![]() Watch clips of classes, check out photos, and research the school’s website. Take the time to read every Google or Facebook review of the school. Local School - If you have any friends who practice Shotokan, ask for a personal referral to a great local dojo. To continue your Shotokan journey, you will need an organized training program and instructor to guide you and hold you accountable. ![]() The final layer is taking the techniques to a realistic fighting level, practicing kumite with partners, and building up confidence so you're prepared for anything. Katas are used to help perfect your techniques in a combined way.Īnother layer is breaking down a kata and really understanding what your movements are doing - we call this bunkai. You will then integrate all of this knowledge together into a dramatic body of work, called a kata. In the beginning, your focus will be simply learning where everything goes - the sequence of movements, how they relate to your body’s motion, and the proper stances to use. These are basic one-step sparring practices, which involve a single attack and defense. The first step in learning Shotokan self defense is Ippon Kumite. Kumite - To add another layer, kumite will involve a training partner. The first kata(s) you can expect to learn are Taikyoku Shodan and Heian Shodan. Kata - Learning a full pattern of movements in a methodical way. Kihon Drills - Combining techniques or practicing them individually in a static natural stance, or via floor drills (in a front stance). ![]() The next section of your training will include: Now that you’ve been introduced to the fundamentals of Shotokan, including the stances, blocks, punches, and a kick - it's time to look onward. ![]() It also gives your instructor the opportunity to push you to a new level of excellence, while opening up many opportunities for useful feedback. Testing is really just a marker for your own personal progress on your black-belt journey. It's also important that you don’t create unnecessary anxiety or stress regarding the testing process. The key to passing a test is preparation. Kumite - Students will demonstrate any kumite for that level. Kata - Students will demonstrate the require kata or multiple kata for that belt level. Kihon - Students demonstrating kihon in combination kihon drills. These usually include: a minimum of hours or time trained before you are eligible to test, earning required stripes, and a level of attendance. Whether you attend a local dojo or an online dojo, there are certain requirements that will need to be met before you can even test. If you're interested in earning accredited rank in Shotokan karate, you will need to complete a test. If they are English speaking and are attempting to make use a smoother title, they might be addressed as “Sensei-First Name” or “Sensei-Last Name.” An advanced black-belt instructor might be referred to as “Shihan” or “Kyoshi.” It is always a good idea to ask in advance or mimic your peers. A powerful yell will give you a convergence of energy and infuse more into the technique at hand.Īddressing Your Teacher - Typically, if following the Japanese-language syntax, an instructor will be referred to as Last Name-Sensei (such as Smith-Sensei), or even First Name-Sensei (Jon Sensei). “Ki” meaning energy and “ai” meaning join. Kiai - Pronounced “kee-eye,” this is the powerful yell that’s often used while striking in a class. To bow: bend at the waist, about 20 degrees forward, unbend.īowing on Knees (Seiza) - Some classes begin with an opening sequence, in which students sit down on their feet (low kneeling), meditate, and then bow when directed. Bowing - Bowing to your Sensei and peers will happen from time to time.
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