Karate

The History and Origin

In its current form, karate is less than 200 years old however it has roots that date back thousands
of years.

The art originated on the island of Okinawa and in its early form was heavily influenced by
ancient Chinese martial arts, collectively known as kung fu.

The Beginnings of Karate History on Okinawa

The history of Okinawan Karate can be traced back to the late 17th century when a ban on
weapons was imposed by the samurai rulers of Japan.

The exact evolution of karate history is lost due to the lack of information being written down
which is unsurprising when taking into account the strict rules against subjects of the island
learning martial arts.

This meant that all training by early masters such as Kanga Tode Sakugawa (pictured) and
Sokon 'Bushi' Matsumura, had to be done in secret and as weapons
could not be carried on the island, self-defense tended to revolve
around empty handed techniques.

Karate Etiquette

Standing bow
Stand with heels together, feet pointing slightly outward (like a
“V”). Keep knees straight; elbows straight and relaxed; hands open
and at the seams of your pants (the outside of your legs); fingers
together. Bend at the waist, about 20 degrees forward. Unbend.
The whole bow takes about a breath’s length.

Kneeling (seiza)
Place left knee on the floor; then right knee. Sit down on feet. Big toes of
left and right feet should overlap (either one on top). Keep back straight
and shoulders relaxed. Rest left hand (hand open, fingers together) on left
thigh and right hand on right thigh, so that fingers point inward. For
anatomical reasons, men should have about a fist or two’s width betw een
their knees, women should have knees together.
Bowing in seiza
Slide the left hand from the thigh to the floor immediately in front of
the left knee (not too far in front, i.e., left elbow shouldn’t touch the
floor). Do the same with the right hand, so that the right hand motion
is slightly behind (in time) the left hand motion. Palms should touch
the floor to show deep respect. Bow at the waist, taking a little longer
than for a standing bow (forehead comes close to the floor, but does
not touch it). Slide your hands back up to their initial position on the
thighs, this time with the left hand slightly behind the right hand.

How to enter and leaving the dojo.mp4

Entering and exiting the dojo
Bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the front of the dojo, whether you are
entering or exiting the dojo.

Lateness
Try not to be late. If you are late, bow in, then quietly kneel near the entrance. Wait until the
instructor acknowledges you. Then bow kneeling, get up, and quickly join the group. If you
arrive just as everyone is kneeling at the beginning, don’t move, don’t make any noise, just wait
until warming-up starts, and bow in as described above.

Opening sequence
When you hear “Line up!” or “One line!”, stand shoulder to shoulder facing the front of the dojo,
in rank order. Try to line up so that the instructor is right in the middle of the line. If class size is
big, the senior student may ask you to form more than one line, in which case, you should try to
line up so that the lines are approximately of the same length. “Seiza!”: sit down in seiza, so that
knees are aligned with the person on your left. “Mokusou!”: quite meditation – just lower your
gaze, relax, and breathe. “Mokusou yame!”: stop. “Shoumen ni rei!”: Bow to the front of the
room (this signifies bowing to the institution of karate and to the line of instructors who brought
it to your instructor). “Sensei ni rei!”: Bow to the instructor. When you’re bowing, you can say
“onegaishimasu,” which, roughly translated, means “Please,” i.e., please teach me, please help
me, please hold class, etc. At the signal of the instructor, get up (quickly, without waiting for the
person on your left, necessarily).

Closing sequence
Same as the opening sequence, except that after mokusoh, there is a recitation of the dojo kun.
Repeat after the senior student, loudly (but not so loud that your voice stands out) and in unison.
During the final bow to the instructor, you can say “arigatou gozaimashita,” which means
“Thank you.” “Thank you” in English is okay, too. At the end, the instructor will get up. Wait
until the person on your left bows and gets up before you do the same.

