KarateKarate-Do
Karate-Do is an art that is now known and practiced in all corners
of the world. It is indeed a true martial art that shares spiritually in
the concepts of Nippon Budo; expressing an earnest quest for peace
through the controlled use of fighting skills.
By the turn of the twentieth century, Okinawa, represented by Master
Gichin Funakoshi, introduced Karate (which translates as "empty
hand") to Japan. From this modest beginning in Okinawa, KarateDo now has devotees in every sport loving country. As it developed
many leading Karate men in Japan, other countries made their own
interpretations on the practice of the art and today, Karate-Do is
nobody's monopoly.
Karate-Do is a unique sport strictly governed by the codes and
principles of courtesy, benevolence and spiritual understanding.
Unlike other sports, which depend upon the concepts of winning and
losing, Karate-Do is distinguished by being an art of justified selfdefense. Thus the matches are fought in the true spirit of Budo where
the winner does not boast of his victory nor is the loser discouraged
by his defeat.
Since Karate is and has been the subject of much sensationalism in
the media, it is usual to regard it only as a matter of the Karate
expert smashing hard objects and dealing death and destruction
while remaining immune from injury. This image can be compared
with the image of the sea if one only saw the surface. Karate is a
physical, mental and moral culture which stresses the highest ethical
principles. Any student attempting to master the surface
manifestations of Karate without mastering the essence would fail.
Only those who faithfully practice the moral and mental disciplines
can ever gain the inner strengths that enable them to endure the
rigorous physical training of Karate. Andrew Bowerbank, a student
of O-Sensei Tsuruoka, has published two books on O-Sensei’s life and
teachings. Contact your instructor for information.
TSURUOKA KARATE DOJO – SHOTOKAN STYLE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introductory level course on Karate and self-defense.
Karate is a Martial Art which utilizes explosive punches and
kicks and utilizes the whole body as a weapon.
The student will be instructed in the basic stances, punches,
blocks and kicks of TSURUOKA Karate. The first forms (Kata),
which are a requirement for the first belt level grading, will also
be taught. We have available for purchase two excellent DVD’s,
each showing four(4) kata, from the initial kata 27 Movements
up to Heian Godan.
Loose comfortable clothing (eg. sweat pants and T-shirt) is
advisable. Karate uniforms (GI) are optional and are
available through the club. Ask your instructor for details.
NOTE:
Addition for beginners classes:
It is recommended that you register for both nights to ensure
that you progress as quickly as possible.
All Black Belt instructors have nationally recognized Dan Ranks and are qualified
to teach all levels of Karate across Canada.
DOJO RULES
1.
Aggressive behaviour inside or outside the DOJO will not be
tolerated.
2.
No one will be allowed to leave the DOJO once training has
commenced.
3.
If you are late for class, sit quietly in the back of the DOJO in
Seiza position until invited to join the class by the instructor.
4.
Wearing jewelry (watches, rings, etc.) is not permitted.
5.
Observe good personal hygiene and keep your GI clean.
6.
Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short.
7.
Swearing or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and you
will be asked to leave the class.
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GENERAL HINTS FOR BEGINNERS
One of the most important principles of the martial arts to remember
is mutual benefit. By this, it is meant that all members are to help
each other. So don’t be reserved in asking for assistance or advice no
matter how trivial you may think your question sounds.
In training, don’t expect good results in a short time. Karate
training may extend over ones entire life so there is no need for
haste. In the study of any subject, little is to be gained from
haphazard training, and thus, particularly in a martial art such as
Karate, steady, unremitting training is required.
Many people train furiously in Karate initially but lose their
enthusiasm even before the end of the first year. Clearly, very little
good can be gained from such sporadic training and, in fact, heavy
training before the body is properly conditioned can result in injury
to the body. For this reason, train systematically, without becoming
impatient or overexerting yourself, and develop gradually,
advancing steadily, one step at a time.
KELOWNA TSURUOKA KARATE
KARATE DOJO
HISTORY and BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Our Master, Mr. Masami Tsuruoka, with over 50 years of Karate experience, first introduced Karate
to Canada in 1957. He currently resides in Toronto and holds the rank of 10th Degree Black Belt and
is one of the very few people who have ever held that Dan level. Mr. Tsuruoka is well known and
respected in Karate circles around the world. 10th Dan is the highest belt ranking there is in existence,
being reserved for those persons who have made an exceptional contribution to karate.
