At Tora Kai we teach traditional shotokan karate combining all the aspects of the martial art, the way it has been taught for hundreds of years.

The club itself has been around for 15 years and train at the Montrose Sports Centre on Mondays and Tuesdays at the time of 7pm - 8pm.

The sessions are for junior & senior at the rate of £2:50 per session, with no membership fees to pay.

Courses are held every 4 weeks with top instructors and gradings every 3 months with a Japanese Instructor.

The club is a member of the S.T.K.F, U.K.T.K.F and the I.T.K.F.

We hope you will find the following information helpful and also enjoy being part of Tora-Kai

You are invited to come along to the Montrose Sports Centre

Introduction

Karate (Japanese, "empty hand"), is a martial art of unarmed self-defense where directed or focused blows of the hands and feet, accompanied by special breathing and shouts, are dealt from poised positions. More than a method of combat, karate emphasizes self-discipline, positive attitude, and high moral purpose. It is taught professionally at different levels, and under different Asian names, as a self-defense skill, a competitive sport, and a free-style exercise.

An art of self-defense , which has in recent decades proiferated world wide. It is now the most widely practised of the Oriental martial arts, with a large following in Japan, the U.S and Europe. Practitioners learn to deliver blows with their hands and feet as well as using many parts of the body in blocking and defensive movements.

History

The art of karate is more than 1000 years old and originated in eastern Asia, first as monastic training and later as a defense method used by Chinese peasants against armed bandits. During the 17th century it became highly developed as an art on the island of Okinawa, Japan. In 1922 karate was introduced to the Japanese public by an Okinawan, GICHIN FUNAKOSHI, and the art is today chiefly associated with Japan.From here it spread world wide after World War II.

Karate is practised in bare feet in a dojo. Most dojo have a hardwood floor, although more modern clubs use mats. Equipment found in most karate dojo include the makiwara (straw padded striking post) used to perfect punching. Kicking bags of varius sizes, dumbells, iron clogs for leg strengthening, stretching bags, and mirrors, to aid in movement analysis.

Since karate is an oriental martial art, proper etiquette in a dojo is important. It is customary for all karate-ka to execute a standing bow upon entering and leaving a dojo. A standing bow is also exchanged between at the beginning and end of a contest, free practice or formal exercise. Classes always line up according to rank - highest grades always sitting on the right of the lower grades. In traditional clubs, students wait for the highest grade belt to call out Senseo, ni-rei (bow to sensei at the end of a session) at which point both students and sensei bow to each other.

Breathing is also an important part of karate training. Inhaling is deep and full, through the nose and into the stomach. Exhaling is through the mouth and gradually down towards the stomach. Karate breathing is designed not only to refresh the respiritory system and to conserve bodily energy but most importantly to strengthen the lower abdominal areas so maximum internal strength can be used when delivering a blow. Learning when to exhale and inhale during the execution of a technique is vital and students must begin to learn it's proper application early in training.

When first beginning karate, a new student learns basic stances, punches, kicks and blocks. The student works on improving his balance and muscle control and learns how to increase speed and power in their techniques. Once basics, multiple techniques (blocks, punches, strikes, kicks) have been learned, students begin to work with a partner to perfect not just technique but distancing, timing, speed power and coordination. Known as kumite, or sparring, this type of training puts all the moves of karate into practical application.

Karate techniques consist of hand and foot techniques. Defensive or blocking techniques are divided into defensive or offensive moves. These moves include a variety of methods by which the hand or forearm is utilised to block, sweep, deflect, or hook an opponents attack. Some styles emphasise circular movements in blocks, while others place emphasis on linear blocking movements. In general circular blocks are soft, while linear blocks are hard. The softer blocks tend to deflect an attack, while the harder blocks meet the attacking limb, often with enough force to render the limb useless.

Offensive or attacking hand techniques are divided into punching techniques (zuki-waza) and striking techniques (uchi-waza). Punching techniques are delivered in a straight line, usually from the hip to the target. The fore fist (seikan) is most often employed as the striking point, but punching techniques can also be done with the palm, heel (teisho), fingers (nukite), or fore knuckles (uraken). Striking techniques usually follow the rotation of the hips. There are many striking techniques in karate and they employ all parts of the hand and arm including the back of the fist, bottom of the fist (tettsui), back of the hand (haisho), side edge of the hand (shuto), ridge part of the hand (haito), and elbow (empi).