Clean-up
Before class starts, there is usually some sort of cleaning of the dojo. During this time, actively
participate to whatever extent you can. Don’t sit back and stretch when others are still cleaning.
General Etiquette Guidelines During Training

 Most importantly, the moment class starts, your mind should be on karate and on trying
to improve your own technique. Concentrate, give spirited kiai, don’t talk unnecessarily,
and practice hard! (This is under “etiquette” because doing otherwise would be
disrespectful to the instructor, as well as to yourself, both of who have bothered to come.)
 Don’t wear jewelry, watches, etc.
 Don’t chew gum.
 Whenever you’re told to move from one part of the room to another, do it quickly (i.e.,
run or trot, at least). Also, don’t pass in front of anyone – go behind and around.
 Whenever you’re asked to stand back or sit back and watch, do so in a normal standing or
kneeling position, silently, without leaning on walls or distracting others. If you’re ever in
a kneeling position and you’re uncomfortable, it’s generally okay to bow and then switch
to sitting cross-legged.
 Whenever you stand from a sitting position, switch to kneeling, bow, then stand.
 If you ever need to leave a class early, let the instructor know beforehand.
 Every time you get a new partner for any exercise, bow. Every time you’re about to
switch partners, bow to your old partner before moving on to the next.
 Don’t make overt displays of how tired you are, no matter how tired you are.
 If you’re ever asked to count, count in whatever language you feel comfortable with, but
make the counts short, sharp, and spirited.
 Follow normal rules of etiquette that apply.
 Finally, these aren’t strict rules followed by every dojo. Some don’t follow them exactly,
in which case, you should start off erring on the side of being overly courteous but avoid
doing anything to stand out, since that in itself can be interpreted as rudeness.
Other things you should know
 Don’t say any words when you kiai. “Kiai” itself, being a Japanese word should NOT be
a kiai. Common kiai include “Ya!” and “Ei!”
 Don’t be afraid to kiai! If you have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder,
as well. The overall tone of a class is set by the level of spirit of the class, which can be
raised with better kiai. On the other hand, if your spirit is poor or your kiai weak, you
might bring down the class spirit.
 Do not hesitate to ask senior students and instructors for help before or after class. Time
permitting, you should try to learn kata outside of class so that during class, the instructor
can spend more time making comments about your technique rather than what move
comes next.
Basic Karate Stances
In Karate, students need to learn proper stances (i.e. front stance and back stance). These stances
will be used in Karate katas (i.e. Shotokan Karate katas), kicking techniques, etc.

Basic Skills
Focus
Many children have issues with keeping focused on the task at hand. Martial arts
will teach children this focus whether it be by using a breaking board, punching
pad, or control of physical movements. This learned focus goes farther than the
karate mat, and can be applied to other areas such as homework and reading.

Discipline
In order to be successful at karate, a child must learn discipline. The atmosphere in
the dojo is serious and strict. Instructors will not tolerate fooling around or
excessive talking. These disciplinary actions often carry over into the classroom.
This disciplined behavior often translates into better grades and controlled attitudes.

Memorization
Karate requires the memorization of things such as self defense moves, techniques,
and specific movements. Learning these memorization skills may also help students
during testing at school.
Effort
Karate encourages the student to push themselves farther than they believe they can
go. By encouraging them to continue to improve and it’s progress in their karate
studies, students are guided to the realization that they can be more than average.
Students are encouraged to give 100% in all that they do to realize their full
potential.

Goals
The goals that are achieved in karate classes are normally recognized by the
issuance of different colored belts for different levels of achievement. The lowest
ranking belt is white and the highest is black. These belt colors encourage children
to reach for the next level. Setting these types of goals will also encourage students
to create goals such as graduating school or earning a degree.

Respect
The basis of relationships and martial arts for children revolves around basic
respect for instructors, teachers, other students, and themselves. Many instructors
use the class time to discuss the importance of respect and how it affects each
person’s life. Teaching this respect to students will carry over into their daily lives
and their schooling.

Confidence
Karate students gain confidence through the realization that they are able to handle
situations and stay in control. As they become physically stronger their confidence
rises and they become less afraid of confrontation. This will allow the student to
stand up for themselves against bullies and potential attackers. This instilled
confidence will follow students through their lifetime.

WHAT IS KATA?

Kata, a Japanese word meaning "form", is a system of individual training incorporating highly
practical combat techniques and notions that have been cultivated and polished for centuries.

Ancient masters wouldn't write down their fighting techniques or draw them on paper as it wasn't
convenient. Instead, they created numerous solo combat forms used to store or record the various
series of combat movements and concepts. These forms make it easier to remember and to pass
to pass down to future generations. That's what modern science called a mnemonic tool.

To the untrained eyes, kata can appear to be dance-like drills, but in reality, they contain the
fundamental principles and concepts of Karate like stances, footwork, punches, kicks, blocks,
holds, and throws.
 It might sound obvious, but kata requires lots of training and repetition to master. In fact, it takes
years of practice to execute and understand a kata fully.

