Please see our new site at frk.org.nz

Student Guidelines

Discipline

Learning self-discipline and self control is a big part of karate training, not just for children but for improving ourselves as adults. Karate is always potentially dangerous. Fooling around on the dojo floor is not allowed under any circumstances. For students protection, discipline will be strict.

Health

Fingernails and toenails must be kept short an clean. Training suits and feet must also be kept fresh and clean. For the safety of the student, any illnesses or disabilities must be made known to the instructor. Students should drink water or suitable energy drink before class and have a drink bottle accessible during training.

Etiquette

When one enters the ranks of Karate-ka, one automatically accepts a tradition passed down from Samurai days. In this, respect for higher graded karate-ka is essential. When one enters a karate dojo, one forgets that they are a doctor or a judge and becomes what grade is around their waist, which is their worth in karatedo. A karate-ka must endeavour to uphold the moral teachings of karatedo, as well as perform well in the physical aspect of the art. Karate is a very dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, so it is essential that one learns to control the fighting skills one has learned, with patience and humility. Hence the saying: "An untempered sword will easily break".

Humility

It has been thought in western countries that gaining the black belt is the end of the journey as far as training goes and one may now be considered an expert in Karate-do. In reality, gaining a black belt is just the beginning of the journey. It means that one has become proficient in the basics of karate, but now one has a lifetime of training and study of the advanced techniques and kata. On average It takes five to seven years to gain a black belt 1st Dan, but remember, there are 10 Dan in the average karate system and that adds up to a great many years of learning before one may be considered an expert.

Consistent Training

Consistent Training over a period of time will give you the results you desire. Look ahead over the next 3 months, set yourself a goal and continuously working towards that point right now. Remember, self discipline is setting a goal and contiunously working until it is realised. It is a fact that natural talent will take you quickly up to a certain point, but only self discipline and perseverance will take you beyond that point. This does not mean that you must drive yourself into the ground, or train to the exclusion of everything else, because over training can also slow your progress. All one needs is the ability to concentrate fully on what is being taught when it is being taught and to practice a little everyday for maximum results. Practicing for 15 minutes everyday is more beneficial than training for 3 hours once a week.

What to wear

When you first start training in Karate, wear loose fitting clothing. A Karate dogi(karate training suit) is not required right away but will be needed if you wish to sit a grading. The Japanese believe that your training doesn't truly begin until you have a Dogi, then you mentally commit yourself to becoming a Karate-ka. Female students are permitted to wear a white t-shirt only under their Dogi. (White Fushin Ryu T-shirts are available from your instructor.

Advantages of Karate training

Your participation in our Karate classes will teach you correct ways to breath, exercise and stretch, increasing fitness and flexibility. Studying karate will help you develop self control and self discipline enabling you to learn the self defense moves giving you confidence and the ability to defend yourself and others. Correct training along with correct eating habits will help you to build a martial arts physique.