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1. The founder of Shito Ryu was Kenwa Mabuni, (1887-1952). He was born in Okinawa and established the Youshyukan Dojo in Osaka in March 1934. At his death, he left Shito Kai, Sheishin Kai, Itosu Kai, Shuko Kai, and Kempo Kai.
2. Sensei Mabuni created the name Shito after the names of his two teachers: Sensei Itosu and Sensei Higashionna. “Shi” is another way of reading part of Itosu’s name, and “Tou” is another way of reading part of Higashionna’s name.
3. “Ryu” in Shito Ryu means association and “ha” in Hayashi ha means group.
4. There are four primary styles practiced widely in the world today. They are Shito Ryu, Goju Ryu, Shotokan Ryu and Wado Ryu
5. Shito Ryu emphasizes light, mobile stances and exactness of technique, Goju Ryu uses heavy breathing and small powerful stances, Shotokan Ryu is concerned with power and long stances, while Wado Ryu promotes body shifting techniques.
6. Kanbun Uechi traveled to Fukien, China in the 1800’s and returned to Okinawa to be the founder of Naha te which is the basis for Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu. This is also referred to the Shorei line of Okinawan Karate. Shorin Ryu is the Shuri te group.
7. Anko Itosu studied under Matsumura Sokon. Itosu made the Pinan (Heian) Katas in 1905 to teach karate in the school system.
8. All four primary styles are the core of Zen Nihon Karate Do which is the governing body of karate worldwide based in Japan
9. “Karate” is a Japanese word, meaning empty hand and “do” (pronounced like “dough”) means way or path.
10. Naha-te, Shuri-te and Tomari-te began in Okinawa and are named after the city of origin, with “te” meaning hand
11. Naha-te (Higaonna ha) emphasizes large powerful stances with forced breathing while Shuri-te (Itosu-ha) focuses on light, swift movement. Tomari-te katas are very similar to Shuri-te and probably evolved from them.
12. Hayashi ha Shito Ryu is from Motobu ha Seishin Kai. Motobu trained Kuniba the elder in Osaka. Kuniba the elder maintained and taught Seishin Kai Shito Ryu in Osaka. At Kuniba the elder’s death, Hayashi co-chaired Seishin Kai until Kuniba the younger was of age to assume the role as Soke. Grandmaster Hayashi formed Hayashi ha Shito Ryu from that time in 1970.
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Through their training students will develop confidence, discipline, respect, and leadership.
In Karate-do we follow the Dojo Kun, the code of Karate which is also applied to everyday life of being punctual and respectful to others.
We recite the Dojo Kun before the end of each class and connect our mind, body, and spirit through brief meditation.
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Character: To seek to attain perfection of character.
Sincerity: To live with politeness and discipline.
Etiquette: To Honor a code of ethical behavior.
Effort : To strive for excellence through effort.
Self-Control: To refrain from impetuous conduct.
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Q1. May I watch a class before I sign up?
Yes, you are encouraged to observe the class to see if the style is right for you. Students who have not completed waiver forms will not be allowed to participate in a "trial class" due to insurance and safety concerns. (Waiver forms/instructions can be found on our website or with the rec center)
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Q2. What type of style is Hayashi Ha Shito Ryu?
Shito-ryu is a style of Karate-do founded by Kenwa Mabuni, an Okinawan police officer, and martial arts master. Shitō-ryū is a combination style, which unites the diverse roots of karate. On one hand, Shitō-ryū has the physical strength and long powerful stances of Shuri-te derived styles, such as Shorin-ryū and Shotokan (松涛館), on the other hand Shitō-ryū has circular and eight-directional movements, breathing power, hard and soft characteristics of Naha-te and Tomari-te (泊手) styles, such as Gōjū-ryū (剛柔流). Shitō-ryū is extremely fast, yet artistic and powerful.
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Q3. Are there locker rooms and showers I can use before or after class? Where should I put my bags?
Items such as bags, wallets, watches and laptops may be stored inside the karate studio.
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Q4. Can I work out in sweats or do I need to buy a uniform (gi)?
You may train in loose-fitting workout clothes for your first few classes, but a gi should be purchased within a month of joining the dojo.
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Q5. I’ve noticed some of the more traditional schools use a lot of Japanese terms in their classes. Will I be required to learn Japanese?
