Handbook For Karate Students: Sensei, Eric Rossini 774.239.1346
Handbook For Karate Students: Sensei, Eric Rossini 774.239.1346
Handbook For Karate Students: Sensei, Eric Rossini 774.239.1346
for
Karate Students
“The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat,
but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.”
- Gichin Funakoshi
The Father of Modern Karate
1
Welcome
Welcome to Rossini Karate & Aiki-Jitsu! The benefits of karate and
aiki-jitsu are many and will empower and enrich your or your child’s
life in so many ways. Training in the martial arts takes a great deal
of dedication, perseverence, and character, but also strengthens these
qualities over time. As you progress, you will find that your rewards
go well beyond attaining different colored belts. Congratulations on
taking the first, and most important, step of your journey!
Thank you,
- Lao Tzu
2
Shotokan Karate & Aiki-Jitsu
Shotokan Karate
Karate can be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of
techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations.
Karate practice is divided into three aspects: kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite
(sparring).
The word Shotokan Means “House of Shoto”, which was a pseudonym that Funakoshi
used when he composed poetry. Shot means “waving pines”, an image derived from
his childhood home. Shotokan, therefore, directly translates as “House of the Waving
Pines”.
Funakoshi’s primary gift to karate is that it was he who truly campaigned for the
development of karate-do, the art of karate. To him, karate was much more than a
crude series of street-fighting tactics, it was truly an art, one which refined the student
both physically and socially.
“To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill.
To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.”
- Gichin Funakoshi
Aiki-Jitsu
Aiki-jitsu is a general budosport that encompasses aspects from ju-jitsu, karate, and
aikido, including flowing throws, joint locks, pinning holds, close range skills, ground
grappling, and control of the opponent’s center of gravity. Aiki-Jitsu is an extremely
effective means of self-defense that can transform the practitioner’s life through
improved sense of concentration, will power, and physical fitness. Aiki-Jitsu and karate
training complement each other well. Training in both will produce a well-rounded
martial artist, who is proficient in both long and short range techniques, kicks, punches,
strikes, throws, and joint locks, standing or on the ground.
3
Dojo Rules
For safety and to show respect to your instructor and class, please observe the
following rules when in the dojo:
4
Kata-Forms
Below is a list of the main Shotokan kata you will learn, along with English
translations.
Kata Name Translation
Taikyoku Shodan First Cause
Taikyoku Nidan Second Cause
Taikyoku Sandan Third Cause
Heian Shodan Peaceful Mind #1
Heian Nidan Peaceful Mind #2
Heian Sandan Peaceful Mind #3
Heian Yodan Peaceful Mind #4
Heian Godan Peaceful Mind #5
Tekki Shodan Horse Riding #1
Tekki Nidan Horse Riding #2
Tekki Sandan Horse Riding #3
Bassai Dai To Penetrate a Fortress (Greater)
Bassai Sho To Penetrate a Fortress (Lesser)
Empi Flying Swallow
Jion Buddhist Monk
Gankaku Crane on a Rock
Kwanku Dai To Look at the Sky (Greater)
Kwanku Sho To Look at the Sky (Lesser)
Hangatsu Half Moon
Chinte Rare Hands
Gojushio Dai 54 Moves (Greater)
Gojushio Sho 54 Moves (Lesser)
Jutte Ten Hands
Jin Compassion
Meikyo Look rhrough a mirror
Nijushiho 24 Moves
Sochin Strength and Calm
Unsu Hands in the Clouds
Wankan Kings Crown
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Kata-Forms Tips
Keep the following tips in mind when you practice kata:
• Practice daily.
• Practice previous katas as much as your current kata.
• Emphasize low, centered stances.
• Maintain a fully retracted high chamber.
• Snap your techniques.
• Movement originates from your center (Hara).
• Keep the ball of your foot in light contact with the floor while moving in
any direction (except where leg techniques occur).
• Understand the breathing points.
• Don’t rush.
• Gaze in the appropriate direction and height.
• Visualize the practical application (Bunkai) while performing kata.
