TRAINING SCHEDULE

After the bow in, there is a warm up period. This is followed by practice of basic techniques (kihon), kata and sparring (kumite). At the end of class, there is a warm down period and a bow out.

Students are expected to train a minimum of twice a week, in the instructed classes. In addition, it is necessary to train on your own for 5-10 minutes every day.

Students have different levels of ability and progress at different speeds. It is not appropriate to measure your progress against other students. Do not let yourself become discouraged; it is likely that you are doing better than you think.

Basic techniques include blocks, strikes, punches or kicks. Techniques are practised in stance and may involve movement, timing, distance, targeting or combinations.

Blocks involve re-directing an attack; the forearm is used most often, but hands or legs can also be used. Most blocks require the wrist to turn quickly at the moment of impact, rather than using force against force, or a pushing movement. If contact is made after twisting the wrist, the block becomes a strike.

Strikes are generally performed with the elbow, forearm, wrist, fingers and open hands. They are usually offensive techniques, but are also effective as blocks.

Punches require a tight, closed fist and usually make contact close to the knuckles of the first and second fingers. A few punching techniques make contact with the extended second knuckle of the first or second finger. Most punches require the wrist to be quickly turned, a moment before contact.

Kicks are leg techniques, generally making contact with the foot, instep or shin. The knee must be raised quickly before the kick and the leg is always brought back to the starting position at the end. Either a "snapping" or "thrusting" motion is required.

Hand and leg techniques are both important and require roughly equal amounts of practice (many students find leg techniques a little more difficult and will benefit from slightly more emphasis on this area). It is also advisable to practice left and right sides equally (with a little more emphasis on the "weaker" side).

At each rank level, students will work on new techniques, which gradually increase in complexity. Most students will learn some techniques quickly, but struggle with others. Some allowance is made for individual body types and limitations, but students are always expected to try their best.

Sparring is simply the application of basic techniques. It should not be a cause of concern or anxiety.

There are four types of sparring: three step (sambon kumite), one step (ippon kumite), semi-free (jiyu ippon) and free sparring (jiyu kumite). The first three types involve a pre-arranged attack, block and counter-attack. Free-sparring (where either side may attack or defend as they wish) is seldom practiced before "black belt" level.

Three step sparring requires the attacking side to step forward and punch, with the defending side stepping back and blocking. The defending side counter-attacks after the third attack and the roles are reversed. There are two series of attacks, the first at face level (jodan) and the second at chest level (chudan). Occasionally, five step sparring is practised instead of three step.

One step sparring emphasizes the principle that there is no second chance in karate -- the attacker has only one attack and the defender has only one block / counter. In addition, kicking techniques are introduced. Otherwise, it is very similar to three step sparring. Seventh kyu to first kyu gradings require one step sparring.

Semi-free sparring continues with the same principles as one step, but the attacker and the defender move freely. The attacker must wait until coming into correct distance and finding an opening. Only the shodan grading requires jiyu kumite.

Regardless of what type of sparring is practised, contact is never allowed. All attacks are stopped short of contact; this control is an essential part of karate training.