Foot techniques are divided into kicking techniques (keri-waza) and leg blocking techniques. Kicking techniques are usually divided into snap kicks and thrust kicks. Snap kicks are performed by kicking and immediately retracting the foot. These kicks make use of the hips and snapping motion of the knee, and enable one to execute a series of kicks in quick succession. Thrust kicks are delivered in a straight line to the target, with the kicking leg making use of the hips, adding more power to the kick. Jumping or flying kicks are kicks which are executed while in mid air and can be done in any direction, in a straight line or circular. Leg blocking techniques utilise the feet or leg to stop an opponents kicking or punching attack. These blocks are usually used by jamming or sweeping to the side of an opponents attacking limb. They are very valuable especially to low attacks to the legs or groin parts of the leg, including the ball of the foot (sokuto), heel (kakato), toes (tsumasaki), and the knee (hittsui).

Other important elements of karate include stance, posture and body shifting. Since there are a multitude of moves in karate there are different stances for each situation. Stance must be flexible, it must be changed with direction and type of movement. The stability of a stance depends to a great extent on the area included within its base. And as the centre of gravity is lowered, stability increases. Therefore, stances in which the hips are relatively low tend to be more stable than those in which the hips are high. No one stance is suitable for occassions. When moving from one stance to another, the hips remain at the same level and the feet slide lightly across the floor.

Shotokan karate concentrates on low, deep stances like the one's used by the Japanese fishermen, to emphasis on such things as speed, power and hip rotation. In most traditional styles the three main types of stance used are:

Natural stances where the muscles of the leg are relaxed ( informal attention stance, open leg stance).

Outside tension stances where tension is put on the legs by forcing the knees outward, front stance (zenkutso-dachi), back stance (kokutso-dachi), horse stance (kiba-dachi).

Inside tension stances where tension is placed on the legs by forcing the knees outwards, cat stance (neko ashi-dachi), hourglass stance (sanchin-dachi).

Posture used in karate include front facing, in which a student is facing straight on with hips forward, and shoulders parallel to the target. Half front facing, in wich the student is faced forward but the shoulders and hips are turned away at a 45 degree angle. This is the most widely used position when moving and getting ready for attacking as well as defending against an attack. Body shifting consists of moving from one position to another. In karate this can be done in a number of ways: by stepping, hopping, sliding, shuffling, jumping or turning.

Another important aspect of karate is hip rotation. Destructive force in karate is generated by turning the body and especially by rotating the hips. to deliver a karate punch a smooth, swift and level turn of the hips is essential to effectiveness. In karate the trunk works as the drive shaft giving the body greater motion wich creates a larger and faster movement and more power. Abdominal muscles play a major role in turning the hips and thigh muscle contributions. Power generated by rotating the hips is conveyed to the backbone then to the muscles of the chest and shoulders and finally arm and fist.

Probably the most important training of all in karate is Kata, a series of formal exercises. In Kata a number of pre-arranged defensive and offensive movements are performed in a fixed order of succession against several imaginary opponents. Kata includes all the various hand and foot techniques used in karate, and incorporate rapid change of technique, speed, balance, posture, position, breathing and muscle tension. All kata begins with a defensive technique, followed by an attacking movement. Kata's vary in length but all finish on their starting point (embusen).

The table below lists all the katas and their meanings.

There are two main types of kumite: pre-arranged (yakusoku-kumite) or free (jiyu-kumite). In pre-arranged sparring, often called Kihon Kumite (basic sparring), the mode of attack and defence is always determined in advance. there are a number of pre-arranged sparring methods.

These consist of:

Sanbon Kumite - Three step sparring

Consists of one student attacking, with three pre-arranged techniques of either Jodan (face attack), or Chudan (stomach attack), the defender steps back to block each attack with either Age-uke (rising block) or Soto-uke (outside block), after successfully blocking the student then counter attacks usually with Gyaku-zuki (reverse punch).

Gohon Kumite - Five step sparring

This is exactly the same as sanbon kumite except the pre-arranged movements continue till five attacks/ blocks have been completed.

