The University of Saskatchewan Karate-Do Handbook

This handbook was written by Sensei, and converted to HTML by me.

Attendance:

Members are recommended to attend at least two instructional sessions per week. In addition, students are encouraged to complement their training with special training seminars and tournaments. The class schedule for September is as follows:

Fees:

Japan Karate Federation Annual Affiliation Fee: $20.00

Clothing:

Beginners are not expected to buy a Karate gi (uniform) right away. However, clothing worn should be loose fitting and conducive to stretching and physical training. Once a member advances to the intermediate level, a Karate gi is required. The gi should be white and unmarked with the exception of the JKF crest.

Grading System:

The U of S Karate-do uses the grading system set by the Japan Karate Federation Canada. It is as follows:

All examinations are given at the discretion of the instructor. The time required indicated above is the minimum training time required providing regular attendance (minimum 75%) is maintained. All kyu examinations are conducted by the head instructor of the JKF Canada, Sensei Cameron Steuart. All dan (black/red belt) gradings are conducted exclusively by Shihan Fumio Demura, director and chief instructor of the Japan Karate Federation. Kyu Grading Fee is $22.00 (Belt cost is $8.00)

Beginner Class Objectives:

Upon completion of the beginner level class, the student should have a good understanding of the fundamentals of karate-do. This would include basic dojo etiquette, stances, body movement, blocking, kicking and punching techniques as well as some Japanese terminology. In addition, the student should be familiarized with the first basic kata (form) as well as one-step kumite (sparring).

Style of Karate:

There are many different styles of karate practiced around the world. Some differences are slight while others are quite vast. The U of S Karate-do teaches traditional Japanese Shito-Ryu Genbukai Karate. In addition, we offer instruction in the art of Kobudo or traditional Okinawan Weaponry.

History of Shito-Ryu Karate:

The Shito-Ryu style of Karate was founded by Shihan Kenwa Mabuni. Mabuni Sensei studied in Okinawa under Shihan Itosu whose style emphasized speed, and under Shihan Higashionna whose style emphasized power and dynamic tension. Shihan Mabuni combined these two styles to form Shito-Ryu which he introduced to mainland Japan in the 1930's. One of Shihan Mabuni's most accomplished students was Ryusho Sakagami. Sensei Demura in turn studied karate-do from Shihan Sakagami. Shihan Demura is the man responsible for the introduction of the style in America and other parts of the world. Shito-Ryu is a powerful style making strong and effective use of its blocking and punching techniques as well as swift body motion and fast powerful kicks.

Instructors:

Shihan Fumio Demura is the director and chief instructor of the Japan Karate Federation and holds a 7th Dan in karate-do as well as Dan rankings in kendo, judo, aikido and kobudo. From his headquarters in Santa Ana, California, Shihan Demura directs the JKF which has affiliates world wide. Shihan Demura is one of the most widely known and respected karate instructors in the world. His many accomplishments include winning the 1961 All Japan Karate Championship, being named "Karate Sensei of the Year" in 1969 and "Martial Arts Man of the Year" in 1975 by Black Belt Magazine, and authoring several books on karate and kobudo. His books cover such weapons as the sai, bo, tonfa, kama and nunchaku. Recently, he has acted as technical advisor and stuntman in all of the Karate Kid movies, in Rising Sun and the television series "Ohara".

Sensei Cameron Steuart is the director and head instructor of the Japan Karate Federation Canada. Sensei Steuart began his training in 1967 and received his black belt in 1974, his Ni (2nd) Dan in 1978 and his San (3rd) Dan in 1991. In addition he has a black belt in Iaido (swordsmanship). He served for five years as the instructor at the University of Saskatchewan and has operated schools in Prince Albert and North Battleford.

Sensei Dean Gulka is the instructor of U of S Karate-do dojo. Sensei Gulka has trained under Sensei Steuart scince 1984. He served as an assistant instructor in Lloydminster and instructor of the JKF branch in Vermilion. Sensei Gulka received his Nidan in 1994 from Shihan Demura.

Dojo Kun:

On the wall of virtually every traditional karate dojo is a set of precepts known as "Dojo Kun". These "rules to live by" date back nearly two hundred years and though they may vary slightly from one ryu to another, essentially they are similar. The dojo kun for the Japan Karate-do are as follows:

• Hitotsu... Rei setsu o omon zuru koto
  Be courteous in your manners
• Hitotsu... Tadashii kokoro o motte seiken to suru koto
  Have a strong sense of justice
• Hitotsu... Kageki naru gen do kooi o tsutsushimu koto
  Be responsible for your words and actions
• Hitotsu... Ai shinji te wasuru koto
  Respect one another
• Hitotsu... Kyu do no seishin o oko ta zaru koto
  Karate-do is the way of the spirit to give you courage and ambition to reach your goals as part of your life

Rules of Etiquette for the Japan Karate Federation Dojos:

1. All members must present themselves, properly attired, promptly for class.
2. Bow to the Shinzen upon entering or leaving the instructional area.
3. Bow to the Sensei and other black belts in attendance when you arrive at the dojo. Acknowledge other members also with a bow.
4. Train with a serious and diligent attitude at all times.
5. Light behaviour or socializing before class is not permitted.
6. Always exercise self-control during karate training.
7. Never display anger in any form.
8. Before and after class, use the dojo for practice.
9. Lower ranked members should seek the assistance of higher ranked members.
10. Always refer to the instructor as "Sensei" and to other blackbelts as "Sempai".
11. Class begins at the command of the Sensei or his designate.
12. Line up immediately, higher ranks to the right, lower to the left.
13. Perform the class opening and closing with a serious attitude.
14. Once class has started, anyone arriving late or leaving early must obtain the permission of the instructor.
15. If the uniform becomes dis-arranged, turn to the rear of the dojo while re-arranging it.
16. Always begin practice with a partner by bowing and saying "onegaishimasu". End practice by bowing and saying "arigato".
17. In the absence of the Sensei, the senior member present will be afforded the same respect as would be the Sensei.
18. Members may not spar without the permission of the Sensei.
19. No jewelry is to be worn in the dojo except Medic Alert.
20. Keep uniforms clean and in good repair.
21. Keep fingernails and toes clean and trimmed.
22. Members are expected to maintain acceptable levels of personal hygiene.
23. Smoking, eating or drinking in the dojo is prohibited.
24. Use of alcohol prior to training is prohibited.
25. When seated, sit in seiza or cross-legged. Don't lean or extend your legs.
26. When responding affirmatively to a question or your name, say "Hai".
27. Keep the dojo and changing area neat and clean.
28. When a class is in session, members waiting must conduct themselves in a quiet and respectful manner.
29. Members must never teach karate skills to a non-member.
30. Never speak ill of others, including other martial arts styles.
31. Pay membership and other fees promptly.

Contact Information:

Sensei Dean Gulka

Phone (306) 955-8873

Email dgulka at sasktel.net

Campus Rec

Phone (306) 966-6942