• Finish with the same intensity that you start with.
• Practice pieces of the kata in line drills.
• Remember that the Heian katas are the foundation for advanced katas.
• Excellent reference books for Kata are“Karate-Do Kyohan” by Gichin Fu-
nakoshi and “25 Shotokon Kata” by Shojiro Sugiyama. Both contain detailed
descriptions, pictures, diagrams, and bunkai (pratical applications).
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Kumite-Sparring Rules
Hygiene
1 Participants must keep their hair clean and cut to a length or pulled back so
it does not obstruct vision.
2 Participants must have short fingernails and must not wear jewelry or other
metallic objects which may injure their training partners.
Equipment
3 Mouth guards are mandatory.
4 WKF approved mitts are mandatory.
5 Soft shin style pads are allowed (no hard plastic).
6 Head gear is mandatory for anyone under 12.
7 Groin protection is mandatory for male participants. Chest protection is
recommended for female participants.
8 All sparring equipment is subject to inspection by sensei or other appointed
instructors.
Scoring
9 A score is awarded when a technique is performed according to the
following criteria to a scoring area:
• Good form
• Sporting attitude
• Proper application
• Awareness (ZANSHIN)
• Good timing
• Correct Distance
10 Attacks are limited to the following scoring areas:
• Head / Face (no contact)
• Abdomen
• Chest
• Back
• Side
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Kumite-Sparring Rules (continued)
Prohibited behavior
11 a) Techniques, which make excessive contact, having regard to the scoring
area attacked.
b) Attacks to the arms or legs, groin, joints, or instep.
c) Dangerous or forbidden throwing techniques.
d) Feigning, or exaggerating injury.
e) Repeated exits from sparring area (JOGAI).
f) Self endangerment by indulging in behavior, which exposes the
participant to injury by the opponent, or failing to take adequate measures
for self-protections (MUBOBI).
g) Clinching, wrestling, pushing, or seizing.
h) Techniques, which by their nature, cannot be controlled for the safety of
the other participant.
i) Attacks with the head, knees or elbows.
j) Talking to, or goading the other participant, failing to obey the orders of
the referee (instructor), discourteous behavior or other breeches of etiquette.
Other Rules
12 a) Free Sparring (KUMITE) is not allowed until at least 6 months of
training. More importantly, participants in kumite must exhibit an
understanding and control in daily practice before entering any sparring
match. Only Sensei Rossini may give approval.
b) New participants may only use punches as a means of attack for a mini-
mum of the first two months.
c) There is strict adherence to Hajime (Start) and Yame (Stop).
d) Upon injuring another participant you must sit (in Seiza) facing the op-
posite direction until instruction is given to stand. No exceptions.
e) Participants are to consider their opponent’s skill level when sparring.
f) A copy of the WKF rules is available from Sensei Rossini from which the
Rossini Karate Aiki-Jitsu Dojo derives the rules of participation in Kumite.
g) Parents, guardians and or spectators (when allowed) may use vocal posi-
tive encouragement and/or applause. Excessive encouragement or nega-
tively construed comments are strictly forbidden. Such behavior may result
in the end of a sparring engagement.
h) Any Adult or Child who knowingly enters a sparring match without the
proper equipment will lose sparring privileges for a minimum of two weeks
and subsequent penalization.
8
Kumite-Sparring Tips
Remember the following points when engaging in kumite. An excellent
choice for further reading on kumite is “Kumite Shotokan Karate” by Joachim
Grupp.
