Our instructor, Sensei Ishikawa, has been in Singapore since 1968. He is the founder and the Chief Instructor of Ken Yu Kai Karate Association. Although most of you may not have had any experience in any martial arts or in karate particularly, rest assured that we start from the beginning. We regularly practice our basic moves as we firmly believe a good foundation is an excellent springboard for more advanced and varied techniques. So in our classes, you would find that karateka of all different belt levels train together including the newest student down to the most senior. So no worries there!
It is primarily believed that proper etiquette should be observed in the class. Here are some of the more important rituals and terms used in our regular training sessions.
Entering The Dojo (Grounds of Training)
Bow before entering and leaving the Dojo. The greeting is "Osu".
This is to show respect for the training grounds.
If you happen to be late for the lesson, respectfully enter the dojo, inform sensei, and bow before joining the rest of the class.
Meditation
Before and after class proper, we arrange ourselves in rows and kneel.
When "Mokuso" is uttered, we close our eyes and meditate. This is the time to put aside the things in our daily lives and to concentrate on karate training.
" Kai-Moku" indicates that we can open our eyes and the ending of the brief meditation period.
Showing Respect for Sensei & Other Karateka
Before and after the lesson, we would bow after the meditation session.
1. We bow twice, first to Sensei "Sensei Ni Rei"
2. And then to the other karatekas "Otaga Ni Rei"
Before the lesson, we say "O-ne-gai-shi-masu" (as we bow) which basically means ‘Please instruct’ in a respectful manner.
After the lesson we say "Arigatogozaimashta" meaning ‘Thank you’
Training Proper
When we train, Sensei will indicate for us to concentrate and be ready for the next technique he is about to teach.
He will say " Kamaete", meaning that we should be in our ready stance, which is basically standing still with both fists clenched, placed slightly in front.
This is to ensure that we are ready and concentrating on the lesson for Sensei often explains the different techniques' practicality and applicability as he instructs us.
Other Things to Consider
Leaving the dojo in for a drink in the middle of training is considered disrespectful.
When you need to adjust your training gear during an ongoing lesson, turn away from the Dojo (most of the time, just face the back) before doing so.
Miscellaneous
Taking grading requires a minimum attendance of 60% for the previous 3 months before the grading. This is to promote the karate value of consistency in training. It won't harm the standard of your karate either! ;)
Check with sensei to see if you have adequate attendance for the next grading.
At the end of the day, it's all about the art of karate. Contrary to popular belief, it's never rigid in its ways and training sessions are never militaristic with constant punishments or rigorous physical exertions. Everything is also about being respectful to each other as we learn the different facets of karate, much as how we go through life. Although never explicitly taught, you'll find that the wisest lessons of karate training extend beyond your hands and feet, beyond the dojo.
