Training

Training usually begins with a warm up led by the sensei or a senior student, designed to increase circulation, heart rate and breathing and to suitably warm and stretch the relevant muscles in preparation for the session - you should endeavour to follow the actions and instruction as closely as possible without overstraining or hyperextending your body.
The training session itself is generally divided into three sections: kihon or "basics", kumite or "sparring", and kata (forms or patterns of moves). Shotokan techniques in kihon and kata are characterised by deep, long stances which provide stability and powerful movements. Strength and power are often demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. The kumite techniques mirror these stances and movements at a basic level, but progress to be become more "free" and flexible at a higher level. Funakoshi is said to have found the traditional martial arts (such as sumo, jujutsu and kenjutsu) to be too exclusively focused on combat, and he put more emphasis on character development, health, breathing, releasing energy and developing outstanding mind and body control. These approaches and others such as balance speed of movement and keen reflexes are some of the ingredients which naturally develop effective combat skills. During the training session you should try to be enthusiastic, show a willingness to learn and strive to achieve good spirit. Mental focus is a central part of training and you should try to maintain it at all times.
Following the session, which usually lasts about 90 minutes there may be a warm down, following which you will line up again and be asked to kneel in sieza (seated kneeling). The command Mokuso will be given, allowing you a few silent moments to mentally reflect on the session, and internalise what you have learned. Then will follow the command Mokuso Yamae. Still in sieza, the class will be asked to Repeat Dojo Code - [Character, Sincerity, Effort, Etiquette, Self Control] loudly and with conviction. The class will then end by bowing to the Sensei (Sensei rei) and the seniors (Sempai rei), after which the class will be dismissed.

 

Etiquette

Karate is more than merely a martial art, properly practiced and internalised over time it can become a 'whole life' art., touching upon the way you think, act and treat people. A large part of this grows from the specific set of manners that karateka are encouraged to develop in the dojo, which have evolved from Gichin Funakoshi's Five Precepts of the Dojo Code, which is often recited at the end of class:

1. Character: Seek Perfection of Character
2. Sincerity: Defend The Path Of Truth
3. Effort: Endeavor To Excel
4. Etiquette: Display Courtesy
5. Self Control: Refrain From Violent Behaviour

A few points of etiquette that we observe within the club:

• Etiquette is important from the moment you enter the dojo until the moment you leave, this is signified by bowing towards the dojo upon entering and again upon leaving. Bowing as you enter signifies that you are leaving your ego outside the dojo.if you need to, you can pick it up again on the way out!
• Pay your training fee to the relevant committee member promptly at the beginning of class, preferably without having to be asked
• Try not to be late to the session. However, if you arrive after the warm up has started, it is etiquette in the club to undertake twenty press ups, before taking up a formal seated kneeling position (sieza) at the side of the training area, facing the instructor. You should wait until the instructor bows to you, before formally bowing (a kneeling bow), rising and quickly moving to your position in the line up
• During training sessions always move quickly to where you're supposed to be, when lining up always line up in a straight line across the dojo, from most senior karateka to most junior
• Bow when addressing/addressed by your Sensei/Sempai, use the word 'Osu!', clearly and with conviction, to signify your understanding and respect. Show respect for your seniors and one another at all times
• Do not leave the dojo floor during the training session without first being acknowledged by your Sensei, and bowing
• Give every technique you do your fullest ability as if it were the only one you had. Do not try to "pace yourself" or "conserve your strength" during training
• Above all else, remember that class time is not just your time, but also the time of the instructor and the rest of the class. Do not waste it. Help to make an environment that makes it easier for the instructor to instruct and for the other students to learn