Our Chief Instructors are Mr. Gordon Kirschner who currently holds the rank of 6th Degree Black Belt
and has over 30 years of Karate training and teaching experience. Glen Kawaguchi 5th Degree with over
25 years experience, and Rick Penner 5th Degree with over 21 years experience. All senior Black Belt
instructors possess National Karate Association Black Belt Certificates and N.C.C.P. (National
Coaching Certification Program) Level 2 (Theory) Certificates so you can be assured that you are being
taught by instructors who are fully qualified and registered to teach in Canada. There are currently ten
Black Belts training or teaching at our Dojo (training hall).
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INSTRUCTORS
Sensei Gordon Kirschner
Sensei Glen Kawaguchi
Semsei Rick Penner
Sempai Lars Jensen
Sempai Corey Tomiye
Sempai Neil Jordan
Sempai Robert Levin
Sempai Fred Beggs
Sempai Andy Buch
6th Dan Chief Instructor (B.C.)
5th Dan Chief Instructor
5th Dan Chief Instructor
3rd Dan (Instructor)
3rd Dan (Instructor)
2nd Dan (Instructor)
2nd Dan (Instructor)
2nd Dan (Instructor)
1st Dan (Instructor)
Our club is the oldest established traditional Karate club in Kelowna as well as being one of the original
clubs in British Columbia. It was founded in 1971 by Mr. Warren Maurer who holds the rank of 4th
Degree Black Belt. We have been part of the Parkinson Recreation Centre since its opening in 1971.
We are also members of the National Karate Association, the sport governing body for Karate in which
Mr. Tsuruoka is a Technical Advisor and past president.
Our instructors include Canadian national champions and BC provincial champions, multiple winners of
gold, silver, and bronze medals in national and provincial competition. We also have more senior level
qualified officials than any other dojo in BC. Our karateka (students) are winners of national and BC
provincial championships, and our junior students consistently win gold, silver, and bronze medals at
BC provincial and local karate tournaments.
Our style is “TSURUOKA” Karate, which is based on the ’SHOTOKAN’ style of Karate
developed by Grand Master Gichin Funakoshi. ‘To-de’ came from China to Okinawa (To-de is the
Chinese martial art upon which Karate is based). In Okinawa, there developed two main styles of
Karate. Named for the towns in which they originated, one was Shuri-te, a softer more flowing style.
The other was Naha-te, a more aggressive and fierce style, using deep breathing and quick sharp
movements.
Master Funakoshi blended these two styles into one: Shoto-Kan. In 1935, students of Master
Funakoshi opened a Dojo in Tokyo in his honour and named it Shoto-Kan Karate Dojo. It was not
Master Funakoshi’s idea to call his method Shoto-Kan. His basic desire was to call all styles under
one name, Japanese Karate. But after the opening of the Dojo, the style he had developed became known
as Shoto-Kan. The name was chosen by his students because Shoto was the pen name used by Master
Funakoshi. Shoto means “pine” and “waves” and Kan means “building”. Okinawa is an island
whose many pine trees are swept by ocean winds and breezes. No doubt, his feelings for his island
homeland inspired Master Funakoshi to choose his pen name.
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SENSEI MASAMI TSURUOKA
AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE N.K.A.
Before 1945, awareness of Karate in Canada was largely confined to
certain obscure scholars of Oriental studies and a few returned
Canadian military servicemen who had come into contact with martial
arts while serving in the east.
It was in this year, 1945, that Mr. Masami Tsuruoka, born in
Cumberland, British Columbia of Japanese parents journeyed to the
land of his forefathers to begin his studies in the martial arts. He first
studied JUDO, attaining the rank of Black Belt, 1st Dan. However,
during a trip to Tokyo, he chanced to witness a Karate demonstration
and was so impressed, he resolved to learn this ancient art.
Upon his return to Kumamoto, he began studying ChitoChito-ryu Karate
with Master Chitose. In 1949, he achieved the rank of 1st degree
degree black
belt when he was 20 years old. At this time, he was well known in
southern Japan as a disciplined fighter of great skill and ferocity as
well as being an excellent technician.
