It has been a long time. 6 and a half years in fact, since I have started my training. Its not easy, being a student of karate. There are a lot of bruises involved, and a lot of sore muscles. But it has been worth every minute of it, because the skills and responsibilities that come with the training are completely unique.
I study the style of karate known as Shotokan Karate. Shotokan Karate was founded by Gichin Funakoshi in the first several decades of the 20th century. Shotokan Karate is not the biggest or most popular style, but it has a reputation for long and deep stances, and numerous kata. There are many Shotokan Karate organizations around the world, but I am a member of the Central Illinois Shotokan Karate Association (CISKA). This organization is mainly located in Illinois and Missouri, but has members all over the Midwest.
In Shotokan Karate, we study three principles; Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. Fondly known as the three K's, Kihon stands for basics. These are the basic techniques which we learn. Kata is a series of movements symbolizing a fight against multiple opponents using the basic Kihon. There are 27 Shotokan Kata, all unique and different. I have learned 7 of them so far. Finally, there is Kumite. Kumite is sparring, and it is what most people first join Karate to learn. Kumite is divided up into levels. There is 3 Step, 1 Step, 3-5 time, slow, semi-free, and free sparring. Students can learn sparring as early as 9a kyu, when all students begin at 10c kyu.
The karate belt system begins with the white belt. There are two stripes that must be earned as a white belt; the orange stripe, and the red stripe. The orange stripe indicates a mastery of the first four Kihon, and the red stripe indicates mastery of the first Kata, Taikiyoku Shodan. Next is the yellow belt, which gives 3 step sparring and a new kata, as well as two new kihon. Following are the red, blue, and green belts, two levels of purple belt, three levels of brown belt, and ten levels of black belt. Each level or new belt introduces a new kata, new basics, and a new level of sparring.
Shotokan Karate's motto was written by its founder and sums up the spirit of the art.
'The ultimate aim of Karate lies neither in victory or defeat, but in the pursuit of perfection.' - Gichin Funakoshi
As Shotokan Karateka, we strive to improve character, sincerity, spirit, discipline, and self-control. This is the purpose of karate, and the purpose of its students. I give my training credit to the whole black belt panel of CISKA, but especially head Sensei Rick Brewer, technical chairman Sensei James Hartman, and dojo leader Sensei Kevin Oedewaldt. Hai, Sensei.