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Terminology
General Colors
Budo The way of the Warrior Aka Red
Bunkai Practical Application Ao Blue
Dan Black Belt Grade Level Ki Iro Yellow
Dojo Place of Practice Kuro Black
Gi Karate Uniform Midori Green
Karate Empty hand Murasaki Purple
Karate-ka Karate Student Orenji Orange
Karate-do The Way of the Empty Hand Shiro White
Kata Forms
Keagi Snap Directions
Kekomi Thrust Hidari Left
Ki Inner Energy Mae Front
Kiai Concentrated Shout Migi Right
Kime Focus Naname Diagonally
Kihon Basics Sayu Left & Right
Kyotsuke Attention Shomen Front
Kumite Sparring Ushiro Back
Kyu Rank Below Black Belt
Makiwara Punching Board Body Levels
Obi Belt Chudan Mid Section
Ryu School Gedan Lower Body
Sempai Senior Student Jodan Upper Body
Sensei Teacher
Shidoin Instructor Social
Sun Dome Bringing an attack to a halt Arigato Thank you
before making contact Gozaimas
Tokui Kata Favorite Kata Domo Arigato Thank you
Gozaimas very much
Tori Attacker Gommenasai I’m sorry
Waza Technique Onegaiishimasu Please
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Terminology (continued)
Classroom Counting
Hai Yes 1 Ichi
Hajime Start 2 Ni
3 San
Mawatte Turn Around 4 Shi
Mokuso Meditate 5 Go
6 Roku
Mokuso Yame Stop Meditating
7 Sichi
Naore Return to Start 8 Hachi
Rei Bow 9 Kyu
10 Ju
Shomen Ni Rei Bow to the Front
11 Ju Ichi
Sensei Ni Rei Bow to Sensei 12 Ju Ni
Otagai Ni Rei Bow to Each Other 13 Ju San
14 Ju Shi
Seiza Kneeling Position
15 Ju Go
Yame Stop 16 Ju Roku
Yasume Rest, at Ease 17 Ju Sichi
18 Ju Hachi
Yoi Ready 19 Ju Kyu
20 Ni Ju
Sparring 21 Ni Ju Ichi
22 Ni Ju Ni
Aiuchi Simultaneous Scoring Techniques 23 Ni Ju San
Atenai Yoni Warning 24 Ni Ju Shi
25 Ni Ju Go
Go No Sen Taking Initiative to Counter
26 Ni Ju Roku
Ippon One Point 27 Ni Ju Sichi
Jogai Outside Match Area 28 Ni Ju Hachi
29 Ni Ju Kyu
Jiyu Kumite Free Sparring
30 San Ju
Ma-ai Distance Between Opponents 40 Yon Ju
Nihon Two Points 50 Go Ju
60 Roku Ju
No Kachi Winner
70 Sichi Ju/Nana Ju
Sabaki Body Shifting 80 Hachi Ju
Sanbon Three Points 90 Kyu Ju
100 Hyaku
Sen No Sen Initiative in Attack
Shiai Competition
Torimasen Unacceptable Scoring Technique
Tsuzukete Carry on
Waza-ari Half Point
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Terminology (continued)
Stances - Tachikata
Fudo Dachi Diagonal Straddle Stance
Heiko Dachi Parallel Leg Stance
Kiba Dachi Horse Stance
Ko Kutsu Dachi Back Stance
Kosa Dachi Cross Leg Stance
Musubi Dachi Informal Attention Stance
Nekko Ashi Dachi Cat Stance
Shiko Dachi Square Stance
Zen Kutsu Dachi Front Stance
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General Training Tips
Karate training will help you achieve your fitness goals, and will probably in-
spire you to create new ones! Your performance in karate will also benefit from
some extracurricular activities, such as the ones outlined below. You may want
to consider these general ideas when planning your exercise schedule.
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Uniforms & Equipment
Gi (Uniforms)
Gi are required after the first session. If you wish to wear a uniform from another dojo,
it must be a traditional, white Gi, with no school patches or insignias, and must be ap-
proved by sensei. If you do not have a uniform yet, please purchase it through sensei to
ensure the highest quality.
Basic uniforms are $30 for children and $35 for adults & teens. Higher grade uniforms
from Adidas and Kamikaze are also available. You may want to consider a nicer uni-
form as a birthday/holiday gift. Please contact sensei for descriptions and to answer
any questions.
Belt Tying
Fold your belt in half, and hold it out in front of you. Place the middle of your belt
against your naval. Smooth the right and left sides around your middle towards your
back. Allow the left end to slip under the right side at your middle back, and smooth
it towards the front keeping it underneath the rest of the belt. Also bring the opposite
loose end back around towards the front (over the rest of the belt). When both sides are
wrapped around you, press them together back at the front to form three layers of belt.