In 1956, having attained the rank of nidan, he returned to Canada
and started this country's first accredited Karate school in 1957 with
only 3 students. Shortly thereafter in 1962, Sensei Tsuruoka
organized the first Karate tournament ever held in Canada and the
United States and laid the foundations for the National Karate
Association. Governed by a national council comprised of elected
representatives from provinces across the country, the N.K.A. sets
technical standards and organizes the National Black Belt
Championship tournament. A certification program is regularly
conducted
conducted to test and upgrade national level referees. The N.K.A. of
Canada is a member of the World Karate Federation who is in turn a
member of the I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee). The N.K.A.
selects representative teams to compete on behalf of Canada
Canada at
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tournaments such as the Commonwealth Karate Championships, the
Pan--American Karate Championships and the World Championships.
Pan
Graduating his first black belts in 1964, he participated in the
establishment of many other accredited Karate schools in Canada and
the United States, including this club, thus furthering the spread of
the art to many thousands of students of all races, creeds and colours.
The Canadian government invested Mr. Tsuruoka with the Centennial
Medal in 1967 in recognition of his unique service to his country, and
he has received various other honours since.
Many of Sensei Tsuruoka's students were instrumental in the spread
and development of Karate in Canada during its formative years.
Among these is Sensei Warren Maurer, who established
established the Kelowna
Karate--do Association) in
Karate Association (now the B.C. Tsuruoka Karate
1972. One of Sensei Maurer's original students, Sensei Gordon
Kirschner, is currently the chief instructor for the B.C. Tsuruoka
Karate Association with the head Dojo (Honbu) being located in
Kelowna.
O-Sensei Tsuruoka holds the rank of 10th Dan Black Belt and is the
head of Tsuruoka KarateKarate-Do in Canada. His name can also be found
in the book of Karate Genetics and various Karate Geneology charts.
DOJODOJO-KUN
The ultimate
ultimate aim in the art of Karate, lies not in victory
nor defeat,
but in the perfection of the character of its participants.
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BASIC DOJO ETIQUETTE AND TERMINOLOGY
As a beginner, you will find that etiquette in the martial arts DOJO is
somewhat different than what you would encounter in other
activities; the reason being that Karate is Asian in origin and
philosophy and such practices are carried out in respect to the
founders. Also because Karate is truly an international sport, or art,
such etiquette forms a common bond the world over.
OSU:
This term looms large in DOJO vocabulary and is derived from
“Onare Wa Shinobu”, meaning “I will persevere”. The usage of this
term is broad and usually indicates an attitude of respect. Examples
of such usage are as follows:
1
When first entering or leaving the DOJO in conjunction with a
standing bow (RITSU-REI) made in the direction of the “KAMIZA”
(see below).
2.
At the beginning and end of class under the direction of the
instructor in conjunction with a kneeling bow (ZAREI).
3.
When answering a question directed to you in the affirmative.
4.
In a class session, in response to a direction given by the
instructor, which indicates that the class has understood that
direction.
These examples are by no means exhaustive but will provide an
initial guide pending more familiarization with the martial arts.
KAMIZA:
A prominent physical feature of the DOJO is the KAMIZA (upper seat)
which is easily recognizable by the traditional pictures of the
founders and an appropriate framed calligraphy (GAKU) of
philosophical connotation. It is the focal point to which ZAREI
(kneeling bow) is directed at the beginning and end of each class.
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SENSEI:
A literal translation of this term means teacher. However, it is a term
that is usually reserved for the chief instructor of the DOJO who holds
DAN ranking or visiting instructors from other schools holding the
rank of 4th DAN or higher.
SEMPAI:
Any senior student by rank or position.
ZAREI and RITSURITSU-REI:
ZAREI (kneeling bow) is performed in the direction of the KAMIZA
and the instructor at the beginning and end of each class session.
RITSU-REI (standing bow) is performed when entering and leaving
the DOJO, before and after practice with a partner and when first
greeting the DOJO SENSEI.
It must be pointed out here that there is absolutely no religious
significance or subservience involved in the custom, and is merely a
matter of mutual respect of each other and of the martial arts.
DAN and KYU:
KYU
DAN, meaning step, and KYU meaning class, are terms relating to
achievement levels reached by students of the martial arts. Each
level is indicated by the colour of the student’s belt and is listed here
in order of ascending expertise:
6th KYU (beginner) ………………………………
5th KYU …………………………………………..