Yes, you will be required to learn some terms in Japanese such as movements, stances, blocks and forms. Instructions are given in both Japanese and English. Most beginner students usually pick up basic Japanese within a few weeks.
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Q6. Are there any risks of injury associated with your training program? Will my age or physical condition limit my ability to do well?
Shito Ryu has a long history of being safely practiced by people of all ages and physical constitutions. In Okinawa during the 1930's, it became the official physical fitness program of public school children. For centuries karate was taught by parents to their children and grandchildren. Okinawan karate is steeped in traditions of promoting health, not injury. If anything, students will tell you how their karate training has helped them overcome old injuries and avoid new ones. “Anyone can learn karate.”
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Q7. How often do you hold promotions and will I be required to test?
We offer two testing dates a quarter. Testing for beginners will generally be held every 1-3 months and new students are permitted to test when they have demonstrated proficiency in basics and kata. In addition, tests for intermediate ranks vary 3-5 months, and 6-12 months for advanced before testing for the next rank. Students are not required to test, but with regular attendance progress is inevitable. Students who are ready for more advanced training are encouraged to rise to the challenge.
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Q8. How long will it take me to reach black belt?
A common question among beginners, the rank of black belt can only be achieved once the student sets this goal aside, and embraces karate training for his/her own sake. For some, the opportunity to test for black belt may come in as little as three years. Regardless of rank, you will discover a sense of progress with every class while also enjoying the satisfaction of reaching your long-term goals.
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Q9. What about cross-training in other sports or martial arts styles?
Our training program is a complete course in physical fitness. We will begin the first 15 minutes of each class with stretches and breathing warm-ups. The Karate exercises will help strength building, endurance training, balance, eye-hand-foot coordination, and conditioning of lightning-fast reflexes. This training complements any sport or activity requiring precision, commitment and endurance.
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Q10. Am I allowed to wear my belt/rank from another school?
Although most schools teach similar techniques/forms, cross-training in other martial art dojos often leads to confusion. Students of different styles regardless of previous rank will be required to wear a white belt and embrace the style. Actively training Karateka who are currently enlisted in another school may be given certain accommodations to prevent confusion or hesitancy in muscle memory and regular fighting tactics. If you have achieved a blackbelt/and or other rank in a Shito-ryu Dojo, you may present a copy or picture of your Menyou to keep your rank.
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Q11. I am grasping the material quickly, could I test for a higher rank/Skip Rank?
Students begin at (No Kyu). Ranks countdown from 10-1st kyu. Some students do better at memorizing and independently demonstrating progression within the 8 week period. Students who struggle with quality of technique may find it overwhelming to try to remember the amount of material. Breaking down the material into a more manageable and achievable chunk will help your form in the long run.
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1. All students must arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of class and remain until the end. Those who arrive after the beginning will not be allowed to participate.
2. When a student enters the front door, immediately bow to shomen, quietly remove shoes inside, placing them in the racks provided and move to the side to other students can enter. Guests are asked to remove shoes as well.
3. When Greeting the Sensei or Sempai for the first time, always bow with correct form and say “osu.” Always use Sempai and the last name for black belts. Non-black belts are never permitted to refer to the Sensei or any Sempai by their first name
4. The Sensei or Sempai will call the class and each student bows to the floor before stepping up and lines up according to rank. All students are expected to remain until the end. Please use the bathroom and take care of personal matters before class
5. Parents and guests may watch quietly from the side but no interaction is allowed at all with students, this includes gestures or other vocalization once the class has begun. All cell phones and pagers must be on vibrating mode so as not to cause a distraction. No conversation on cell phones is permitted within the dojo.
6. Students must bring a complete uniform (white), fist guards, and membership card to every class.
7. No recording or picture taking of any time is allowed without the specific approval of the Sensei. Videotaping and picture taking are allowed on test day.
8. Students displaying uncontrollable, violent or otherwise disruptive behavior may be disciplined dismissed or expelled depending on the severity of the infraction. The Sensei reserves the right to refuse any student instruction he deems necessary.
9. No eating or drinking is allowed within the dojo. Consumption of Fluids and Energy Bars are exceptional upon class breaks.
10. Long hair must be tied back. All jewelry, including earrings, necklace, and watches must be taken off before participating in the activity.
11. In the case that a student feels nauseous, should be asked to sit in Seisa with their head down. The instructor will understand the sign and provide water/hydrates and/or other medical attention for the student.
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Click here to see testing material