Ippon Kumite - One step sparring

One student assumes fighting position, while the other student says Yoi (natural stance). With all Kumite the attackers name the area to be attacked, and the defender usually replied "Os" - I understand - once this has been recognised, the attacker steps forward and delivers the attack, and the defender steps back to block and then immediately counter attacks. this continues until all attacks of Jodan, Chudan, Mae-geri (snapping kick), Yoko-geri (side thrust/ snap kick), Mawashi-geri (roundhouse kick) and Ushiro-geri (back thrust kick) have been completed by the attacker.

Jiyu-ippon Kumite - Semi free one step sparring

This is midway between basic and freestyle sparring. For this Kumite both students assume a fighting position from Yoi. Double distance is also required for this so as both attacker/ defender move around more freely but still using the one attack system to spar with.

Jiyu Kumite - Freestyle sparring

The most advanced form of karate training. In this Kumite, both partners move freely and exchange blows, blocks and counter attacks at random until one of them gets into a focused attack at his opponent's vital point. All aspects of karate come into use: punching, kicking, blocking, shifting, distancing, timing and strategy. Jiyu Kumite differs from competitive karate in that it is still a method of training whereby students should work with each other in perfecting their skills in a realistic situation. When attacks are thrown, not just in free sparring, but in any form of Kumite, the attack stops short of the target area by using control of all the student's techniques, so injury can be avoided.

Obi -Colour of belt indicating grade

Karate Grading

The karate gi which students usually wear to train is usually all white and made up of a light cotton material consisting of a jacket, trousers and a belt. The colour of the belt or obi indicates the grade of the student. In all styles dan grades wear a black belt. these dan grades progress from first to usually tenth dan, the highest grade achievement.

The Dan grades are

The colour belt worn by kyu grades (below black belt) vary from style to style, with only the white belt being universally used for beginners. Most grades start with a white belt and work towards 1st kyu.

The kyu grades are:

To move from one grade to another, there are 3 month periods given in which a student must perform basic techniques relevant to their grade. At the earliest stages basic blocks, punches and strikes are required to sit a kyu grade as well as Kata (formal excersise) and Kumite (sparring). Good form, power, speed, accuracy all become mandatory for performing all karate techniques.

For black belt, free sparring as well as a thorough knowledge of Kata and basics are mandatory. An aspiring black belt may be judged on character, spirit, confidence, and ability to control all techniques executed throughout their grading.

World Sotokan Institute

U.K.T.K.F.

Examination Rules

Grading Requirements

Kyu Grade Requirements

The requirements to sit a grading are:

1. Attend at least twenty sessions between gradings
2. Own a karate suit (Gi)
3. Hold a current licence or apply for one. (£18.00)
4. Have a licence book (£3.50)
5. Have a grading syllabus book (£1.00)
6. Payment for grading submitted (£20.00)

If you wish to discuss anything reguarding the next grading please come in and see me at the end of a training session or alternatively give me a call or email.

Thanks

Gordon M Paterson (2nd Dan)

Tel: 01674 830 201

U.K.T.K.F
2001 Calender

There are no more events for this year.

As soon as 2002 calender is available this space will be updated.

Thank you for participating

Terminology

STANCES

Japanese Name	Definition	Japanese Name	Definition
Fudo-dachi	rooted stance	Neko-ashi-dachi	cat stance
Hachiji-dachi	open-leg stance	Renoji-dachi	L stance
Hangetsu-dachi	half-moon stance	Sanchin-dachi	hour-glass stance
Heiko-dachi	parallel stance	Shiko-dachi	square stance
Heisoku-dachi	informal attention stance	Shizen-tai	natural position
Kiba-dachi	straddle-leg stance	Teiji-dachi	inverted open-leg stance
Kokutsu-dachi	back stance	Uchi-hachiji-dachi	T stance
Musubi-dachi	informal attention stance,feet turned out	Zenkutsu-dachi	front stance

