Course Information
Class Structure
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Course Information

The course is based upon Shotokan ( Japanese Hard Style), but other styles are incorporated especially in self-defense. The System is not a strict traditional Japanese system, but has been Americanized.

 Instruction is based on the goal of developing a martial artists, not just a good point fighter at self-defense. All aspects of being a martial artist are stressed.

The Major areas of the instruction are:

Basics - To learn the proper hand and foot techniques, proper position, correct stance, and the application of breathing principles. This area also includes instruction in the proper etiquette of a martial arts class. This will allow you to visit and feel comfortable at any martial arts school. Increasing your range of motion is worked on, but high kicks are not stressed. Shotokan karate kicks are all waist high or below.

Self Defense - Beginning with nuisance and avoidance self defense, then to defenses against various hand and foot attacks, various types of takedowns, sweeps and throws, soft and hard retaliations, control techniques, multiple attack defenses and finally defense against weapons. At each level the intensity of the attacks are increased so that the attacks would represent a real-life situation. A complete study of breakfalls and their application is taught prior to any takedown defense.

Katas/Forms - The application of basic techniques in a series of steps that imitate an actual fight. This is where the students perfect the techniques and the application of the techniques as well as condition the mind and body to focus their energy. The student will learn how to perform these moves not only in class, but will also be shown the proper way to perform them in a tournament environment, participation in tournaments is not required in this system, but the student will be instructed in the correct etiquette for a tournament, and how to present a kata to judges.

Traditional Weapons - Learning the correct techniques in utilizing the following weapons for defense:

"Bo" - Six foot staff.
"Sai"- Short three pronged sword.
"Tonfa" - Similar to a night stick.
"Kama" - Shortened sickle.
"Nunchucka" - two short sticks tied together with a leather or chain strap.

Basic techniques will be taught and then applied to a form or kata.

Sparing - Learning the skills to be able to apply the technique in a controlled environment. This is a classroom or tournament environment. Instruction is given in sparring that will allow the student to be successful in tournament point sparring. Point sparring has proven to be a safe way to allow martial artists to challenge each other with their skills while greatly reducing risk of injury. Sparring gear and safety equipment is required for gold belts and above. Full-contact sparring is not allowed.

All of these areas are tested on all the belt/rank tests, except for sparring. Sparring apples to green belt test and higher.

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Class Information

Each class begins with a warm-up period that includes stretching all the major muscle groups and limbering up all the major joints. Increasing flexibility and overall body strength are major points of focus. The warm-up usually takes 10-15 minutes, followed by the main instruction for the day, this usually takes approximately 50 minutes.

There are 10 belt/ranks to obtain before testing for the Black Belt in the Adult Course.

Belt/Rank and minimum time in rank for adult class

The Children's classes all have a white stripe test between each solid color test to better prepare them for the next rank.

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