4th KYU …………………………………………..
3rd KYU …………………………………………..
2nd KYU …………………………………………..
1st KYU …………………………………………..
White Belt
Yellow
Orange
Green
Blue
Brown
1st DAN to 5th DAN …………..………………….. Black Belt
6th DAN to 8th DAN …………..………………….. Black or Red & White
9th DAN to 10th DAN ………….…………………..Black or Red
NOTE:
10th DAN is rare, traditionally almost always exclusively
reserved for the founding master of each particular style
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BEGINNING AND/OR ENDING A CLASS
The following is the sequence of commands that you will expect to
follow at the opening and closing of a class session:
SHUGO
COME TOGETHER (ie. line up facing the KAMIZA
in order of rank, with the senior student being
to your left)
KIO-TSUKE
COME TO ATTENTION (feet together and hands
by your sides)
SEIZA
KNEEL INTO ZAREI POSITION
MOKUSO
MEDITATE (to clear the mind)
YAME
STOP MEDITATION
SHOMEN-NI, REI
BOW TOWARDS THE KAMIZA (to the front)
SENSEI-NI, REI
BOW TOWARDS THE SENSEI
(YUDANSHA-NI, REI) (also bow to any other Black
Belts)
BASIC KARATE TERMINOLOGY
BUDO …………………. Martial Way or Path; a fighting discipline whose aim is to
promote the spiritual development of its practitioners
DO…………………….. Literally means the way or path. The DO is the way for the
perfection of human character as in KARATE-DO
DOJO …………………. Training hall or room
GI …………………… Training uniform (KARATE-GI)
HAJIME ……………… Begin or Start
KARATE
The Okinawan “Art of the Empty Hand”. Introduced to
……………….
Japan in 1922
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KARATE-DO………..
KARATE-KA…………
KATA………………….
KIAI………………….
KIME…………………
KOHAI………………
KUMITE………………
MAKIWARA…………..
MAWATTE…………….
OKI……………………
SEMPAI………………
YAME…………………
YOI…………………….
ZANSHIN……………
“The Way of the Empty Hand”. The modern name for the
Okinawan art
Literally means KARATE men (women)
Prearranged forms in which the student demonstrates and
practices basic technique by fighting imaginary opponents
A sharp sound made at the instant of focus to help tense the
body and focus the mind for more effective KIME (see below)
Focus. The pinpoint concentration of mind and body to achieve
maximum effectiveness
Junior member of the DOJO
Sparring:
There are two types of KUMITE sparring:
1.
KIHON KUMITE – Basic sparring
a)
KIHON-IPPON KUMITE: one attack, one
defense training from a basic stance
b)
SANBON-KUMITE: three continuous
attacks and corresponding defenses
c)
JIYU-IPPON KUMITE: one attack, one
defense training from a free style stance
2.
JIYU-KUMITE – free sparring
A padded punching board used to develop power and focus in the
technique
Turn around
Belt
Senior person in belt ranking
Stop
Ready
A term used to describe the state of total awareness at the
moment of attack and/or defense
COUNTING
1 – ICHI (eetch)
2 – NI (knee)
3 – SAN (sun)
4 – SHI (shee)
5 – GO (go)
6 – ROKU (rook)
10
7 – SHICHI (seech)
8 – HACHI (hutch)
9 – KYU (kyu)
10 – JU (joo)
KARATE TERMINOLOGY
BODY AREA
GEDAN
CHUDAN
JODAN
MIGI
HIDARI
(geh-dan)
(chew-dan)
(joe-dan)
(mee-ghee)
(hih-dah-ree)
lower area of the body
middle level or chest area
upper level or face area
right
left
TYPES OF FISTS
SEIKEN
URAKEN
KENTSUI/TETSUI
IPPON-KEN
NAKADAKA-KEN
HIRAKEN
(say-ken)
forefist
