Australian Goju Karate

 

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INTRODUCTION

Australian Goju Karate is a new approach to Martial Arts training, especially designed for the life-style of the future, making learning fun while producing exceptional results. On behalf of the entire staff of Australian Goju Karate, we would like to congratulate you for making the decision to begin your exciting journey to BLACK BELT.

As you progress, you will be rewarded with belt advancements designating your achievement. Your personal goals and motivations for the Martial Arts coupled with the ranking system, will maintain an exciting experience for you on your road to BLACK BELT.

THAT IS OUR GOAL - to assist you in attaining the highest rank within the Martial Arts. Those two words will generate an admiration from your family and friends. You will have the feeling of achievement, pride, confidence, self-respect, and success in obtaining your personal goal: BLACK BELT

MARTIAL ARTS IS PHILOSOPHY IN ACTION

There are qualities of a champion in martial arts that parallel important human qualities.

Seven Qualities of the Champion

Martial Arts Life

1. Quickness Alertness

2. Endurance Perseverance

3. Timing Punctuality

4. Power Knowledge

5. Balance Rationality

6. Flexibility Gentleness

7. Posture Honesty

1. Quickness and Alertness

When the mind and body are in synchronisation, there should be little time gap between the decision and execution of a punch or kick. This will not only eliminate telegraphic motion, but also generate the tremendous acceleration necessary for power.

This principle teaches us another philosophy of no procrastination. A procrastinator is a thief of this or her own time. Things to be done today should not be put off until tomorrow, for tomorrow may be too late. So, let us develop a sense of alertness in daily life, just as we develop quickness in Martial Arts.

2. Endurance and Perseverance

In Karate, we must develop the habit of delivering a second or third attack when our first attempt is blocked. Often, we do not succeed on the first attempt, but we often do so on the second or third attempt. We develop this ability in Karate through the principle of "non-stop work ‘ and "counter to counter" drills.

Thomas Edison had over 5000 experiments which led him to the final success of the invention of the light bulb. One day, a young reporter came to interview Thomas Edison, and asked him:

"Aren’t you wasting your time trying to invent the light bulb?", Edison replied: "I beg your pardon, I just successfully identified 5000 ways that do not work. I am not discouraged because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward"

Mr. Edison was absolutely determined to see the end result of his goal. So let us develop perseverance in life, just as we develop endurance in Martial Arts.

3. Timing and Punctuality

In order to become a Martial Arts Champion, one must develop near perfect timing. Only through constant practice, will you be able to throw kicks and punches at the right targets at the right time. By the same token, in order to become a Champion of Life, we must develop a habit of punctuality through the daily discipline of keeping time. Discipline is the foundation for all success. So let us develop a sense of punctuality in daily life, just as we develop good timing in Martial Arts.

4. Power and Knowledge

As we generate our physical power through development of our muscles in daily exercise, we must also develop the muscles of wisdom and character through constant effort and study. A healthy body alone does not make us happy, it is a basic necessity for physical comfort. Knowledge provides us with the means to realise our desires and to contribute to society. It is very interesting to know that neither muscle nor knowledge can be bought, nor can they be stolen. They must be earned only through constant effort and hard work. So let us accumulate as much knowledge as we can in life, just as we develop power in Martial Arts.

5. Balance and Rationality

In order to become a Martial Arts champion, we must have a good sense of balance, when we lose our balance in a fight, we may lose the fight. Likewise, in the business world, the financial statements must be balanced. At home, families work to balance their budgets. Likewise, our knowledge and character have to be balanced. Thomas Jefferson said "Material Abundance without character is the surest way to destruction". Knowledge without character is the surest way to catastrophe. So let us cultivate rationality in our daily lives by listening to our conscience and reason, just as we place importance in achieving balance in the game of Martial Arts.

