Karate Creed

Essence of Karate

  • Karate is a self-sculpturing and a truly noble art!
  • No attacks are initiated in Karate. Instead there is love for peace, seeking of harmony and respect for humanity.
  • Karate techniques should be used only for self-defense, and that too, as a last resort, and only to the extent necessary. It is always better to avoid a fight.
  • Karate techniques should only be used for a just cause, particularly to preserve life, not to be used to project heroism.
  • A skilled Karate-ka trusts his own hand. He exercises extreme caution while using it.
  • Do not give away the fact that you are trained in Karate. Surprise gives you an advantage. Bragging about your "skills" is foolish and invites conflict.
  • Most people are attacked without warning. Awareness, anticipation and avoidance are the best ways of self-defense.
  • Karate practices and methods are passed from generation to generation and carry many cultural-specific traditions.
  • Karate takes time to learn, but takes more time to put it into use effectively.
  • Karate polishes the spirit, heart, mind and character -- the totality of one's being. Karate polishes the entire personality.
  • Karate is an art, which requires a lifetime of practice because the subject is your life, not merely self-defense.

Qualifications to be a karate student

  • You may be a prince, but when you join karate, keep in mind that you are a humble student.
  • Perseverance is very essential throughout your karate career.
  • You may have expertise in any other field, but when you get into karate, remember to maintain a beginner’s attitude.
  • Karate gives you a permanent transformation and not for any temporary goals.
  • A karate-ka should not just hear & see but LISTEN & OBSERVE.
  • Never underestimate an opponent as he may be equally or more skilled than you.
  • Accept your IGNORANCE to be a good learner.
  • For someone who has his goal fixed, no obstacle is big for him.
  • If you want to reach the star, do not stop once you have reached the treetop.
  • Even if you know that there is more chance for failure in an event, still keep fighting until the end.
  • Do not lose your control of any situation where you are angry, scared or tensed.
  • Do not lower your goals to the level of your ability; instead raise your ability to the height of your goals.
  • Difficulties in your life do not come to destroy you, but to help you realize your hidden potentials.

Courtesy

  • "Karate begins and grows with courtesy."
  • Remember to respect yourself, as well as others.
  • A Karate-ka should be a gentleman. Remember to use words like “please”, “sorry”, “thank you” and “you're welcome”.
  • Courtesy, character development, self-discipline and restraint take precedence over karate techniques.
  • Bow down to your teacher and the dojo, which is our TEMPLE. Keep your eyes slightly lowered when bowing, but maintain awareness.

Gi (Karate uniform)

  • Karate uniform is always pure white in colour, as white denotes peace.
  • Keep your gi clean. Wash it after each use.
  • The gi top and obi (belt) should be worn only after arrival to the dojo and removed before departure from the dojo.
  • Women and girls should wear only a plain white T-shirt inside their gi top.
  • The obi generally should not touch the floor.
  • The school badge is worn on the right side and the Mizugami on the left.

Attendance

  • All students (or their parents, as applicable) must sign a consent form before training.
  • A few minutes of learning at class combined with many hours of Practice at home, only will take you to heights.
  • Children should be dropped off and picked up at the dojo -- not in the parking lot or downstairs.
  • Come to class 5 minutes early to help keep the dojo clean. You never become too high ranking to help -- in fact, just the opposite is true!
  • Being prompt is part of your training.
  • Always let the Sensei know if you are suffering from an injury, illness or require special assistance. Do not come to class when suffering from a contagious illness. Rest and come back to class when you have fully recovered.
  • Let the Sensei know if you must leave class early. Show proper courtesy when leaving the class early.
  • Let the Sensei know if you are forced to quit training or take an extended leave of absence. End with a sense of courtesy.

Health & Hygiene

  • Keep your body and mind clean.
  • Keep your fingernails and toenails short and neatly trimmed.
  • Long hair should be neatly pulled back, preferably with a black band.
  • Do not wear metallic or plastic items.
  • Bring bottle of water to class. Drink enough water during breaks to avoid dehydration.
  • It is recommended to "exercise regularly, stand straight, drink plenty of water, take your vitamins, and get enough rest."

At the dojo

  • Footwear should be neatly arranged outside the dojo.
  • "Leave the world away at the dojo entrance", means do not bring unwanted thoughts into the dojo.
  • ‘ENTER WITH AN OPEN MIND’, as this is what is needed to grasp the instructions effectively.
  • Karate is a self-sculpturing experience and not just a mere sport, which brings forth your inner skills.
  • If a Sensei / Renshi arrives late or leaves early, the class should be controlled by a senior student and he should be shown the same courtesy.
  • When arriving to class late, bow to the Sensei, then warm-up and wait for permission to join the class.
  • When a junior commits a mistake, you as a senior should set an example by helping him rectify it.
  • Use minimum words in a calm tone, only when necessary. Use a low tone in the dojo (except when leading the count).