The vast majority of kata that are practiced today's dojo can be traced right back to China and
Okinawa (Ryukyu). Karate kata was pretty much the only way karate was taught up until the
1930s.

Without Bunkai, there is not kata.

5 Basic Kata

1. Heian Shodan – Shotokan Kata 1

kata 1.m p4

2. Heian Nidan – Shotokan Kata 2

kata 2.m p4

3. Heian Sandan – Shotokan Kata 3

kata 3.m p4

4. Heian Yondan – Shotokan Kata 4

kata 4.m p4

5. Heian Godan – Shotokan Kata 5

kata 5.m p4
 Arnis
History and Origin
The Philippines is an island nation rich in both culture and history. The Filipino martial art of
Arnis/Kali/Escrima has contributed to both the history and diversity of the Philippines. There
are an abundance of styles and systems of Arnis/Kali/Escrima that are taught throughout the
world to this day, that have survived and developed throughout the different regions, families
and teachers who have preserved what is sometimes called a “complete” martial art.

Arnis/Kali/Escrima was originally developed by the people native to the islands using simple
impact and edged weapons such as kampilans, rattan, swords, daggers, spears and other
assorted weaponry for combat and self defense. These weapons were also sometimes used as
farm implements.

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s force in 1521 was met in battle with a group of islanders,
led by Raja Lapu Lapu, who defeated Magellan using only a bladed weapon. Magellan’s
armored and musket bearing conquistadors were overpowered by the fierce fighters and
retreated. The Spanish returned in the 1570’s and this time the Philippines came under Spanish
rule unable to contend with the modern weaponry the Spanish used. The practice of
Arnis/Kali/Escrima was prohibited, but continued and was preserved through native ritual
dance, performance, and mock battles. Thus the arts were passed down in families from
generation to generation, honing their skill, speed, accuracy and agility.

The terms Arnis, Kali and Escrima are all used to refer to the Filipino martial arts. There has
been some confusion as to what word refers to which part of the martial art. It is believed that
Arnis, Kali, and Escrima are all a part of the same art and depending on the location, dialect
and type of training taught. Also, any of the three names may apply to a certain part of training.
One interpretation is that Kali is the mother art of Arnis and Escrima. Arnis focuses on the
knife, including dagger, sword, and any other form of bladed weapon. Escrima is based on the
baston or stick. It has also become very popular in the sport aspect of full contact stick
fighting.

To this day Arnis/Kali/Escrima has retained a strong Spanish influence not only in the names
and titles used in training, but in the impact it has had on Filipino culture. Filipino martial arts
continue to encompass a large range of weapons training and hand-to-hand combat, enriching
the culture of Filipino society. Thus the reference to it being a “complete” martial art.

Basic etiquettes

Like American Kenpo, World Modern Arnis has its own etiquette rules. A very practical rule
is "Never pick up another person's stick or weapon". The reason is simple: if you pick up
your opponent's stick in a fight, he may take advantage of you, and attack while you are being
courteous. Or if a street fight has just concluded, and you are the victor, you don't want to be
found with a weapon in your hand when the police arrive. They conclude incorrectly that you
used "unreasonable force" (you used a weapon while your opponent had no weapon).

In our dojo, when you drop a stick or any other weapon, by the same rule, you alone pick it up.
Before you do, your reward for being careless is 10 push-ups, and it doesn't matter what rank you
possess (Datu Tim and the sensei may be exempted, but I have yet to see Datu drop a stick
EVER).

When you are not working on a weapon's drill, the stick must be secured. If you don't want to
hold it, place it behind your back beneath your belt so that you can draw it when you need it and
it does not interfere with your arms and legs. If it were a real weapon, like a sword or knife, it
would have a sheath or belt hanger. If you are working with a stick, and your instructor calls
attention, hold the stick with both hands in front of you with your feet together.

As in Kenpo, each form in Arnis begins from an attention stance, followed by a salutation, and a
return to the attention stance. The salutation is different for each martial art, and the video below
features Sensei Carl Outram demonstrating and explaining the Arnis salutation.
Basic Stances
1. Ready Stance

This is the most common used stance when you are standing at ease. You can
use this stance in tournaments and fights before you start engaging with the
opponent.

In this stance you need to stand with your toes pointing forward and your feet
parallel to your shoulders. Standing with your feet apart gives you balance so
that you can move to the next position and attack your opponent.

You need to keep your knees straight and your whole body facing forward.

Your hands should be on the waist level either you are holding two batons or
one with another weapon.

