Dojo Kun
The “Dojo Kun” (translated as the Dojo Vow, the Dojo Motto, or the Dojo Oath) is recited at the end of all class sessions. The students all line up in rank order, formally bow (“Rei”) to the front (“Shomen”), then sit in seated position “Seiza”*. After meditating “Mokuso” on the class for a few minutes, the most senior Senpai will recite each line at a time; the whole class repeats each line back.
More advanced classes will first recite the Dojo Kun in Japanese, followed by English. Beginning classes will recite the Dojo Kun in English only. The most important part is to understand each line; the Dojo Kun embodies everything we are trying to achieve through the physical effort of Karate training.
Seek Perfection of Character!
Hitotsu! Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuru Koto.
Be Faithful!
Hitotsu! Makoto no Michi O Mamoru Koto.
Endeavor!
Hitotsu! Doryoku no Seishin O Yashinau Koto.
Respect Others!
Hitotsu! Reigi O Omonzuru Koto.
Refrain from Violent Behavior!
Hitotsu! Kekki No Yu O Imashimuru Koto.
After reciting the Dojo Kun, the class will bow from the seated position to the front (“Shomen-ni Rei”), and to Sensei (“Sensei-ni Rei”).
* Some people, for medical reasons, are unable to sit in Seiza. These students must talk to the instructor “Sensei” or senior student “Senpai” before class to get instructions for how to stand during Mokuso.
JKA Belt Ranking
| White | 10th-9th kyu |
|---|---|
| Yellow | 8th kyu |
| Orange | 7th kyu |
| Green | 6th kyu |
| Purple | 5th kyu |
| Purple | 4th kyu |
| Brown | 3rd kyu |
| Brown | 2nd kyu |
| Brown
Black |
1st kyu
1st Dan |
JKA Katas
- Heian shodan
- Heian nidan
- Heian sandan
- Heian yondan
- Heian godan
- Tekki shodan
- Tekki nidan
- Tekki sandan
- Bassai dai
- Bassai sho
- Kanku dai
- Kanku sho
- Enpi
- Jion
- Jiin
- Jitte
- Wankan
- Sochin
- Unsu
- Gankaku
- Chinte
- Nijushiho
- Meikyo
- Hangetsu
- Gojushiho sho
- Gojushiho dai
Basic Karate Terminologies
Counting
- Ichi
- Ni
- San
- Shi
- Go
- Roku
- Shichi
- Hachi
- Kyu
- Ju
Level of targets
| Jodan | Face |
|---|---|
| Chudan | Chest |
| Gedan | Lower abdomen |
Stances
| Zenkutsu dachi | Forward stance |
|---|---|
| Kokutsu dachi | Back stance |
| Kiba dachi | Straddling horse stance |
| Neko Ashi dachi | Cat stance |
| Fudo dachi | Rooted stance |
| Hangetsu dachi | Half-moon stance |
| Sanchin dachi | Foot ahead stance |
| Kosa dachi | Feet crossed stance |
Kicks
| Mae geri | Front kick |
|---|---|
| Yoko geri | Side kick |
| Yoko kekomi | Side thrust kick |
| Ushiro geri | Back kick |
| Mawashi geri | Round house kick |
| Ura mawashi geri | Reverse round house kick |
| Mikazuki geri | Crescent kick |
| Fumikomi geri | Stamping kick |
Punches
| Oi zuki | Lunge punch |
|---|---|
| Gyaku zuki | Reverse punch |
| Kizami zuki | Jab punch |
| Age zuki | Rising punch |
| Tate zuki | Vertical punch |
| Yama zuki | Mountain punch/triangle punch |
| Awase zuki | Palm facing double punch |
| Kagi zuki | Hooking punch |
| Ura zuki | Close range/short punch |
| Hasami zuki | Scissor punch |
| Morote zuki | double punch |
Blocking Techniques
| Age Uke | Rising block |
|---|---|
| Soto Uke | Outside forearm block |
| Uchi Uke | Inside forearm block |
| Gedan barai | Downward block |
| Shuto Uke | Knife hand block |
| Tate shuto uke | Vertical knife hand block |
Striking Techniques
| Uraken Uchi | Back fist strike |
|---|---|
| Haito Uchi | Ridge hand strike |
| Shuto Uchi | Knife hand strike |
| Enpi Uchi | Elbow strike |
| Hiza Uchi | Knee strike |
Types of Kumite
| Gohon kumite | Five-Step sparring |
|---|---|
| Kihon-ippon kumite | One-Step basic sparring |
| Jiyu-ippon kumite | Semi-free sparring |
| Jiyu kumite | Free sparring |
BENEFITS OF STUDYING KARATEDO
CHARACTER: The study of karate is not just the physical activities we practice. Even more than building a strong body, it is about building a strong character.
CONFIDENCE: The skills you learn in karate and the achievement of reaching goals you have set through hard work build your confidence in yourself, carrying over the rest of life.
DISCIPLINE: Karate requires you to develop good habits and exercise self-control as you train. It is also requires you to make the effort necessary to achieve your goal.
FOCUS: Karate challenges you to think as much as you act. You learn to focus with your eyes, mind and body. Learning the forms and movements reinforces working memory.
FITNESS: Make no mistake: karate is a great workout! It is a total body workout building stamina, muscle tone, balance and strength.