Rochester Hills Okinawan Karate Traditions page!

Okinawan Karate of Rochester Hills follows all rules and regulations set forth by the North American Beikoku Shido-Kan Association.

UNIFORM (GI):

The Karate "gi" is a special uniform that is worn when practicing with other Karate-ka in the dojo. A traditional white gi is worn in the North American Beikoku Shido-Kan system.

Your Gi should be kept clean and in good condition at all times.

Patches for your gi are worn to symbolize your style of martial art, the place you study and the system you are studying.

	Kanji patch worn over left breast - Shido-Kan Karate-Do.
	Beikoku patch worn on left arm - North American Beikoku Shido-Kan Association member.
	Rochester Hills patch is worn on your right arm. - Rochester Hills Dojo member.

BOWING:

While a bow is as common in Japan as is a handshake in America, the bow in the dojo is recognized as a universal gesture of honor and respect to the people who train and study the martial arts. The bow is executed as a student enters or exits the taijo (training floor), before and after each class, before and after partnership drills, and after Sensei has given instruction. Additional occasions may also be appropriate for bowing, as customs or courtesy dictate.

Courtesy and respect for one another is a basic function in the dojo and is the most important lesson to learn. Without respect for each other we cannot practice our karate together. "Make friends with Karate" is the heart of Shido-Kan karate, as Sensei Iha often reminds us.

Our padded Taijo (training floor) allows for an in-depth exploration of the throws and controlling techniques found in Shorin Ryu Shido Kan Karate Do.

CLEANLINESS:

Personal hygeine is expected of all students. No strong odors on the training floor (perfume, tobacco, body odor). Fingernails and toenails should be trimmed and clean. No jewelry is allowed on the training floor. White tee shirts may be worn under your gi top. Long hair should be pulled back. In short, all students should be dressed properly for physical activity at the beginning of each class. At the end of each class, the dojo is cleaned by students of all ranks, in an interesting exercise called soji.

SPECIAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

All students will have opportunity to train directly with Sensei Iha upon invitation to monthy Shibu dojo keiko (training) and at the yearly National Training Seminar held at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan. Prices for special events will be posted and details of the events will be distributed during regular class times. Details may also be posted to this site as timing allows.

For more on dojo etiquette, karate terminology and other related information, please see Sensei Iha's student guide.

Keep up with the current Shibu dojo training schedule at Sensei Iha's class schedule.

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