ZEN DO KAI FREESTYLE KARATE

The Principles of Training

Attitude – Training both body and mind

Regardless of the reasons that have prompted us to take martial arts lessons, the bottom line is that we want to improve ourselves physically. What most of as realise, or care to realise, even after years of training, is that we can also improve ourselves mentally. In order to obtain the maximum benefits from martial arts training, one must have the proper attitude, the right frame of mind, that is, a desire to improve both physically and mentally.

Remember, you are already starting out with a proper attitude a positive attitude you want to improve yourself physically. As you continue your training, you must also want to improve yourself mentally. The only reason you do not want to improve yourself mentally is that your ego is in the way. The ego is telling you are already a mature adult at your peak intelligence level. If physical improvement is only what you are looking for, then you should invest in another type of athletic training, other sports, that do not have a high demand for your mental improvement.

Discipline – Rules and etiquette

A martial arts dojo requires of its students certain responsibilities related to discipline and respect. We are attempting to develop the whole individual not just the physical self. One of the essential tests is about ego and whether a student is humble enough to subject themselves to the rules of the dojo.

Common sense is the essential guide within the dojo. Obviously loud talking, horseplay, untidiness and disrespect have no place within a martial arts training studio, especially while a class is in session. The number of students involved in the club often means that a class precedes or directly follows yours. Common courtesy dictates that we allow those students the opportunity to train with as few distractions as possible.

It is essential to be constantly aware of what are the limits within which you practice. Injuries in the dojo most often occur when students fail to pay attention to their instructor or neglect the principles of limits. Thus, it is extremely important to give yourself enough time before class to collect yourself and focus your mind on what happens inside the dojo.

Sincerity – Regular training

In order to get the maximum benefit from your training, all students, regardless of age, should attend lessons at least two sessions per week.

You may wish to train more often than this especially if you are about to grade or compete in a tournament. You may also know that you will have to miss a class next week or be going on a holiday and would like to do the make up class now. The main aim is to maximise your training outcome by doing classes to suit your training program.

Punctuality is a part of the discipline, and discipline is part of the Karate training. You should arrive at least 5 minutes before class time, in order to be properly prepared, both physically and mentally, for taking the lesson. Punctuality also plays a key role in success in life outside the dojo. You diminish your chance for a job when you late to the interview.

Every once in a while we all get caught on our way somewhere. If this should happen to you and you arrive late for class by under fifteen minutes, it doesn’t mean that you cannot take that lesson. Enter the dojo, change and as long as it is within fifteen minutes and you are not habitually late, there shouldn’t be a problem. After fifteen minutes there is no entering the class.

Respect – Bowing and addressing instructors

The instructors at the Centre have spent many years training to reach the senior ranks. Some of them now have been given formal teaching titles for the classes. Again it is a sign of respect to call them by their correct title in the class. Outside of the school we all remain friends so we revert back to a first name basis.

Kyoshi Justin Boylan
Shihan Steve Glew
Sensei Claire Scullin
Dai Sempai Brendan Boylan (Enrolment Manager)
Dai Sempai Dan Vernon

As in traditional Japanese culture, bowing is an important part of karate training. This may be a new cultural experience for the martial arts student and some students may feel uncomfortable due to the perception that the act of bowing is viewed as submissive or weak. As part of martial arts training, bowing actually represents strength.

Part of the mental training of martial arts is the mastering of the ego. The ego, while it is an integral part of the human psyche and helps create feelings of self-worth, has traditionally caused many problems for individuals. Bowing is an example of the strength of your true nature over your ego.

The act of bowing is an oriental gesture of courtesy and respect, and should be performed usually from a stationary position, feet together, hands at the sides of your body and bending at a 45 degree angle. In our school you must bow:

• on entering and leaving the dojo;
• at the beginning or completion of a class;
• should you have to leave the dojo floor for any reason; and
• should you have to walk in front of a higher rank in class.