UKE - blocking

Japanese Name	Definition	Japanese Name	Definition
Age-uke	upper block	Otoshi-uke	dropping block
Ashikubi-kake-uke	ankle hooking block	Seiryuto-uke	ox-jaw block
Gedan-barai (uke)	downward block	Shuto-uke	knife-hand block
Gedan-kake-uke	downward hooking block	Sokumen-awase-uke	side combined block
Haishu-uke	back-hand block	Sokutei-mawashi-uke	circular sole block
Haiwan-nagashi-uke	back-arm sweeping block	Sokutei-osae-uke	pressing block with sole
Juji-uke	X-block	Sokuto-osae-uke	pressing block with foot edge
kake-shuto-uke	hooking knife-hand block	Soto-uke	outside forearm block
Kakiwaki-uke	reverse wedge block	Sukui-uke	scooping block
Kakuto-uke	bent-wrist block	Tate-shuto-uke	vertical knife-hand block
Keito-uke	chicken-head wrist block	Teisho-awase-uke	combined palm-heel block
Maeude-deai-osae-uke	forearm pressing block	Teisho-uke	palm-heel block
Maeude-hineri-uke	forearm twist block	Tekubi-kake-uke	wrist-hook block
Morote-sukui-uke	two-handed scooping block	Te-nagashi-uke	hand sweeping block
Morote-tsukami-uke	two-handed grasping block	Te-osae-uke	hand pressing block
Morote-uke	augmented forearm block	Uchi-uke	inside forearm block

Terminology

THE HANDS AND ARMS AS WEAPONS

Japanese Name	Definition	Japanese Name	Definition
Empi	elbow	Nukite	spear-hand
Haishu	back-hand	Seiken	fore-fist
Haito	ridge-hand	Seiryuto	ox-jaw hand
Hiraken	fore-knuckle fist	Shuto	knife hand
Ippon-ken	one-knuckle fist	Teisho	palm-heel
Kaisho	open hand	Tettsui	iron hammer
Kakuto	bent-wrist	Uraken	back-fist
Keito	chicken-head wrist	Wan	arm
Kumade	bear-hand	Washide	eagle-hand
Nakadaka Ippon-ken	middle-finger one-knuckle fist

TSUKI-punching

Japanese Name	Definition	Japanese Name	Definition
Age-zuki	rising punch	Mawashi-zuki	roundhouse punch
Awase-zuki	U-punch	Morote-zuki	double-fist punch
Choku-Zuki	straight punch	Nagashi-zuki	flowing punch
Dan-zuki	consecutive punching	Oi-zuki	lunge punch
Gyaku-zuki	reverse punch	Ren-zuki	alternate punching
Hasami-zuki	scissors punch	Sanbon-zuki	Three punches, one to head, twice two stomach
Heiko-zuki	parallel punch	Tate-zuki	vertical-fist punch
Kagi-zuki	hook punch	Ura-zuki	close punch
Kizami-zuki	jab	Yama-zuki	wide U-punch

Terminology

UCHI - striking

Japanese Name	Definition	Japanese Name	Definition
Empi-uchi	elbow strike	Tettsui-uchi	hammer-fist strike
Mae-Empi-uchi	forward elbow strike	Ushiro-Empi-uchi	back elbow strike
Otoshi-Empi-uchi	downward elbow strike	Uraken-uchi	back-fist strike
Shuto-uchi	knife-hand strike	Yoko-empi-uchi	side elbow strike
Tate-Empi-uchi	upward elbow strike	Yoko-Mawashi-Empi-uchi	side-round elbow strike

THE LEGS AND FEET AS WEAPONS

Japanese Name	Definition	Japanese Name	Definition
Haisoku	instep	Koshi	ball of the foot
Hizagashira	knee	Sokuto	foot edge
Kakato	heel	Tsumasaki	tips of toes

KERI - kicking

Japanese Name	Definition	Japanese Name	Definition
Fumikiri	cutting kick	Mawashi-geri	round kick
Fumikomi	stamping kick	Mikazuki-geri	crescent kick
Gyaku-mawashi-geri	reverse round kick	Nidan-tobi-geri	jumping double kick
keage	snap kick	Tobi-geri	jump kick
kekomi	thrust kick	Ushiro-geri	back kick
Mae-geri	front kick	Yoko-geri	side kick
Mae-tobi-geri	jumping front kick	Yoko-tobi-geri	jumping side kick

Disclaimer

These pages are presented for the enjoyment and use of the general public. However, I make no claims nor do I take any responsibility for your use of any of the techniques described on these pages. Any injuries you may incur through the practice and/or use of these techniques is your responsibility. Any injuries you may impart on others through the practice and/or use of these techniques is your responsibility.

I hope you enjoy and learn from what I have presented here. However, please do not try to apply anything from these pages without getting proper training first!

Reading these pages and looking at the images IS NOT PROPER TRAINING!!!!!

Gallery

The Class
Kieron and Trisha	Zoe	Scott
Juniors	Seniors	Allan and Ed