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KYOKUSHIN KARATE FOR KIDS
Q - Instructor, why do we call you Sensei” (Shihan)?
A - It simply means “teacher” in Japanese and it is a sign of respect.
Q - What does Karate mean?
A - Simply translated it means “empty hand”. Karate is a method of training the human body for fighting and self defence purposes.
Q - I keep hearing people saying “Uss” or “Osu”. What does it mean?
A - “Osu” is a special word in Karate and it can mean many things. From a simple greeting to acknowledgement of a command as well as being a sign of determination before you start practising any particular technique.
Q - Why do we need to wear a special suit?
A - You don’t really have to. Karate can be practised 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.
Q - Why are there different colour belts?
A - A colour system belt is used to denote the skill-level of the wearer.
Q - Why do we bow as we enter the practice hall and when we meet another teacher or student?
A - The bow, or REI in Japanese is a sign of respectful greeting, much as the handshake in the West.
Q - Why do we meditate?
A - 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.
Q - How many times a week should I practise?
A - As often as you are able but at least twice a week.
Q - I suffer from Asthma, should I still practice?
A - 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
Q - Do I have to go to Japan to get the best Instruction?
A - No, although there are of course good teachers in Japan, there are teachers outside Japan who are more able to teach in a scientific and safe manner.
Q - Is there anything to look for to show whether the club I want to join is a good or a bad one?
A - 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? Determine if the club is recognised by the Governing Karate Body in the country.
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