Martial Arts Traditions Old and New

Hello everyone. I am excited about the new year. Beginning in January we will have our kid's classes from 530pm to 630pm Tuesday and Fridays. They can still attend classes on Saturday for Judo and if other kids are at the 9am class they can practice with them. We will also begin our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes on Friday at 630pm to 730pm and an escrima class from 730 to 800pm.

I would also like everyone who has a Gi to wear it to class. Also if you have attended for at least two months by January I would like to see those that have not purchased a Gi get one. I remember the days when those that did not wear their Gi's did not train. Please let's be unified.

We will also be getting more traditional as far as ettiquette goes in the Dojo. Why, because I miss those days when the my Instructor's taught we were in a position to listen, and it is respectful and humbling both for the Instructor and the Student. Those of you who have attended Seminars or trained at other schools are aware it is more formal. It is the way it should be. I also would like to go back to using Japanese commands to bring the culture to us and for us to show respect back to the culture that brought Martial Arts to us. I know when I have been to other schools, even locally and enter, the Instructor brings his class to attention and they bow to me and I bow back as a show of respect. It's very humbling to me when it occurs.

Meanings;
Meaning of the karate belt (Obi)

Crossing tie-

The crossing tie in the back represents Confucian principles behind the martial arts. Kyu (colored belts) students wear a Confucian tie.

Single unit tie-

The single unit tie represents unity of both belt classes to make a Dan (black belt). Dan (black belts) practitioners wear a single unit tie to separate themselves from kyu belt students.

Square knot-

The square knot represents wholeness in karate. As you are practicing karate, it becomes a part of you as you become a part of it to become one or whole. Karate forever changes your mindset and gives you tools to become a leader and stand out from others.

Evenness of belt ends-

Even belt ends represent even knowledge in hands and feet. Uneven belts in the Dojo not only disgraces the student wearing the belt, but disgraces the school and teacher.

Respect your belt-

Never throw your belt on the ground as this shows disrespect to every student and teacher in marital arts whether in past, present or future. Also by throwing your belt on the ground shows you are ungrateful to your teacher who gave you knowledge of karate. Never play with your belt as a jump rope or otherwise as this tells your instructor that you are not serious about training. Students who are not serious about training should not consider learning karate because lack of maturity.

Wearing the Gi jacket top-

Wearing your Gi jacket top the right way means everyday wearing. A students lapel should always cross from the left shoulder to the right waist. By wearing your Gi jacket top from right to left means you are attending a Japanese funeral ceremony in which you are expected to commit the ultimate act of seppuku or disemboweling yourself to die an honorable death.

Entering and exiting the Dojo-

Always bow at the entry point when entering or exiting the Dojo to show respect. By bowing, it shows respect to Sensei or a Shihan, but it honors all who trained before you, and all who train after you.

Remain quiet and respectful to your teacher while s/he is teaching-

Always show respect to your teacher when s/he is discussing a lesson while in class. When you are in the Dojo, the student is expected to remain silent unless Sensei is talking directly to you. When too many talk, play, and not pay attention, not only does this show disrespect, but it distracts others from learning what Sensei is teaching. Students usually sit on the floor close to the wall but never touch their backs against the wall while sitting. Leaning against the wall disgraces the student as this shows the student is lazy and undisciplined. Martial arts is about discipline and respect. Likewise students who talk and play around may miss an important step or piece of information which could prevent them from being hurt. Usually students that do not listen in class often hurt themselves by not listening to Sensei.

Never walk on the Dojo floor with shoes-

This is an ancient Asian custom which not only shows respect to Sensei, but also emphasizes cleanliness. Before anyone enters the Dojo, always take your shoes off before you step on the floor. Likewise, if you enter an Asians house, you are expected to take your shoes off as well. Taking you shoes off before entering the Dojo or house shows respect, but keep in mind you can unknowingly track into such places such as gum, dirt or even animal feces on the bottom of your shoes.