We will be using the main hall of the Marina Community Center at 15301 Wicks Boulevard, San Leandro, CA 94579.  All Kyu Test participants MUST have current 2011 SKA membership paid.  Please bring your 2011 SKA membership card.

This practice is open to all ranks including unranked white belts.   All participants MUST have current 2011 SKA membership paid.  Please bring your 2011 SKA membership card.

Five Pillars of Fight Preparation:
1. Conditioning
2. Footwork
3. Attack Combinations
4. Conviction to your own attack
5. Timing

Everyone please bring a cup, mouthpiece and hand protectors.

Of course, we will all be going out to eat after the practice!
Everyone is invited to attend. If you need help with directions or finding accommodations, please contact Redding dojo leader Hiroko Mori.

General Guidelines for Beginners:

If you do not have a gi (karate uniform), wear cool, loose-fitting clothing. Remove your shoes and socks before practice.

Practice starts and ends with meditation and a bow. The meditation is a chance to clear your mind and prepare yourself for practice; the bow is similar to a mass handshake. Line up by rank and then seniority. Beginners will line up on the left end of the line. Wait for the person to your right to kneel before you kneel. Kneel two fist-widths from your neighbor, with your back straight. Men kneel with knees apart, women with their knees together. Meditate on the command mokuso. Stop meditation on the command yame. Take a deep breath. On the command rei, bow and exhale. When you are out of air, come up on your own and wait for those to your right to stand.

During practices: General practices are designed so that all ranks from beginners to experienced may benefit. Practice is a cumulative experience and everybody is awkward at first. Your seniors will understand, they have all been there themselves. Do your best to copy what the instructor is demonstrating. Listen to your body: if you cannot kick higher than knee level, it is perfectly all right to kick low.

You will be using different muscles than you may be accustomed to. Sore, fatigued muscles are normal, even desirable–this is how our bodies get stronger and learn. Our bodies are capable of much more than we think. However, if you are experiencing serious pain, particularly in the joints, let the instructor know. Many of these problems can be eliminated by correcting form. Karate is meant to be practiced for life, it should not cause damage to work properly.

In contact situations, it is the responsibility of seniors to teach their juniors without injuring them. Techniques will be realistic, but controlled. It is the responsibility of the junior to respect their senior by attacking seriously and honestly, and by not trying to miss. Counterattacks are always fully controlled. Maintain eye contact at all times; do not assume that your opponent heard a command to stop (yame). In this manner, both the experienced and inexperienced will have a chance to learn without careless injuries.

Practice helps: a habit of a few minutes of informal, personal practice a day can make a big difference.

Above all, try hard, be respectful, and have fun!

• Ranks
• Numbers
• General
• Standing Forms
• Blocks
• Hand Techniques (punches and other striking techniques)
• Kicks
• Sparring
• Throwing Techniques

• Pronunciation keys of Japanese terms are given in parentheses.
• How to read Japanese in English alphabet (rōmaji): English vowels a=ah, i=ee, u=oo, e=ehand o=oh
• A macron or a line over a vowel indicates that it is pronounced for twice the length of the vowel without a macron or a line. Sometimes an “h” is added instead, as in Mr. Ohshima’s name. The first “o” in Mr. Ono’s name, on the other hand, is not lengthened. Ohno and Ono are two different names. However, these sounds are just approximations and there are some exceptions.
• Please note that the pronunciation keys given here are only
  approximations and are primarily designed for the members in the U.S. and
  Canada. They may not necessarily be helpful for the members of international
  affiliates.

SKA Ranking System

Numbers

General

Standing Forms: Tachikata (tah-chee-kah-tah) Tachi (tah-chee) changes to dachi (dah-chee) when used after other words.

Blocks: Uke (oo-keh)

Harai (hah-rah-ee) changes to barai (bah-rah-ee) when used after other words. Harai is one kind of block.

Hand Techniques: Te Waza (teh-wah-zah)

Thrust tsuki (tsoo-kee) changes to zuki (zoo-kee) when used after other words.

Striking Techniques: Uchi Waza (oo-chee-wah-zah)

Kicks: Keri (keh-ree)

Keri (keh-ree) changes to geri (geh-ree) when used after other words.

Sparring: Kumite (koo-mee-teh)

Kumite (koo-mee-teh) often becomes gumite (goo-mee-teh) when used after
other words.

Throwing Techniques: Nagewaza (nah-geh-wah-zah)

For more information on nagewaza, please refer to Karate-Dō Kyōhan, pages 227-232.

