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Frequently Asked Questions
| It is very common for us at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo to receive phone calls or visits from parents interested in getting their kids involved in the martial arts, or adults interested in their own personal training that have very little knowledge or none at all of what the martial arts are all about. At the Y.K.K.F. Dojo that is not a problem, on the contrary, Shroff Sensei is always willing to spend time with any newcomer to answer any questions or worries that the person may have. Shroff Sensei not only has been involved with the martial arts for over 28 years to understand the need to make the community aware of the true benefits of the arts, but he is a parent himself that understand the worries that parents have over any negative influence towards their children in these days. It is the intention of this section to answer many of the most common questions that people may have when they visit a Dojo for the first time. If some of your questions have not been answered here, please feel free to call us or visit us at the Dojo, we will be happy to answer them. |
| Hopefully this FAQ will answer some of the common questions I get asked in emails by people intending to start karate training. |
| 1. What is karate? |
| Karate is a system of
punches, strikes, blocks, kicks, throws and joint locks. It is designed as a defensive,
not aggressive art. In a class one will practice individual and combination techniques
with a partner"or against 'fresh air' (like shadow boxing) Techniques are
also practised on impact pads to give a realistic feel to your punches etc The mainstay of traditional karate is 'kata' these are ancient series of movements containing all the particular techniques of that given school or style of karate. They start off quite basic but as you progress through the grades (or belts) they become ever more complex. They can be practised in quite a small space so you can refine your kata technique at home as well as in the karate training hall (or dojo). Some people have equated kata to being like 'moving meditation' and certainly the concentration and body co-ordination required perform a kata perfectly can bring on a state of extreme concentration. |
| 2. What does Karate mean? |
| Simply translated it means "empty hand". Karate is a method of training the human body for fighting and self defense purposes.
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| 3. What is Karate-Do? |
| Karate literally means empty hand, and 'do' (pronounced 'dough') signifies that karatedo is a Way of self exploration and not simply a study of physical body movements. |
| 4. What is the ultimate focus of the training? |
| "The ultimate aim of karate-do lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants" |
| 5. Why is Martial Arts Training so popular? |
| Martial Arts Training is so popular because no other
activity can provide the same positive results, on a personal level, for each
individual participant. Whether your goal is self-defence, personal development,
fitness, or to earn a black belt. Martial Arts is a Fun Fulfilling Workout Our workouts are a great way to get in shape. Martial arts is like an exercise program with a bonus! You learn to defend yourself while you get in shape Our Classes Relieve Stress The emphasis on mind body training goes far beyond the benefits of standard health club type exercise programs. Our Program is a lot of fun The reason our program is successful is because we make the classes fun and exciting. We learned a long time ago that if people are having fun, they learn much faster Individual Instruction Though you are in class for yourself you are not by yourself. Our instructors will provide you with the most effective, safe and personal instruction available. You'll receive individual help as you master the basics and on-going guidance from our instructors as your skill level increases. |
| 6. Where did it come from? |
| Karate contrary to popular public conception is not
a Japanese martial art but did in fact originate on a small island south of Japan
called Okinawa. Here indigenous fighting disciplines were added to over many years
as Okinawans brought back fighting traditions from their visits to Southern China.
Many Southern Chinese who either settled in Okinawa or conducted trade there,
also added their skills to the art the Okinawans referred to as 'Te" (Hand) Early last century Okinawans took 'Te' to Japan where it took root and was systematised into what we know as karate today. |
| 7. Why are there different styles? |
| There
are many different styles (or ryu = schools) of karate, originally on Okinawa
there were three types of the previously mentioned 'Te" named after the villages
around which they were centred, Naha, Shuri and Tomari. These schools merged and
subdivided over the years to become the four main Okinawan Ryu of Karate, which
are, Goju Ryu, Shito Ryu, Uechi Ryu and Shorin Ryu. On reaching Japan these four Ryu became many as people added their own ideas and started their own systems. Today there are hundreds of different schools, some traditional and many that have abandoned tradition in favour of seeking success in competition or becoming the 'ultimate fighting art' |