(yer-a-ken)
backfist
(kent-soo-ee/tet-soo-ee)
hammerfist
(ee-pohn-ken)
one-knuckle fist
(nah-ka-dah-ka-ken)middle finger knuckle fist
(here-a-ken)
four knuckle fist
TYPES OF OPEN HANDS
SHUTO
HAITO
HAISHU
NUKITE
TEISHO
SEIRYUTO
KUMADE
WASHIDE
KEITO
KAKUTO
(shoe-toe)
(high-toe)
(high-shoe)
(new-kit-teh)
(tay-sho)
(say-ree-you-toe)
(koo-ma-deh)
(wash-ee-deh)
(kay-toe)
(ka-koo-toe)
USE OF FEET AND LEGS
KOSHI
(ko-she)
SOKUTO
(sew-koo-toe)
KAGUTO
HAISOKU
TSUMASAKI
HIZAGASHIRA
(ka-ga-toe)
(high-sew-koo)
(sue-ma-saw-kee)
(he-za-gash-era)
11
sword hand
ridge hand
back hand
spear hand
heel of the palm
ox jaw hand
bear hand
eagle hand
chicken head wrist
bent wrist
ball of the foot
sword foot, outer edge of
the foot
heel
instep
toe tips
knee
STANCES
SHIZEN-TAI
HEISOKU-DACHI
MUSUBI-DACHI
HACHINOJI-DACHI
UCHI-HACHINOJI
-DACHI
HEIKO-DACHI
HIZA-KUSSU
TEIJI-DACHI
RENOJI-DACHI
ZENKUTSU-DACHI
KOKUTSU-DACHI
KIBA-DACHI
SANCHIN-DACHI
SHIKO-DACHI
HANGETSU-DACHI
FUDO-DACHI
SOCHIN-DACHI)
NEKO-ASHI-DACHI
(she-zen-tie)
(hay-so-koo-dah-chee)
ready position
informal attention
stance, feet together
(moo-soo-bee-dah-chee) informal attention
stance, toes out
(ha-chee-know-gee-dah-chee) open leg stance
(oo-chee-ha-chee-know-gee-dah-chee)
inverted a/a
(hay-ko-dah-chee)
parallel stance
(hee-zah-koo-soo)
feet diagonal
(tay-gee-dah-chee)
“T” stance
(ren-o-gee-dah-chee)
“L” stance
(zen-koot-soo-dah-chee) front stance
(ko-koot-soo-dah-chee)
back stance
(key-bah-dah-chee)
horse stance
(sahn-chin-dah-chee)
hourglass stance
(she-ko-dah-chee) square stance, sumo stance
(hahn-get-soo-dah-chee) half moon stance
(foo-doe-dah-chee)
rooted stance (also
(neh-koh-a-she-dah-chee) cat foot stance
HAND AND ARM TECHNIQUES
UKE
GEDAN-BARAI
JODAN AGE UKE
SOTO-UKE
UCHI-UKE
SHUTO-UKE
TATE-SHUTO-UKE
KAKE-SHUTO-UKE
HAISHU-UKE
KAKUTO-UKE
KEITO-UKE
SEIRYUTO-UKE
(ooh-kay)
blocking
(geh-dan-bar-eye)
downward block
(joe-dan-aah-geh-ooh-kay)
upper block
(soh-toe-ooh-kay)
outside in forearm block
(ooh-chee-ooh-kay) inside out forearm block
(shoe-toe-ooh-kay)
sword hand block
(tah-teh-shoe-toe-ooh-kay) vertical sword hand
block
(kah-keh-shoe-toe-ooh-kay) hook sword hand
block
(high-shoe-ooh-kay)
back hand block
(kah-koo-toe-ooh-kay)
bent wrist block
(kay-toe-ooh-kay)
chicken head wrist block
(say-ree-you-toe-ooh-kay) heel of palm block
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PUNCHING AND ATTACKING
TSUKI
GYAKU-ZUKI
OI-ZUKI
NAGASHI-ZUKI
KIZAMI-ZUKI
REN-ZUKI
DAN-ZUKI
MOROTE-ZUKI
AGE-ZUKI
URA-ZUKI
KAGI-ZUKI
MAWASHI-ZUKI
AWASE-ZUKI
YAMA-ZUKI
HEIKO-ZUKI
HASAMI-ZUKI
CHOKU-ZUKI
(soo-key)
(gi-ya-ku-zoo-key)
(oy-zoo-key)
(nah-gah-she-zoo-key)
(key-zah-me-zoo-key)
(wren-zoo-key)
(dan-zoo-key)
(more-oh-teh-zoo-key)
(a-geh-zoo-key)
(yer-a-zoo-key)
(kah-gi-zoo-key)
(ma-wash-she-zoo-key)
(a-wa-seh-zoo-key)
(yah-mah-zoo-key)
(hay-koh-zoo-key)
(ha-sah-me-zoo-key)
(cho-koo-zoo-key)
punching
reverse punch
lunge punch
flowing punch
jab punch
alternate punching
consecutive punching
two hand punch
rising punch
close punch
hook punch
roundhouse punch
“U” punch
wide “U” punch
parallel punch
scissors punch
straight punch
URAKEN-UCHI
KENTSUI-UCHI
TETSUI-UCHI
HIJI-ATE-UCHI
EMPI-UCHI
MAE-HIJE-ATE
YOKO-HIJE-ATE
USHIRO- HIJE-ATE