2. Attention Stance

This stance is different from the ready stance, since you stand with your feet forming a 45
degrees angle. Your torso and the legs should be facing forward while keeping the knees straight.
In this stance, you will stand with the heels close to each other and the shoulders dropped to the
sides. Both hands should be kept at the waist level. This attention stance is usually used for
courtesy in preparation for a fight at the beginning before sparring.

3. Forward Stance

As you start from the ready stance, you will have to move one foot to the
front. You will have to do this until your toes and your knee are in line with
each other. Your toes, torso and waist will be facing forward, hence the
name of the stance. Make sure that your foot is not too much extended or the
body is too low, otherwise it will be hard to maneuver or attack from this
position. You should be able to distribute the weight of the body equally on
both legs. There are two types of forward stances. The right foot stance or
the left foot one, depending on the foot you are extending to the front. It is
usually used in striking or blocking techniques.
 4. Oblique Stance

This stance starts again from the ready stance. In this stance, you will start
moving one foot in 45 degrees angle until the toes and the knees are in line
with each other.

The foot is moved forward away from the body to reach the right position.
Your moving foot is called the lead foot.

You will have to move your body in the same direction of the lead foot. The
waist and the torso are kept moving to the front along with the toes.

It is essential not to extend your feet too much to the front or lower your
body too much otherwise it will be hard to move and maneuver. And it is
critical to keep your body weight equally distributed on both legs. Again the
oblique stance can be right or left foot led depending on the foot you choose to move. This
stance is used in blocking and evasion.

5. Straddle Stance

You should start from the ready stance then move either the left or
right foot for a distance of 2 feet to the left or right direction. This is
done until both lower legs are now perpendicular to the ground.

The whole body, the legs and the toes should be facing forward to
make sure that this stance is a success.

Again, it is crucial to make sure that the feet are not too extended as
this makes you in a position where you are unable to move properly
in order to attack or defend.

The name of this stance is due to the resemblance to the position a

horse rider would maintain. This is why it is also sometimes called
the Horseback Riding Stance.

This stance is one of the most efficient stances used to block the strikes especially to the side of
the body.
 6. Side Stance

This is very close to the straddle stance as you again start from the
steady stance then move your feet either to the right or the left.

However, in this position the moving foot will be kept perpendicular

to the ground while the other leg would be extended.

This Arnis stances somehow looks as if you are about to engage in a

side kick. Again, the torso, the legs and the toes should be kept
pointing forward.

Also, it is very important to make sure that the body is not too low by
extending your foot too far to the side. You can engage in a right side
stance or a left side stance depending on the foot you choose to move.

This stance is usually used in evasion techniques or strike deflection.

7. Back Stance

As the name suggests, in this stance the foot is moved to the back
rather than the side.

You will start from the ready stance then extend his foot to the back
in a 45 degrees angle away from the body.

While the legs are in a straddle position, the heels should form an
imaginary “L” shape.

The weight of the body should be equally distributed on both legs

and it is very important not to extend the foot too far.

Back stances can be done by extending the right or left foot. They are used in back evasion
techniques and in blocking.
Basic Skills
1. : Proper Hold of the Stick - Hold the stick one fist away from the punyo (butt) of the stick.
Close the grip with the thumb.

Handa
2. Basic Stance and Salutation a. - Feet are positioned shoulder width apart. - Stick is held in
front of the body.

Pugay
Basic Stance and Salutation- b. Place the weapon hand across the chest. - Bow by bending at the
waist.
Handa sa Paglaban/Fighting Stance
c. - One foot in the front (foot the same as the weapon hand), the other foot on the rear. - Keep
feet apart, distance of one foot. - Both knees slightly bent. - Toes facing forward. - Weight
evenly distributed on both feet.
Forward Stance
d. - Distance of 5 steps between the feet. - Back leg kept straight, rear foot is held at a 45 degree
angle. - Keep the front knee bent. - Weight is evenly distributed on both feet.

Backward Stance
e. - Distance of 4 steps between the feet. - Both knees are slightly bent. - Rear foot held at a 90
degree angle. - 70% of the body weight on the rear foot while 30% is placed on the front foot.

Basic Exhibition
1. Perform blocks, strikes and counter techniques satisfactorily.

2. Execute defeneses and offenses self defense maneuvers.

3. Carry out correct performance in the application of self defense techniques.

Signature Sinawali Tutorial - Filipino Martial Arts.mp4