| 8. Which style is best? |
| The best style is the one that suits you! All styles place a slightly different emphasis on how things are practised, for example, practising high kicks instead of low kicks, more kata or less kata in favour of fighting (kumite). At the end of the day it's not the school that is most important but the instructor. Seek out recommendations, visit and watch a few different dojos and check out the instructors credentials. |
| 9. What can karate do for me? |
| Besides giving you the basis on which to be able to better defend yourself in a conflict karate has some deeper benefits. Surface benefits such as feeling fitter, being more co-ordinated and improved reflexes are things which will appear after only several months training. Deeper benefits such as better composure, a clearer thought process, a deeper insight into yourself and improved confidence are things which take longer, but will in time and with practice be some of the deeper benefits of karate training. |
| 10. Do I need to be fit to join a karate class? |
| No, in a good club your level of fitness will be taken into account and your level of exercise will be gradually increased over several months until you are able to follow the rest of the class through the entire warm up. |
| 11. Will there be any other women in the class? |
| Most certainly, women are quite well represented in most dojos. Again the best thing to do is to find a dojo that you like the look of and talk to the women there about the training. |
| 12. I have a medical condition/physical disability, does that rule me out? |
| No, but seek advice from a doctor before embarking upon any karate practice if you suffer from any condition which could be affected by exercise. If you have a physical disability there is no reason why you should not be able to practice karate (many do). |
| 13. I suffer from Asthma, should I still practice? |
Oh yes, most certainly! In fact, as long as you make sure that who ever is taking class knows that you suffer from Asthma, and as long as you are sensible and rest when you feel an attack coming on, then your training will do you good. Many types of physical disability in young students can be helped by karate training, however it is important that you inform your instructor of any problems
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| 14. Am I too old to start? |
| No, students of all ages are welcome to train in most dojos. Listen to your body during practice and don't try to 'keep up', just enjoy it. |
| 15. Why do we need to wear a special suit? |
You don't really have to. Karate can be practiced in a track suit or other ordinary clothes, but the wearing of a white cotton Gi as it is called. is traditional, and gives one a sense of identity and is very functional
|
| 16. Why are there different colour belts? |
A colour system belt is used to denote the skill-level of the wearer.
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| 17. Do I have to go to Okinawa to get the best Instructor? |
| Although there are very good and authentic teachers in Okinawa. The knowledge which you get in Okinawa is beyond imagination and cannot be compared with others. The teachers in India are trained and graded in Okinawa and teach according to a set syllabus which is taught in all dojos around the world. |
| 18. Is there anything to look for to show whether the dojo (class) I want to join is a good or a bad one? |
That is a good question? First, ask your parents to try and find out about the instructor: What are his/her qualifications? What do other members of his/her class think? Do they enjoy the classes? Does he/she seem to be "into" his/her classes or does he/she merely stand in front issuing directions?
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| 19. Instructor, why do we call you Sensei? |
| It simply means "teacher" in Japanese and it is a sign of respect. |
| 20. I keep hearing people saying "Onegai shimasu" when they enter the dojo. What does it mean? |
| "Onegai shimasu" simply means "please help me". |
| 21. Why do we bow as we enter the practice hall and when we meet another teacher or student? |
The bow, or REI in Japanese is a sign of respectful greeting, much as the handshake in the West.
|
| 22. Why do we meditate? |
| To begin with, meditation has nothing to do with religion. Basically we do it as a way of calming the mind so as to prepare ourselves for training or to relax after training. |
| 23. What is Yudansha Kobujitsu Karate Doh Federation and how does it differ? |
| Yudansha Kobujitsu Karate Doh Federation means Black belt ancient martial arts empty handed way organization. Y.K.K.F. is a fraternal organization of many arts and styles recognizing the intrinsic worth and value of every system. It is in the spirit of Budo (Martial ways) that all the schools of Y.KKF. work with each other for their mutual advancement and the discovery of the ultimate purpose of Budo. It was founded in 1978 by Saiko Shihan RON YAMANAKA. The YKKF World President is GIOVANNI Di MEGLIO Shihan 6th Dan Kyoshi Okinawa Goju-Ryu karate doh and ju-jitsu. |
| 24. Who heads the Yudansha Kobujitsu Karate- Doh Federation in India? |
This organisation is led by Sensei Jehangir Shroff - 5th Dan Black Belt.