TATE-HIJE-ATE
OTOSHI-HIJI-ATE
(yer-a-ken-ooh-chee)
(kent-soo-ee-ooh-chee)
(tet-soo-ee ooh-chee)
(he-gee-a-teh-ooh-chee)
(em-pee-ooh-chee)
(my-eh-he-gee-a-teh)
(yo-ko-he-gee-a-teh)
(oo-she-row-he-gee-ate)
(ta-teh-he-gee-a-teh)
(o-toe-she-he-gee-a-teh)
SHUTO-UCHI
(shoe-toe-ooh-chee)
back fist strike
hammer fist (down)
hammer fist (side)
elbow strike
elbow strike
forward elbow strike
side elbow strike
back elbow strike
upward elbow strike
downward elbow
strike
sword hand strike
STRIKING
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FOOT AND LEG TECHNIQUES
GERI
MAE-GERI
YOKO-GERI
MAWASHI-GERI
USHIRO-GERI
TOBI-GERI
ASHI-BARAI
(ger-ee)
(my-eh-ger-ee)
1. KEAGE (kee-ag-eh)
2. KEKOMI (keh-ko-me)
(yo-koh-ger-ee)
1. KEAGE
2. KEKOMI
(ma-wash-ee-ger-ee)
(ooh-she-row-ger-ee)
(toe-bee-ger-ee)
(a-she-ba-ra-eye)
kicking
front kick
snap kick
thrust kick
side kick
roundhouse kick
back thrust kick
jump kick
foot sweep
Power Sources and Linear Movements Defined
Power source:
1. Vibration – single technique when standing still.
still.
2. Rotation – Body torquing standing or moving using
combinations.
3. Upward - Drive body weight up into target, either defensive or
offensive.
4. Downward – Body drives down into target, either defensive or
offensive.
5. Linear Movements– Using body weight to:
a. drive forward
b. backward
c. sideways
d. up
e. down
into target by generating speed.
14
Schedule of Kata
a) NijuNiju-shichishichi-ho or 27 Movements (27 movements)
b) TaikyokuTaikyoku-shodan (“First Cause”, 20 movements)
c) TaikyokuTaikyoku-nidan (“Second Cause”, 20 movements)
d) TaikyokuTaikyoku-sandan (“Third Cause”, 20 movements)
1. HeianHeian-shodan (“Peace & Tranquility #1”, 21 movements)
2. HeianHeian-nidan (“Peace & Tranquility #2”, 28 movements)
3. HeianHeian-sandan (“Peace & Tranquility #3”, 21 movements)
4. HeianHeian-yondan (“Peace & Tranquility #4”, 27 movements)
5. HeianHeian-godan (“Peace & Tranquility #5”, 23 movements)
6. BassaiBassai-dai ("To Penetrate a Fortress", long sword, 42 movements)
7. KankuKanku-dai ("To Look at the Sky", major version, also called Kushanku, 65 movements)
8. Jitte ("10 Hands or 10 Techniques”, 27 movements)
9. Jion (A Bhuddist temple, 47 movements)
10. Empi ("To Fly Like a Swallow", 39 movements)
11. TekkiTekki-shodan (“Iron Horse #1”, also called Naihanchi, 25 movements)
12. TekkiTekki-nidan (“Iron Horse #2”, also called Naihanchi, 24 movements)
13. TekkiTekki-sandan (“Iron Horse #3”, also called Naihanchi, 33 movements)
14. Gankaku ("Crane on a Rock", also called Chinto, 42 movements)
15. BassaiBassai-sho ("To Penetrate a Fortress", short sword, 27 movements)
16. KankuKanku-sho ("To Look at the Sky", minor version, 47 movements)
17. Sochin (“Preserve Peace”, also called Hakko, 40 movements)
18. Chinte ("Extraordinary Hand", also called Shoin , 33 movements)
19. Hangetsu (“Half Moon”, also called Seishan, 32 movements)
20. Nijushiho (“24 Steps”, also called Niseishi, 33 movements)
21. Ji'in (“Temple Grounds”, also called Shokyo, 35 movements)
22. Unsu ("Cloud Hands", 48 movements)
23. GojushihoGojushiho-dai ("54 Steps", also known as Useshi or Hotaku, 62 movements)
24. Wankan (“Crown of a King”, also known as Shiofu and Hito, 16 movements)