Holding the three pieces together, wrap the top layer downward, up underneath the
layers, and straight up out of the top. Holding the bottom loose end with one hand, and
the top loose end with one hand, tie them in a tight knot. The two layers of belt around
your back should be evenly and neatly stacked.
Sparring Equipment
Item Cost Color Size
Adidas Mitt $30 Blue/Red XS-XL
Mouth Pieces $2 Clear S and L
Shin Guards
Adidas Shin Guard & Instep $42 Blue/Red XS-XL
Adidas Shin Guard & Instep $35 White XS-XL
Foam Head Gear $30 Red/Black/White S-XL
Chest Guard for women $45 White XXS 32A
Includes Guard and Sports - XL 36D
Bra (that holds guard in place)
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Twenty Guiding Principles of Karate
The following principles are taken from Gichin Funakoshi’s “The Twenty
Guiding Principles of Karate - The Spiritual Legacy of the Master”. In the
book, each of the principles are discussed in greater detail, emphasizing the
broader application of these axioms; to polish ourselves as well as our art.
1) Do not forget that karate-do begins and ends with rei (respect).
2) There is no first strike in karate.
3) Karate stands on the side of justice.
4) First know yourself, then know others.
5) Mentality over technique.
6) The mind must be set free.
7) Calamity springs from carelessness.
8) Karate goes beyond the dojo.
9) Karate is a lifelong pursuit.
10) Apply the way of karate to all things. Therein lies its beauty.
11) Karate is like boiling water: without heat, it returns to its tepid state.
12) Do not think of winning. Think, rather, of not losing.
13) Make adjustments according to your opponent.
14) The outcome of a battle depends on how one handles emptiness and
fullness (weakness and strength).
15) Think of the opponent’s hands and feet as swords.
16) When you step beyond your own gate, you face a million enemies.
17) Kamae (ready stance) is for beginners; later, one stands in shizentai
(natural stance).
18) Perform kata exactly; actual combat is another matter.
19) Do not forget the employment and withdrawal of power, the extension
and contraction of the body, the swift or leisurely application of technique.
20) Be constanty mindful, diligent, and resourceful in your pursuit of the
Way.
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School Locations
The Hombu Dojo, or school headquarters, is the Boroughs Martial Arts and
Fitness Center. Classes are also offered at One Stop Fun in Westford and
the YMCA in Westborough. Many families train together at all locations.
Please check www.massdojo.com for class schedules and special events.
Boroughs YMCA
4 Valente Drive
Westborough, MA 01581
508.870.1320
www.ymcaworcester.org
• Karate Classes for Mini Tigers (Ages 5-7), Young Dragons (Ages 8-12),
and Mighty Warriors (Ages 13+)
• Summer karate camps
Websites
World Karate Federation www.wkf.net
USA National Karate Do Federation www.usankf.org
Shotokan Karate Do Federation of New England www.shokarate.org
The Aikido FAQ www.aikidofaq.com
Pennsylvania Shotokan Karate Club www.pskc.biz
Judo Techniques http://judoinfo.com/
techjudo.htm
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Testing Requirements
Testing usually occurs at the end of each session. Sensei distributes test sheets
one to two weeks before the test to students ready to test for their next belt. The
below table is a guide to what is expected of each rank regarding kata and board
breaks (requirements are subject to change per sensei’s discretion). Children under
16 do not break boards. Tests are usually 2 or more hours long, and are physically
demanding. Plan to come well rested, hydrated, and have eaten 2-3 hours before
the test. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to give yourself time to stretch. Parents
and students, this is a test, not a graduation. Promotion to the next belt will occur
for students who demonstrate good focus, proper attitude, improvement since the
previous test, and proficiency in techniques and kata. You may use the following
table to track your own progress through the ranks!
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Rossini Karate Aiki-Jitsu Student Handbook Revision 3