*Notes

When Shihan or Sensei is used as an honorific or a title, there are a few important things one needs to be aware of:

• Shihan or Sensei is attached to the end of the person’s family name, e.g., Ohshima Shihan (not Shihan Ohshima), Ohshima Sensei (not Sensei Ohshima)
• According to the Japanese culture, it is not appropriate to call oneself Shihan or Sensei, or introduce oneself with the title Shihan or Sensei, e.g., Instructor John Doe shouldn’t call himself Shihan, Sensei, Doe Shihan or Doe Sensei. His students can, but he shouldn’t.
• The same thing applies to the honorific san (meaning Mr., Mrs., or Miss). Mr. John Doe shouldn’t call himself Deo-san or John Doe-san. San can be attached only to the end of others’ names.

Revised and adapted by Hiroko Mori (September 2004)

Tsutomu Ohshima, Shihan

Poem by Master Funakoshi

Miyamoto Musashi

For more details, check your email or contact your dojo leader.

Most questions a beginner asks about karate uniforms (also called “gi”) fall into two categories: “How to choose one?” and “Where can I buy it?” Let’s look at them one by one (or you can jump to a specific topic by clicking a link below).

How to choose a karate uniform

• Does the uniform comply with the school’s requirements?
• Does it come with a belt?
• 100% cotton or a polyester blend?
• Light, medium or heavyweight karate uniform?
• Drawstring or elastic waistband?
• Traditional or tournament cut?
• Details that matter
• Which size should you buy?
• Which brand is best?

Where to buy karate uniform

• Karate schools
• Local shops
• Sports equipment chain stores
• Online stores

How to choose karate uniform

Does the uniform comply with the school’s requirements?

Definitions

Keiko Gi or just Gi (pronounced: keh-ee-koh gee)

· Training uniform, karate uniform.

Dojo (pronounced: doh-joh)

· Training hall, karate school.

Before you start shopping for a karate uniform, you have to find out if there are any specific requirements for a uniform at your karate school (also called “dojo”). Traditionally, karate uniforms were white and belt colors were confined to white and black, with a later addition of brown. Nowadays, many dojos are trying to distinguish themselves by using more colors for their uniforms and belts, or by special patches that should go on a uniform. Requirements vary greatly, so be sure to ask.

For example, being a part of SKA (the oldest karate organization in the US), at Carson Valley Dojo we practice traditional karate and our gi color is traditional white. If you buy a karate uniform to practice at any of our dojos, please know that no other uniform colors are allowed. Other, less traditional schools, might allow blue, black or even a festive red, white and blue of the US flag with plenty of room for all your favorite martial arts patches. Of course, the uniforms color at a dojo doesn’t necessarily reflect the level of karate instruction you will receive there. But you wouldn’t want to invest in a karate uniform that you couldn’t use.

Does it come with a belt?

Definition

Obi (pronounced: oh-bee)

· Training uniform belt.

Beginners often wonder if karate uniforms come with belts (also called “obi”). Most karate uniforms are sold as a set of top (jacket) and bottom (pants) and come with a generic white belt. If you have to buy a top and a bottom separately (maybe you are short and have wide shoulders, in which case a standard uniform set will be either too tight around your shoulders, or the pants will be too long), make sure to order a belt separately. If you’re buying from a local karate supply store, ask if they would throw it in free of charge. Some shopkeepers will gladly do so, especially if your order is large.

100% cotton or a polyester blend?

A lot of discount karate uniforms are made of cotton and polyester blends (usually 50/50). Some people like the fact that these uniforms are wrinkle-resistant. If that’s important to you, then go ahead, but be ready to drip more sweat. Polyester is not a good sweat absorber, nor does it breathe well and you will feel it. 100% cotton is the best material for serious practice. And once you start practicing, the wrinkles fall right out.

Light, medium or heavyweight karate uniform?

Karate uniform weight is referring to the weight of the fabric out of which it is made. Pay attention to the weight described in ounces of a uniform (ex.: 8 oz.), not to the category name a manufacturer slaps on it (ex.: medium weight). The higher the weight category, the more expensive a uniform can be, so some manufacturers and retailers tend to exaggerate. Usually, karate uniforms fall into one of the following 3 categories:

Lightweight (around 6 oz.), a.k.a. Student karate uniform. It is usually the least expensive kind of uniform, but will not last you long if you do a lot of grappling. If you’re a beginner, and not sure how long you’ll stick with karate, a lightweight uniform will make a fine choice.

Medium weight karate uniform (around 10 oz.). This is the most versatile uniform weight. It will withstand a lot of abuse, soak up a lot of sweat and keep you comfortable at most temperatures. Often, this is the best value for your money.

Heavyweight (around 14 oz. and higher), a.k.a. Master karate uniform. An excellent choice, especially if you practice a lot of grappling. It will last you the longest, absorb large quantities of sweat and keep you comfortable in most situations. The only complaint I’ve heard about heavyweight karate uniforms is that they take up more space in your training bag.

Drawstring or elastic waistband?