25. Meikyo (“Mirror of the Soul”, also known as Rohai, 34 movements)
26. GojushihoGojushiho-sho ("54 Steps", a transformation of Gojushiho-dai, 65 movements)
• NOTE : These are just the names of the Kata and are not necessarily
necessarily in the order they are to be
learned. Refer to the B.C. Tsuruoka Karate Association's "Mandatory Kata for Grading" sheet.
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Mandatory Kata Required For Testing
KYU
DAN
Belt Colour
6th
--------- White
5th
--------- Yellow
Minimum Time To
Attain Each Level
Mandatory Kata
For Testing
------------------------------ None
More than 6 months
of training
- 27 Movements
- Taikyoku-Shodan
- Heian-Shodan
4th
--------- Orange
More than 6 months
- Heian-Nidan
th
after receiving 5 Kyu.
3rd
--------- Green
More than 6 months
- Heian-Sandan
th
after receiving 4 Kyu.
2nd
--------- Blue
More than 6 months - Heian-Yondan
after receiving 3rd Kyu.
1st
--------- Brown
More than 1 year after -Heian-Godan
receiving 2nd Kyu.
------ 1st
Black More than one year after
receiving 1 Kyu
st
Any Kyu level Kata
Plus – Bassai Dai
------2nd Black
More than 2 years after
receiving 1st Dan.
Any previous Kata
Plus any of the
following :
Kanku-Dai, Jitte,
Jion, Empi, Gankaku,
Tekki-Shodan,
Tekki-Nidan,
Bassai-Sho, Kanku-Sho
------3rd Black
More than 3 years after
receiving 2nd Dan.
Any previous Kata
Plus any of:
Sochin, Chinte,
Hangetsu, Nijushiho,
Tekki-Sandan
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------ 4th Black More than 4 years after
receiving 3rd Dan.
Any previous Kata
Plus any of:
Ji'in, Meikyo,
Gojushiho-Dai,
Gojushiho-Sho,
Unsu, Wankan
NOTE : Minimum time to attain rank is based upon average ability
and a minimum of two days a week formal training. The actual time
between levels may be less or more depending on the individual's
ability, commitment and attitude as well as time spent training on
one's own time. Kata required is the minimum Kata to be performed
for each level. Kata from previous levels may also have to be
performed at each grading at the examiner's discretion.
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YELLOW BELT MANDATE
A clear understanding of the techniques on the Yellow belt test
No speed
No power
Upper/Lower body separation
separation is completely acceptable
ORANGE BELT MANDATE
Rotation and linear power sources as applied to the techniques on the orange belt
test
Speed is not necessary
Power is required
Upper/Lower body separation is acceptable
GREEN BELT MANDATE
Reduction of
of Upper/Lower body separation in single techniques and
combinations
Speed is required
Power is required
BLUE BELT MANDATE
Focus
Knowledge of the five power sources and five types of linear movement
Speed is required
Power is required
Proper timing and balance
balance are required
HIGH BLUE (BROWN) BELT MANDATE
Complete focus should be evident in every technique
All of the techniques and concepts are, at each level, to be applied to Kihon, Kata,
and Kumite.
Each test is cumulative. When testing, students are
are responsible for all that
they have learned as KarateKarate-ka not simply the requirements of a single test.
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