Effort

  • By not knowing about your skills or about your opponent can lead ONLY to FAILURE. Knowing only about yourself but not about your opponent can lead to FAILURE or SUCCESS. But knowing about both yourself and your opponent will surely lead ONLY to SUCCESS.
  • Give your full effort for every single move, but do not overdo. You can always take a break when needed. Just let the Sensei / Renshi know.
  • Your goal can be achieved only when you combine your best EFFORT with total CONCENTRATION.
  • Practice according to your age and ability. A 4-year-old child and a 75-year-old can both practice Karate, but their movements will reflect their respective ages.
  • Know your limits. Injuries often result when limits are exceeded. The older you become, the longer it takes to heal. So avoid being hasty.
  • Do not imitate karate heroes and champions blindly.
  • Everyone needs a break sometime, even from class. Karate is like a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Practice KATA with sincere belief that you are facing an actual opponent.
  • A solid foundation must be built carefully and cannot be rushed. Practice must be continued without slackening of effort.
  • At the end of every class, ask yourself if your performance was satisfactory. If YES, then see how you can improve; if NO then practice until you feel satisfied!

Attitude

  • Even when some hesitate to approach you, make them feel at ease with you.
  • Ask your seniors if you are not sure what to do in a situation. Consulting the seniors shows respect.
  • Consider the consequences of your actions. Think before you speak, particularly, if you are angry.
  • Do not commit anything to anyone when you are either too angry or too happy.
  • A Karate-ka should implicitly obey the seniors and respect the instructors. Instructors should be a good example to students.
  • "Actions speak louder than words". At the same time, karate emphasizes about humility.
  • Always maintain a beginner's heart (attitude). You cannot learn something if you think you already know it.
  • The most fundamental thing is BASICs! Experts say that it takes a long time to perfect the BASICs.
  • Never contradict or attempt to correct the Sensei. The way the Sensei does it will be right. Discuss such matters with the Sensei privately.
  • Always accept corrections positively and with an open mind.
  • Remember that Karate techniques differ according to the student's ability and experience. You will learn different ways to execute techniques as you progress.
  • It is far better to learn one kata perfectly than knowing many katas improperly!
  • Teaching is an essential aspect of learning. Advanced students will be told to teach and to help conduct the class. When you become advanced, do not forget that you were once a beginner too.
  • There is a saying that in order to progress, one must bring up another student. Progress is never alone.
  • As you advance, ego is a constant enemy. Remain humble.

Kumite

  • Kumite should only take place under the supervision of a Sensei or Renshi.
  • Kumite practice is a platform for you to apply what you have learnt. You have an opponent, but not an enemy. You are both polishing your skills.
  • You must remain calmness in kumite. Never become angry. You are learning to control your mind as well as your body.
  • Remember the maxim that "there is no first attack in Karate." Therefore, your first attack should convey your victory signal.
  • Your stare at your opponent eyes should make him sense your courage & confidence while you sense his fear.
  • Kumite is to drive the fear into your opponent. It should not teach you to be aggressive. Instead, it should teach you to remain calm, focused and swift.
  • Tournament is a platform for you to value your skills. It is advisable to participate in as many tournaments as possible.

Grading

  • The instructor alone decides about ranking.
  • Never request to be tested or promoted. The Sensei will let you know when you will be tested or have been promoted.
  • There are minimum time periods between Dan rankings (two years for 2nd Dan, three years for 3rd Dan, four years for 4th Dan etc). However, training for the minimum time period does not entitle the student for promotion.
  • Many factors are involved in promotions such as time in rank, attendance, techniques, teaching ability, helpfulness, attitude, courtesy, effort, contributions to the art etc.
  • The fee payable for kyu promotions is for grading and certification. For Dan promotions, the cost is considerably more.
  • Accept a promotion with a sense of increased responsibility towards your fellow students.
  • When a black belt holder from another style joins this school, he has to wear a white belt with black stripes until the Renshi / grading committee permits.
  • Do not attempt to advance too rapidly; remember there are no short cuts.

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Budding Proffessional face questions such as: what do I want to be? What skills do I need? What course should I do? Where should I do? Budding Proffessional face questions such as: what do I want to be? What skills do I need? What course should I do? Where should I do?

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