6. Flexibility and Gentleness

Flexibility is an important quality for Martial Arts practitioners, especially when attempting to execute high kicks. Good flexibility helps prevent muscle or ligament injuries. By the same token, gentleness of human character is essential to being accepted by others and to succeed in life. Lao Tzu, one of the greatest ancient Chinese philosophers, put it this way:

"A man is born gentle and weak. At death, he is hard and stiff. Green Plants are tender and filled with sap. At death, they are withered and dry. Therefore, the stiff and unbending is the disciple of death, and the gentle and yielding is the disciple of life"

So, let us develop gentleness in life, just as we develop flexibility in Martial Arts.

7. Posture and Honesty

In Martial Arts, good upright posture lends a balanced beauty to the art. This beauty is appreciated not only by the martial artist, but also by those who have never been in the Martial Arts. The standard of beauty is universal. By the same token, a person with a straight posture in the heart is a beautiful person to everyone. The standard of beauty in the heart is also universal. So let us develop honesty by listening to and obeying our conscience in life, just as we develop beautiful posture in Martial Arts.

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS

Business Procedures:

1. No-one is allowed in any offices, unless authorised.

Pertinent information on club activities, tournaments, and special events will

be posted on the notice board.

3. Where stairs are positioned, no sitting or playing or blocking the entrance.

4. No shoes will be left on the floor, but placed in spaces provided.

Standards and Policies:

1. The club reserves the right to suspend any student at any time.

2. Memorisation of the Student Creed is mandatory for all students.

Personal Hygiene:

1. Cleanliness will be practised by all.

2. Uniforms must be kept clean.

3. Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short.

Wearing Apparel.:

A complete uniform must be worn by all students who have completed the introductory program.

The belt must be worn in the proper fashion, in the colour representing your

correct rank, and must be worn at all times. (Do not wash belt)

If the belt becomes undone during training, the student will face in the opposite direction to his opponent or instructor and secure the belt.

3. No clothing or uniform is to be left at the Dojo overnight.

4. All male students are required to wear a groin protector during Kumite

5. All footwear to be worn on the training floor must be approved by the Instructor.

6. A white t-shirt may be worn under the Karate uniform

7. Protective gear must be worn during all sparring

8. No jewellery will be worn that would be detrimental to you or your fellow students

Conduct in and out of the Club

1. Conduct yourself in a formal, respectful manner at all times when in the club.

2. Unnecessary roughness, crude language, or display of ill-temper or disrespect is forbidden.

3. Always observe mat/floor etiquette in the training area. This includes:

a: bowing when entering training area

b: street shoes are never worn in the training area

c: wearing a complete uniform in the training area

d: no chewing gum or food, or drink is allowed in training area

No-one is allowed to enter the training area while under the influence of alcohol or any prohibited substance.

5. Keep hands and feet off the walls and mirrors

Conduct in and out of the Club cont.

6. Students who visit other schools must remember that they will refrain from making any critical comments about any styles, or instructors of the other Martial arts.

7. Smoking is prohibited in the Dojo.

Conduct During Class:

1. Prompt attendance is expected of all students.

2. Students will attend their designated classes, unless other arrangements have been made with the Instructor.

3. All students are to observe training area etiquette during class

4. All students must show proper respect to instructors and fellow students

5. Students are to practice CAUTION at all times.

6. There will be no unnecessary talking during instruction periods.

7. Students will at no time engage in horseplay on the training area or in the club.

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TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Belt rank advancement is awarded based on the proficiency level attained in each area of the curriculum for the relevant grade. The following criteria serve as a guide for determining such proficiency.

i. KICKS

Balance, thrust, foot position, knee position, posture, snap, power, enthusiasm, concentration.

ii. BASICS

Posture, enthusiasm, effort, form, stance, balance

iii. COMBINATIONS

Posture, explosiveness, timing, placement, speed, balance, enthusiasm, co-ordination

iv. KATA

Technique, quickness, timing, power, stance, attitude, balance, gracefulness, feeling, enthusiasm.

