Frequently Asked
Questions About Traditional Karate Training
FC Traditional Karate Club
1.
What style of karate is this?
The
FC Traditional Karate Club practices karate from the Shotokan and
Okinawan Goju
Ryu lines, as well as a survey of methods from other karate traditions.
However, we are not content to let the boundaries of a “style”
define what we do- our focus is in teaching adults how to fight and
defend themselves in situations
that demand it. Our ‘style’ is heavily informed by research into
Okinawan
karate, the Chinese martial arts that contributed to the formation of
the art
in
2.
Is this any good for defending against real “street” attacks?
Our
training and techniques are kept in check by reality- no back flips and tornado
kicks. We train to address realistic attacks rather than “karate” attacks or
competitive matches. To that end, training involves:
Much of our training deals with close-range attacks. Emphasis is placed on fighting both from a standing position and from the
ground. Sparring with body armor is done from time to time to let students
safely experience what it really feels like
to hit someone who is trying to hit you back.
3.
What are kata?
Kata are stylized
patterns of movement that are much more than choreographed performance
routines. They are physical catalogs of information that contain strategies and
techniques useful for defending oneself against an attacker. Just like a good
poem or song, their meaning may be interpreted on many different levels. The
same sequence from a kata can be
interpreted as deterrence or restraint of an attacker to inflicting severe,
potentially lethal injuries. These applications encompass striking methods, body
shifting, throwing and grappling techniques and restraints for controlling an
attacker. At the center of this
is the often neglected concept of riai,
or common sense, which is vital for making this training relevant to reality.
4.
How often is testing for rank offered?
Two
belt ranks are recognized: white and black. The usual multi-colored belt
ranking system has little to do with the goals of traditional karate. Besides,
good training is worth far more than a colored piece of cloth. Testing for dan
level (black belt) rank will only occur after several years of consistent
training and skill development. Testing is overseen by a panel of TKRI and Seijinkai dangrades. Our dan grades are also required to read
historical, technical and philosophical selections and write reflections on
these as part of the training. But don't get caught up on rank- training is the main goal.
5.
Do you do any sparring?
Sparring
is introduced after an appropriate level of skill has been reached by club members. This is not
sport fighting- the goal isn’t ‘winning,’ it’s not losing. We don’t use
protective gear or pads, so keen awareness and self-control must be developed
just as much as a front kick or jab- this is not full contact, but some contact will be made. Sparring is not over when someone scores a ‘point’- a round will very
likely end up on the ground, in a choke, restraint or (simulated) killing blow
to prepare for dealing with a violent person. We also engage in randori,
a Judo free grappling exercise that develops the skills for dealing with the
pushing, pulling, tackling, throwing and falling that a physical confrontation will
involve.
6.
Does the club compete in tournaments?
The
dojo does not participate in tournaments. There are two main reasons for this.
First, tournaments limit the types of techniques that may be used and how they
may be applied, so training specifically for them generally creates a false
sense of ability in the real world. Tournament style karate has moved so far
from the practical aims of the art that all sorts of ridiculous things like
5-year olds in American flag gidoing kata to “Kung Fu Fighting” are now common. Tournament
“fighting” often amounts to two people playing slap tag with their feet. Our
interest is in being able to manage actual fighting. Secondly, a competitive
atmosphere favors winning students at the expense of others and that tends to
produce inflated egos and injuries, not good karate.
7.
Do I have to be in good shape?
Developing
a strong, balanced body is crucial to karate training- and its application to
the real world. Not all classes will be heavily aerobic or conditioning
intensive, but those are important aspects of training. With commitment,
muscles will tone, coordination and reflexes will sharpen, and the body will
develop a harmony of movement unique to the martial arts. However, it’s not our
responsibility to keep you in shape- you will have to work at it, both inside
and outside of class.
8.
What if I have an injury, or a physical condition?
TKRI
instructors are acutely aware of the fact that some individuals may have
injuries or conditions that will make certain activities impossible or unsafe.
We are very willing to alter exercises, techniques and kata to fit the
needs of the individual student while retaining the aims and benefits of
traditional karate. Students are encouraged to be ‘a light unto themselves’ in
adapting such conditions to karate, and vice versa.
9.
Is karate safe?
Training is vigorous but awareness of each other’s well
being is fundamental. That being said, it is likely that you’ll occasionally go
home with bumps and bruises, sore muscles or the occasional jammed toe. Just
like playing football or wrestling, these types of things are possible from
practice of this activity. Up to date
information from the fields of anatomy, kinesiology and sports medicine is
applied to our exercises and techniques to avoid injuring the body through
improper training.
10.
How much does membership in the club cost?
Training
fees are $10 per semester, due by the third class that you attend. This
entitles you to come to any class you can make it to. If you decide to join,
you will need to purchase an inexpensive plain white gi (if you don’t already have one; no patches or colors please). Fees go to two purposes: paying
travel expenses for visiting instructors, and paying for equipment and research
materials. This is not a business, but rather a school dedicated to the
practice of traditional karate and the development of an educated karate community.