previous | next | up
Training Program
Unlike academic study, karatedo training is not a matter of memorizing facts or solving conceptual problems. Skill is the result of constant physical practice. Nonetheless, it is helpful for students to have a written description of the goals and structure of their training.
Learning Outcomes
After three semesters of regular training (about 270 hours in the dojo), students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge and skills:
- Understanding of and adherence to dojo etiquette and protocol (taitaikyo)
- Understanding and use of basic karatedo terms
- Understanding of the history and philosophy of karatedo
- Understanding of basic principles of body mechanics, breathing, and muscular relaxation and contraction.
- The ability to stand and move correctly (tachi waza)
- The ability to perform basic punches, strikes, kicks, and defenses (tsuki waza, uchi waza, geri waza, uke waza)
- The ability to perform and receive joint-locking techniques, throws, and pins (kansetsu waza, nage waza, ukemi waza, osaekomi waza)
- The ability to train with others with realism, safety, and mutual respect (kumite)
- The ability to perform and interpret the following kata:
- Taikyoku Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan
- Ten no Kata
- Heian Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, and Godan
- Other kata as determined by the instructor
- Understanding of the application of karatedo to self-defense, including
- Ethical and legal obligations
- Strategy, tactics, and techniques
Kihon waza are basic techniques, including methods of standing and moving (tachi waza), punching (tsuki waza), striking (uchi waza), kicking (geri waza), defense (uke waza), joint attacks (kansetsu waza), and throwing and falling (nage waza, ukemi waza).
Like all complex motor skills, karatedo techniques are learned through careful coaching and constant repetition. The goal is to be able to execute any technique spontaneously, with correct form, speed, and power.
Correct kihon waza are essential to the effective use of karatedo for self-defense. Proper body mechanics, breathing, and focus can enable even small people to strike with disabling force. But this is the result of hard work. If performed incorrectly, karate techniques can be more dangerous to the person doing them than to an assailant.
Budokai training involves constant, repetitive practice of kihon waza, both individually and with partners.
Kata are the essence of karatedo. These sequences of rearranged attacks and defenses have sometimes been compared to dance because of their dynamic grace. Yet it may be more accurate to describe kata as "textbooks" of karatedo. Many kata are known to be almost 200 years old, and some are probably older. They date from the period of Okinawan history when karate training was conducted in secret, without written records. To transmit their knowledge of combat techniques, the old masters created kata encoding the skills, knowledge, and mental states necessary for effective application of karate.
Budokai students learn and practice kata constantly. Achievement of kyu and dan rankings depends on learning kata and performing them correctly.
Bunkai, or interpretations of kata, are drills in which kata movements are analyzed and applied with training partners. This two-person practice is essential to understanding the combative applications of kata.
Kumite, or sparring, is an essential aspect of karatedo training, providing a kind of laboratory setting in which the functional value of techniques can be tested and refined. Kumite training also develops spirit, humility, and courtesy.
Kumite training ranges from simple two-person drills, to interpretation of complex kata movements, to jiyu kumite (free sparring). Ordinarily no protective equipment is used. To preserve the realism of techniques without excessive risk of injury, punches, kicks, and strikes are focused short of actual contact. In addition to non-contact (tsundome) kumite, advanced students also practice bogu kumite, using body armor, headgear, and hand protectors for contact sparring. In all forms of kumite, mutual respect and safety are mandatory.
Kumite training in the Budokai does not focus on sport competition, though members occasionally compete in tournaments (shiai). Tournament sparring can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but pursued in isolation, it can lead to ineffective techniques and unrealistic attitudes. In traditional karatedo, the purpose of kumite is not to win trophies, but to acquire the skills and maturity needed to survive a real-life crisis. Serious kumite training tends to develop compassion and consciousness of the frailty of living beings. In the dojo, aggression and egotism are not qualities to be encouraged but obstacles to overcome.
Kobudo is the use of traditional Okinawan weapons such as the bo (six-foot staff) and sai (iron truncheon). Kobudo kata in Ogasawara-Ha are typically learned and practiced only by students at the brown belt level or above.
previous | next | up
Content contained on this web site may not reflect the views or opinions of the University of Georgia or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
URL: http://www.uga.edu/karatedo/training.html