v. PRE-ARRANGED SPARRING

Technique, quickness, timing, power, accuracy, control, confidence, enthusiasm, conceptual understanding.

vi. SPARRING

Timing, placement, power, explosiveness, tactical understanding, technique, confidence, consideration, stamina, enthusiasm, defensive skills, aggressiveness, control, distancing

THE BELT SYSTEM

Our definition of success is the realisation of your own worthwhile pre-determined goals. The ultimate goal of this program is the BLACK BELT because the BLACK BELT is the symbol of success in achieving all the benefits that accrue from training regularly in the martial arts. These include self-defence ability, confidence, self-discipline, fitness and the feeling of personal achievement as well as many other benefits. The coloured belts, along with the striping system, represent your accomplishment in the step-by-step process of learning, growing and achieving your pre-determined martial arts goal.

SELF DEFENCE FOR CHILDREN

Recognise, Avoid, Defend

1. Recognise a potentially dangerous or threatening situation (be aware of your surroundings)

- Comfort Zone - putting up a fence

2. Avoid the situation to the best of your ability (get away from dangerous situations - keep your distance).

Defend yourself as a last resort (but don’t use what you know on your friends, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, dogs, cats or at school)

Exercise - 5 Steps to Rad

1. Block

2. Step Back

3. Guard Up

4. Verbalise (yell loudly) NO!!!! - leave me alone!!!

5. Defend

3 Rules when confronted or attacked by an Adult

1. Run

2. If you can’t run away, find a weapon (i.e. stick)

3. If you can’t use a weapon, or get away - guard

7 Main Striking areas Techniques

1. Ears 1. Ear Clap

2. Eyes 2. Thumbs

3. Nose 3. Palm Heel

4. Throat 4. Throat Thrust

5. Groin 5. Groin Kick

6. Knees 6. Knee Joint Kick

7. Toes 7. Stomp

KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE

PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOUR give children some simple skills for coping with a difficult or dangerous situation. In particular, they focus on teaching children to recognise when a situation is potentially dangerous and to ask trusted adults for help.

Some important things for a child to know:

 

1. Children have a right to be safe at all times

2. What is the difference between feeling sad and feeling uncomfortable or scared?

3. What sort of things make you feel scared?

Trust your feelings

Your own body will tell you when you are in danger. For example, you might

feel funny in the tummy, or your knees might shake or you may feel like running away. Everyone is different. How does your body feel when it is frightened.

6. If you do not feel safe, you should tell someone you trust.

7. Sometimes grown ups and older children do things that are not OK.

8. There is nothing so awful that you can’t tell someone you trust about it.

9. Perseverance is important, sometimes you may tell and the grown up may not

understand or may say – Don’t be silly - or - I don’t believe you-. If something like this happens, you should keep on telling until someone believes you and

does something to help.

A Network of trusted people

It is important that children have a network of trusted people they can turn to. Choose your own network of at least four people outside the home.

A note for Parents or Care-Givers

Remember that most children are abused by a family member or someone they know, so draw up the network carefully. Let children decide for themselves who they want to invite to be on their network. You want to avoid accidentally asking someone the child does not feel comfortable with.

Local Services available if you are concerned about the safety of a Child

Victorian Department of Community Services

Child Protection and Family Crisis Services

STRATEGIES AGAINST BULLYING

Remember, you have the right to your own opinion or point of view and the right to be treated with respect.

The following are suggested strategies for children to deal with bullying. A child’s individual personality and the situation will determine which strategy would be most effective and appropriate in any given circumstance.

1. Invisible Armour - against verbal bullying

2. Just Walk Away

3. Stay in sight of an adult

4. Demand the bully leave you alone

5. Speaking up

6. Fogging

7. Using humour to defuse the situation

8. Tell the bully how his behaviour is making you feel

9. Don’t provoke the bully

10. Tell someone

11. Find a mentor

12. Find a Friend