Traditional karate uniform pants come with a drawstring waist. The drawstring keeps your pants secure, even if pulled on. Just make sure the hem through which the drawstring goes is at least twice as wide as the drawstring itself. Otherwise the string tends to get jammed after the pants have been washed or are soaked in sweat.

Instead of, or in addition to a drawstring, a lot of uniforms sport an elastic waistband. Some people prefer the convenience of a waistband, but I wouldn’t rely on it to keep your karate pants on. If you must have it, make sure there is a string to back up the elastic. But then, you’re back to tying a string. Why bother with the elastic at all? It only puts constant pressure on your lower abdomen, interfering with your breathing. It’s your choice.

Traditional or tournament cut?

Traditionally cut karate uniforms usually have longer sleeves and pants, while a “tournament” cut uniform’s sleeves and pants are slightly shorter. Some think it makes it harder to grab and does not get in a way while fighting. Some just prefer the look of it. Either choice will not help you win a fight.

Details that matter

The difference between a good karate uniform and great karate uniform is in the quality and craftsmanship of the details. In addition to a wide hem for a traditional drawstring, the pants should have gussets and an additional double inseam to prevent an inconveniently embarrassing rip. You’ll also appreciate things like several rows of interlocked stitching over the cuffs of the sleeves and the pant legs. It’ll prevent them from folding over after having been washed a few times. One more feature to consider is the cut of the uniform; a generous cut will not restrict your motions. As with most things, craftsmanship makes all the difference.

Which size should you buy?

Karate uniform sizes correspond to your height, but vary depending on manufacturers. Know your height before visiting a karate supply store. In a good store, they’ll help you choose a uniform based on your height. In a great one, they’ll also consider your weight, and the length of your arms and legs. Keep in mind that cotton uniforms shrink after a few washes. So choose a slightly bigger one than that which fits perfectly in the store.

Which brand is best?

If you find a uniform that fits all your preferences, the brand name should not matter. And if you do find that perfect gi, go back to the store and buy another one immediately. It might be hard to find that “just perfect” one again.

Beyond the obvious practical requirements for a karate uniform outlined above, the question of brands is very subjective and often depends on personal preference. To avoid misinforming and imposing my subjective opinion on you, I will not recommend any specific brands here. A perfect karate uniform for one person will not be suitable for another one’s needs. Armed with this article, you will be able to choose the one that is perfect for you.

Where to buy karate uniform

Now that you know what to look for in a karate uniform, you are ready to plunk your money on the counter. There are plenty of places that will be happy to trade your cash for a gi, each has some pros and cons.

Karate schools

Beware

Some schools will sell you an inexpensive karate uniform, or even throw it in for free if you sign up for X number of months. These cheap or free uniforms are often of a poor quality or used. Before getting such a “great deal”, make sure it complies with the guidelines above.

A lot of karate schools sell karate uniforms. The uniforms they keep in stock comply with the school’s guidelines, but your choice is usually limited, especially if you have some special requirements.

The prices for karate uniforms sold at schools tend to be higher. But, if a uniform fits and you are able to support your dojo by paying a little extra, you might consider buying it there.

Local shops

If you want to support the local economy and get personalized service, consider a small local karate supply store. A good store will have a few brands of karate uniforms in stock, making it easy to compare and choose. A knowledgeable shopkeeper will be able to answer your questions and accommodate your special requests.

In exchange for better service, be ready to pay higher prices and have a somewhat limited selection.

Sports equipment chain stores

Beware

Don’t succumb to a sales person’s recommendation, always make sure that a karate uniform fits your selection criteria.

Even if you find a general sports equipment store that sells karate uniforms, avoid buying yours there. Though the price may be a bit lower then in a small karate supply store, the quality of uniforms is usually poor and, in most cases, mirrors poor customer service. If you can’t resist a low sale price, consider buying it online.

Online stores

This is where you’ll find the biggest selection and often get the most for your money, but only if you know what to look for. Since you’ve read this far, it is safe to say that you are well informed and unlikely to make a wrong choice. There are tons of online stores to choose from, many of which have a brick-and-mortar location.

The same rules apply to online shopping as to buying from the regular stores (see above). The main advantage: you can get the exact uniform you want for the best price. The main disadvantage: you can’t touch it or try it on. If you need to buy a top of one size and a bottom of a different size and you have to try it on, you should find a small local karate supply store instead. But if you know what you’re looking for, or if you just want your first inexpensive karate uniform, the convenience and low prices of online shopping are hard to beat.

P.S. Just for your convenience, here are a few links to good karate uniforms I found on Amazon.com:

Conclusion

So there you have it; Karate Uniform Purchasing 101. Hopefully you’ll choose a gem of a gi and enjoy many years of sweaty practice in it.

Article Copyright: © 2006 Alexander Dolinin. All rights reserved.