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| 25. Who is a Sensei? |
| The instructor of your club is referred to a Sensei. Guest instructors are also addressed as Sensei. 'Sen' means "before" and 'sei' means "born". The literal meaning of the Japanese word is "one who is born before". It is the honourable term used to address even doctors, lawyers and professors in Japan. |
| 26. What is a Dojo? |
| The Dojo is really the home of the Sensei; students come to his home to learn his way of life. It is a place where we can learn a great deal in a short time about who we are and how we react in the world. The Dojo is a place set aside from the rest of the world and should be treated with great respect. Be sure to bow upon entering and leaving, and keep your Dojo clean. |
| 27. What is a Seminar? |
| A seminar is a working class given by a guest instructor. Senior instructors are regularly invited to assist you Sensei. The corrections made by the guest instructors are noted by your Sensei and incorporated into future class lesson plans. Seminars help students to correct technique and help your instructor improve his teaching. Attendance at these special classes ensures the growth of both the individual and the club as a whole. |
| 28. What is the belt testing procedure? |
| Belt testing occurs regularly throughout the year. You will be taught everything you need to know for each belt level. A panel of black belts will judge you and upon successful completion of the grading requirements you will receive your belt and grading certificate. Our goal is to assist you and make sure it is an enjoyable experience. |
| 29. How long does it take me to get my belts? |
| The time between every Kyu belts (white to brown-3) is between 6 months to 1 year. To get a black belt in karate it takes minimum 6 years of continuous training. |
| 30. How long will it take me to get a black belt? |
| The average time within our Association is six years, this is based upon someone who trains 2-3 times a week, attends seminars at our Association HQ (Honbu Dojo) and possesses an average level of fitness and co-ordination. People who can only attend sporadically due to work commitments or students who have an injury or disability that slows down their progress may have to wait a while longer. Getting your black belt isn't everyt1hing, you can go to some schools and take a black belt in one years. Ifs not what you have on, it's how you feel. |
| 31. Should I train in other martial arts? |
| Initially one may train in several arts, but it is usual to find one that suits you best and to concentrate on mastering all that it has to offer. |
| 32. What is the J.K.A.? |
| .. J.K.A stands for Japan Karate Association. It is a support organization through which a club can arrange guest instrudors, attend tournaments, receive karate publications as well as other technical and organizational information which ensure the strong growth of our club. Each individual is required to join the J.K.A to be eligible to participate in classes, tournaments and testings. |
| 33. Does your club teach practical self-defence? |
| Our program is based on real world situation and practical
applications and teaches skills that do not rely on size or strength. While we
try and have fun and enjoy our classes we take self defence very seriously. Our
defence program uses a step by step process of developing confidence in your ability
to protect yourself and others. Our classes are taught by experts who will make
the process of learning self-defence safe and rewarding. You will 1. Increase your confidence 2. Reduce your fear 3. Learn to handle bullies or aggressive people 4. Enhance assertiveness 5. Remain calm under pressure |
| 34. Are you affiliated with any Martial Arts or Karate Organisation? |
Yes, Our organization i.e. Y.K.K.F.(India) is a member of Yudansha Kobujitsu Karate-Doh Federation (International) under the guidance of SAIKO SHIHAN RON YAMANAKA -Founder of YKKF (International) & SHIHAN GIOVANNI DI MEGLIO - YKKF World President. Y.K.K.F.(lndia)
is a member of MAHARASHTRA KARATE ASSOCIATION & Affiliated to ALL INDIA KARATE-DO
FEDERATION, Recognised By GOVT. OF INDIA & INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (lOA). |
| 35. Is contact sparring (fighting) required? |
| NO! Absolutely no contact is allowed. In fact we do not practise free sparring, but do use a form of touch tag to practise timing and distancing. We focus on real world situations (one step fighting and self-defence). In these we touch, hold arms, wrists and hands etc; but not in any way to cause injury, bruising or pain. We also practise bag work for both punching and kicking. This allows you to hit without hurting yourself or anyone else. |
| 36. Will I be injured? |
| Karate is a contact sport so there will inevitably be injuries. In my experience as an Instructor (Sensei) my students more often than not come in to class with injuries that they have sustained playing football, cricket or some other popular sport. Injuries in karate tend to be quite minor such as bruising to the forearms or shins (or ego!). Strained fingers or toes from getting them in the way! The occasional black eye or injured rib. Karate has taken on board ideas taken from modem sports science and any dangerous exercises are no longer taught by reputable dojos. The best advice is if it hurts don't do it! |
| 37. What are the traditional martial arts? |
| Ancient self-defense systems where the practitioners learn to live their lives under a code of discipline, honor, and respect for themselves and others. |
| 38. What is a Dojo? |
| The western common interpretation referes to Dojo as the martial art school or building. The traditional Japanese martial art concept translates the kanji or Japanese character Do as 'the way, the path', and Jo as 'the place', for what the real meaning is known as the 'place where we find our way', 'the place where we forge our character'. |
| 39. What Martial Arts are taught at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo? |
