The Edinburgh Karate Academy is a traditional Karate club which follows Budo (martial) tradition. The introduction to Dojo Kun below is to be found in all traditional branches of Japanese martial arts (Karate Do, Kendo, Aikido, Judo etc)
The concept of respect for the art of Karate Do, the dojo, Sensei, fellow students, society as a whole should be embraced should one wish to discover the true essence of Karate Do. The following briefly outlines some of these concepts:
Dojo Etiquette
1. On entering and leaving the dojo, rei (bow).
2. Shoes must be removed on entry to the Dojo (training hall).
3. All training clothing must be kept clean and neat
4. Never forget the safety of other dojo students.
5. When training with a partner, it is important to rei (bow) and salute (osu) before and after practice.
Sensei (teacher), Sempai (Senior Student)
1. When greeting one's Sensei, Sempai & fellow students, rei (bow) and "osu" martial greeting.
2. Acknowledgment of Sensei/Sempei's commands are with a strong "osu".
3. Visiting instructors are referred to as Sensei
Seiza
This is carried out at the start and end of every class:
a) The sempai shall call the class to attention with Shomeni Seireitsu. All students will quickly form their training lines with seniors to the right.
b) Seiza, the class kneels first on the left knee, then on the right knee keeping the back straight, assuming full Seiza.
c) Mokso, close your eyes and mentally prepare yourself for training. Your mind should be free from all thoughts but training.
d) Mokso Yame, completion of meditation and eyes open.
e) Shomen Ni Rei bow to the front of the dojo. Respect for the art of Karate, past, present and future teachers.
f) Otegai Ni Rei bow to each other.
g) Sensei Ni the class turns towards Sensei, command Rei will then be given.
h) Seiza Yame - Class will stand, with senior grades rising first
i) Otegai Ni Rei - Standing Rei
On each command of Rei, Osu is the response. This is the martial greeting.
Katas (currently in active Practice Within Edinburgh Karate Academy)
Beginners Kata Intermediate Kata
Shiho Sanshiki (1-3) Pinan 1-5 (Peaceful Mind)
Taikyoku (1-5) - (First Course) Goho Hiji Ate (5 Elbow Methods)
Juni No
Advanced Kata
Shuri Te: Naha Te: Tomari Te:
Niahanchin (Internal Divided Conflict) Sanchin (3 Battles/Conflicts) Nieseishi (24 Steps)
Bassai Dai (Storming the Fortress) Tensho (Rotating Hands)
Matsukaze/Wankan (Pine Tree Wind) Seienchin (Lull In The Storm)
Jion (Temple Bells) Saifa (Final Breaking Point)
Wansu/Enpi (Flying Swallow) Kurunfa (Holding, Striking Suddenly)
Combinations
Tani Ha 1 - 9