHO TURNING PALM

Shiai
Tatami
Zen
Competition
Mats
Mind
Kyu
Dan
Budo
Mawate
Kime
Dachi
Tsuki
Geri
Karate-ka
Karate
Do
Goju
Ryu
Nippon
Gi
Obi
Zori
Kiai
Ippon
Wazare
Bushido
Kobudo
Shinken Shobu
Karate student
Empty Hand
The way
Hard Soft
Style
Japan
Uniform
Belt
Japanese slippers
Meeting of the spirits
One point
Half point
Way of the warrior
Weapon Art
Fight to the death
A grade below black belt
Level of black belt
Martial arts
To turn
Focus
Stance
Punch
Kick

Ichi
Ni
San
Shi
Go
Roku
Shichi
Hachi
Ku
Ju
Sensei
Sempai
Dojo
Rei
Kyiosuke (skeet)
Yoi
Hajime
Yame
Migi
Hidari
Seizan
Mokuso
Kata
Ippon Kumite
Jiu Kumite
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Teacher
Senior Belt
Training Hall
Bow
Attention
Ready
Begin
Stop
Right
Left
Kneel
Meditate
Forms
One step sparring
Free Sparring
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six

Morte Uke
Mawashi Uke
Kaki Uke
Ude Uke
Empi Uke
Hariatoshi
Oso Uke
Seiken Tsuki
Gyaku Tsuki
Oi Tsuki
Morote Tsuki
Kagi Tsuki
Mawashi Tsuki
Tettsui
Ipponken
Ura Ken
Uchi
Nukite
Haito Uchi
Teisho Uchi
Empi Uchi
Shuto Uchi
Augmented Forearm Block
Round House Block
Hook Block
Arm Block
Elbow Block
Three Point Block
Press Block
Fore Fist Punch
Reverse Punch
Lunge Punch
Double Fist Punch
Hook Punch
Round House Punch
Hammer Fist
Fore Knuckle Fist
Back Fist
Strike
Spear Hand
Ridge Hand Strike
Palm Heel Strike
Elbow Strike
Sword Hand Strike

Uke
Jodan
Chudan
Gedan
Keage
Kikome
Block
Upper Level
Middle Level
Lower Level
Snap
Thrust
Uchi
O
Strike
Big, great
Tonfa
Nunchaku
Kama
Sai
Katana
Naginata
Bo
Shuriken
Tikdan
Yari
Goju-Ryu
Shotokan
Shito Ryu
Wado Ryu
Kyokushinkai
Chojun Miyagi
Gichin Funakoshi
Kenwa Mabuni
Hirogoni Ohtshuka
Mas Oyama
Zenkutsu Dachi
Neko Ashi Dachi
Hachi Dachi
Sanchin Dachi
Kake Dachi
Forward Stance
Cat Stance
Open Leg Stance
Hour Glass Stance
Female Stance

 Leadership
 Cardio Karate Fitness Kickboxing
 Ryu-Kyu Kobudo
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!! We cannot explain enough our desire to provide you and your child with a positive and beneficial martial arts experience. If any time you choose to cancel your membership at our school, feel free to approach us with your situation so that we can handle it accordingly. We are determined to provide a family atmosphere with an open line of support and communication.
Thank you for your continued support of our programs…your recommendations are a reflection of the confidence that you have in our martial arts programs. I am sincerely grateful for your support