| The arts taught at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo are Karate, Judo, Tai Chi Chuan & Kick Boxing. We teach Karate: Okinawan empty hand system. The style taught at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo is Okinawan Goju Ryu, one of the first two main karate schools born in Okinawa. Goju Ryu at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo has preserved the meaning of a traditional art and not as a modern flashy fighting system. Kobudo: ancient Okinawan system based on the use of agricultural and fishing tools as weapons. Self-Defense: practical system that permits children and adults to apply simple and useful techniques to soft spots of an assailant when the need arises. |
| 40. Does every Dojo offers the same as the Y.K.K.F. Dojo? |
| No, the education obtained at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo is very different compared with most Dojos because Shroff Sensei's unique vision, training, experience, and exposure to the true martial arts acquired during his long career living in many different places. Shroff Sensei's teaching is not directed toward obtaining fast belts or medals and trophies to keep the students happy at the Dojo. His teaching is focused on exposing practitioners to the true martial arts where each student earns his/her own position at the Dojo because his/her hard work, dedication, discipline, and loyalty. He motivates every one to do their best to be able to become the best that they can be. |
| 41. What do we learn at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo? |
Members at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo are taught equally the importance of the physical aspect of the martial art or self-defense techniques as well as the philosophical part of the arts. Practitioners, in addition to the waza (techniques) will also learn rekishi (history of the martial arts), reigi (proper etiquette of the martial arts) among many other subjects. Students at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo are exposed to concepts rarely seen in the western world, concepts like the sooji. Sooji is a traditional oriental custom where all the students; from white belt to black belt, without distinction of rank, line up one next to the other with a towel in their hands and at unison all push their towels across the Dojo floor cleaning the entire training area. The meaning is far away from being just a cleaning procedure, it is a daily routine to remind the practitioner to maintain a humble heart without egos regardless of their rank or seniority at the Dojo. At the Y.K.K.F. Dojo students will be constantly reminded to exercise the concept of respect. With time that respect showed to Sensei's (instructors), Sempai's (seniors), and Doshi's (classmates) during their time at the Dojo, will become a natural concept in their life's outside the Dojo, making our students much better citizens. |
| 42. What is Karate training ? |
Karate training includes three areas that are: Kihon, Kata and Kumite. After the usual warm-up exercises you will start with kihon, progressing through kata and later kumite. Kihon is the name given to all the basic techniques. Thus blocking, kicking, punching and striking with different parts of your body, advancing and backing up, there are progressively more complicated combinations as you continue your training. Katas are pre-established imaginary confrontations with adversaries from a number of directions, thus they include combinations of techniques in progressively more and more complicated ways. Most serious instructors consider Kata the base and essence of Karate-do, and lay very strong weight on them. Another part of your Karate training will involve working with an opponent, this is called Kumite, sparring training. Kumite is done with an opponent, there are progressive step along the way to free combat (jyu kumite). It begins with involving simple defenses with counter-attacks and simple opponent attacks, continues with progressively more and more demanding sparring techniques, which eventually end up with free sparring. |
| 43. How much of a lesson is dedicated to kihon, kata, and kumite? |
| This is variable. I can tell you how it has been in my training and a bit in other places. About 40% Kihon, 40% Kata and 20% kumite. But there are classes entirely dedicated to kata or to kihon. |
| 44. When can I stop practicing kihon and kata and just do kumite? |
| Why would you want to do that? Is only doing combat is your idea of Karate training. All Karate-do elements are interrelated, kihon training, high repetitions, will affect your Kata and Kumite positively, so will the other affect the rest too. There is no way to bypass any part of the training, without degrading some part of the rest. All are part of a complete training, there is no bypass, no easy way. I truely hope your not looking for one either. |
| 45. Is my son/daughter too young to practice Karate? |
| At the Y.K.K.F. Dojo we receive children from 4 years old if they are ready to follow commands and maintain focus in a structured group class. Each child is different and Shroff Sensei will be happy to asses your child to determine if he/she is ready or if it will be necessary to wait a bit longer before he/she begins training. |
| 46. Will my child become aggressive if he/she practices Karate? |
| Many parents are concerned of that possibility mainly because the wrong message and image that 'action films' are portraying nowadays in theaters. Shroff Sensei takes his role very seriously as an educator and is very strict in his constant reinforcement to children and adults to never misuse or play with the self-defense techniques learned at the Y.K.K.F. Dojo. Parents and teachers of the children at the Dojo are able to notice their behaivor in this manner soon after they begin their training. |
| 47. As an adult, am I too old to begin practicing the martial arts? |
