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Belt Promotion and the quest to become a BLACK BELT
In the early days of modern Karate, the Karate-ka (student) donned a white belt (obe) as part of the traditional karate uniform (gi). As each Karate-ka became strong, powerful and proficient, their belts became darker with the accumulation of the toil from hard training. The Black Belt became the personification of hard work, sacrifice, loyalty and commitment. Today, achievement of each Belt Promotion provides the Karate-ka the ability to demonstrate individual development toward achieving a Black belt.
The Promotion Exam provides the Exam Committee (shinsa iin kai) the opportunity to judge both the individual Karate-Ka in conjunction with the overall development of the Dojo. The promotion structure is split into two categories. These are the Kyu grades and the Dan grades. Kyu grades are student grades rising from the lowest 10th Kyu to 1st Kyu. Various colored belts denote these grades. Dan grades denoted by a Black belt progress from 1st Dan upwards. This structure is to assist in evaluating the ability and progress of a student, or Karateka, and help create an incentive to learning.
Basically, it is a question of whether the student has the determination for the diligent practice required to improve. The amount of time it takes to become proficient varies and is largely dependent upon dedication to training. In addition, grading examinations are invariably nervous times and therefore they will be a test of your mental approach as well as your technical ability. The grading examination is divided into four sections as follows:
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Kihon Waza
Kihon Waza, or basic techniques, are the foundations of all Karate technique. It is impossible to make progress in true Karate-Do without first acquiring these foundations. It is essential that all Karate students repeat the same basic technique again and again. It is no exaggeration to say that it is impossible to repeat the basic techniques too often. There is infinite meaning to be gained from their repetition. On the mental side, we can build up our character for through them we learn patience and concentration. On the physical side, we acquire bodily powers and control of our bodies, learning how to relax our shoulders in action, how to concentrate our energy on a single point or on a movement, how to twist our waist or our fist, and how to preserve perfect balance at all times. Basic techniques involve such profundity of skill, and are so fundamental to good karate, that one may say that not even a lifetime would be enough to acquire perfection, or even near perfection. |
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Renraku Waza
Renraku Waza, or combination techniques, are where the basic blocking and attacking techniques of karate are combined into a sequence of moves in a rational and realistic sequence, whereby each preceding technique is a preparatory move to the following technique so that all the moves are connected. Since karate includes various blocking and attacking techniques using both hands and feet, the number of these combinations is almost infinite. |
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Kata
The word Kata is a Japanese word for which there is no literal translation into English. Its nearest translation is "form". Kata is a prearranged set of techniques, performed in a certain sequence and in a prescribed manner. The Karateka defends himself or herself against a series of imaginary attacks from one or more opponents approaching from different directions. It is a practical device for teaching and passing on the techniques of karate. The techniques themselves are common to all styles but the manner in which they are performed will clearly identify the style, such as Shito-Ryu, Wado, Shotokan, Goju, etc. The Kime (focus and power) in these four styles are of different duration and they place different emphasis on breathing. The variation in stances adopted whilst performing Kata will also identify a style, in much the same way that a school of art can be identified; the school providing the structure and format together with the clear reason for each technique.
Kata is a fundamental part of karate. It is impossible to understand Kata from just talking or reading about it; you must physically study it and you will discover that the old masters had a profound knowledge of the human body. The construction of a Kata is not just a haphazard collection of techniques drawn together on a whim because it looks pretty. It is a vast storehouse of knowledge that only continuous practice will reveal a little at a time. Kata is the thesaurus of techniques as well as method of preserving techniques. In addition, it is the study of physics, in particular the study of dynamics of the human body and the methods of producing kinetic energy by specific and quite unique use of the body, through rotation, acceleration, momentum, velocity, moment, action and reaction. This also involves the study of balance, timing, focus, tension, relaxation, breathing and meditation. With a long period of study, Kata will show all of these component parts.
However, even if we accept all of this, it is evident that an important ingredient is missing. The vital component that makes Kata come alive is the individual spirit, the expression of will or spirit that the performer himself or herself brings to that Kata. Without this will, or without soul, the Kata is just mechanical, it does not live. Kata is your way of expressing your will in karate. It is where you blend your spirit and karate together. |
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Kumite "Sparring"
Kumite is the term used for a form of training in which two opponents confront each other. There are a number of types of Kumite, all-different:
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Ippon Kumite - one step sparring |
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Nihon Kumite - two step sparring |
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Kihon Kumite - basic sparring |
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Kumite Kata - sparring form |
All of these types of Kumite the attacks are predetermined. By this method the students develop defensive technique, and gain experience in distancing and timing, which cannot be practiced in individual training. After this predetermined sparring is somewhat mastered, the students learns Jiyu Kumite "free sparring" in which there is a free exchange of blows, blocks and counterattacks, none of which is predetermined. |
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