| Age should not be an issue to stop anyone from starting to practice the martial arts. Shroff Sensei not only encourages adults to obtain the benefits of the practice, but also he tailors the classes for them to be able to have a progressive and smooth transition at the beginning. |
| 48. I have a physical limitation, can I practice the martial arts? |
| Unless it is a severe limitation, it should not be a problem to practice the martial arts. Shroff Sensei shapes the training of practitioners with physical impediments to be able to train by working around their limitations. |
| 49. I am overweight, can I practice the martial arts? |
Yes, actually starting the martial arts will be the perfect way to lose weight. Shroff Sensei guides and supervises the training closely of beginners with weight problems for them to be able to train according to their conditions and have a constant and steady improvement. Many adults related to the last questions are concerned to join a Dojo and that adults already practicing will make them feel inferior or make fun of them. At the Y.K.K.F. Dojo as Shroff Sensei always says, all the Dojo members become 'his family members' and every single member is there to support each other. As a result, every newcomer is always not only welcome, but is helped to develop a good technique as well as good self-esteem. One of biggest differences between a gym and a Dojo is that in a gym attendees need to have a very strong discipline to be able to push themselves to have a good workout. In a Dojo, the energy flows between all the practitioners attending the class making it very easy for a beginner to get motivated to have a very good training. |
| 50. What are the white clothes Karate people wear? |
| Karate before it was introduced to the Japanese Mainland was practiced in Hakama (long wide-legged pants), once on the mainland, and inspired by Judo, a white uniform, made of two pieces, a jacket and a pair of pants, was introduced. In Japanese this is called a Karate-gi. The traditional and accepted Karate-gi is of white color, and at most with a school patch. |
| 51. What is a black belt, and how can I get one? |
| It's a black piece of cloth in the form of a long belt. They can be bought in any martial arts store. The right question, could be something like "What does a Black Belt represent?", this requires a longer explanation. When Master Funakoshi arrived to the Japanese mainland, there were no belts, it was not before 1932 when he standardized the different levels in Karate, based on the Judo system. At that point he gave all his older students a black belt. The black belt represents the moment when you have learnt the technique well enough to be able to begin your true Karate training. So once you get one, after years of practice, you are ready to begin. There are previous gradings before attaining a shodan (first degree black belt) these are called kyu. |
| 52. Why do Karate people break boards? |
| That is an old tradition. It is no longer practiced on a regular basis. It can be used from time to time as a specific test, but is largely avoided and sometimes sneered at. Unfortunately most people have ended thinking that's Karate, remember to read Master Funakoshi's words in Karate-do Nyumon (Kodansha International) on this subject: "Karate-do is a noble martial art, and the reader can rest assured that those who take pride in breaking boards or smashing tiles, or who boast of being able to perform outlandish feats, like stripping flesh or plucking out ribs, really know nothing about karate. They are playing around in the leaves and branches of a great tree, without the slightest concept of the trunk". |
| 53. Why do people do Karate barefoot? |
| It is a tradition. I do believe there is a justification on a more subtle level with respect to the direct contact with the surface and the transmission of ki, but I do not feel, in the least, qualified to speak on this subject, I will include qualified opinions in the future. The most down to earth explanation could be the Japanese tradition of taking your shoes off before going in to a home. Another could be to strengthen your feet, thicken the skin and minimize the striking area while striking with the feet. |
| 54. Why do Karate people bow? |
| Karate is a Japanese traditional Martial Art. Traditional means we are following many teachings that have been given down from different Japanese masters. In Japan it's a custom to bow, when you greet someone, just as shaking hands is a custom in Occident. All Kata begin and end with a bow so even though it may be tempting for some to eliminate the bow, it's like trying to change the essence of Karate, so this has not been done in traditional karate groups. |
| 55. Do I have to bow? |
| Yes, if you are planning to train Karate. But this question is a bit irrelevant once you consider the question, it's like asking "Will I have to shake hands if I choose to live in New York (Paris, London, Santiago, etc)? Of course, it would be very rude to do otherwise. Do not forget it's a greeting, a "hand shake", with no religious significance what-so-ever, so don't be shy. |
| 56. What is a Sensei? |
| Sen means "before", Sei means "life, birth, living or lived". Thus a Sensei is someone who has experienced something before you. He has walked the path you are planning to follow before you, he can tell you what to do. In more general terms, it's a teacher, normally the head instructor of the Dojo you are attending and nobody else there. |
| 57. How should I act toward the Sensei? |
| With the respect you would show to anybody that has a vast experience in any subject of your interest. Any real Sensei will of course not be expecting any special treatment and will surely be a very approachable person. But if you are training it's recommendable to act courteously. |
| 58. Who is the Sempai? |
| The person in charge of the groups training other than the Sensei could be considered the Sempai, but in Japanese culture Sempai is a mentor. |
| 59. Who is the Kohai? |
| The kohai is the junior man in the sempai/kohai relationship. |
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