Hanshi Shuguro Nakazato and the Shorinkan Dojo in Okinawa

Stretching

One of the most important things to do before you engage in martial arts training is stretching. Depending on age and athletic ability, one should stretch for at least 10-20 minutes. Starting from the neck down to the feet, the idea is to loosen up the joints and muscles in order to promote flexibility and full range of motion while minimizing the chance for injury. The actual stretching motions is left up to the instructor, however, the major body parts which should be stretched before training are:
Some links which contain good information on stretching to be used as reference:



Kata

Kata is the foundation of traditional karate training. It is a series of kicks, punches, blocks and stances which are performed in a sequence. They promote coordination, strength, endurance, and also teach self defense. Okinawan karate kata are known for their powerful motions.

Click here for a list of kata which Shorin-ryu Shorinkan karateka study.

Kobudo

Kobudo or weapons training is another integral part of martial arts training in the Shorin-ryu style. Weapons training helps to complete a martial artist in the sense that they know how to defend themself both empty-handed as well as armed. In the Shorin-ryu Shorinkan style of karate, 6 different weapons are studied:
  • Bo: A six-foot wooden staff. It resembles a long pole, but can be used in long-range self-defense situations.
  • Sai: A three-pronged metal weapon which resembles a large fork-shaped object. Usually used in pairs, it can be used to both strike and spear an attacker.
  • Nunchaku: Two short pieces of wood held together by a chain or rope. It is used by holding one piece of wook in one hand, while whipping the other piece around in a flailing motion.
  • Tonfa: A wooden weapon which is often used in pairs (see picture below). They are similar to today's police batons. They are held by handles near the middle of the weapon and can be used to either strike with the butt of the weapon or swung to strike an attacker.
  • Kama: A sickle-shaped bladed weapon, also often used in pairs. They are held by their wooden handles and was once used by Okinawan farmers to harvest grain crops.
  • Eaku: A boat oar, which is handled similarly to the bo. It was a weapon used by Okinawan fishermen (see picture below).


    Tonfa (left) and Eaku (right)

Makiwara training

The makiwara is one of Okinawan Karate's most famous training tool. It is a board or piece of wood which is either punched or kicked in order to toughen different parts of the hand or foot. Sometimes these devices are mounted directly onto a wall or they could also be driven into the ground. For the most part, the karateka punches the makiwara using only the first two knuckles. This action not only toughens the skin on the hand, but in makes the knuckles themselves very large and swollen-looking. Okinawan karateka are known for their large and calloused knuckles.

How to make your own makiwara

Terminology

Here is some commonly used terminology used while training:
  • Bunkai: The meaning or apllication of a move in a kata
  • Chudan: Middle area
  • Dachi: Stance
  • Dojo: Place to train
  • Domo arigato: Thank you
  • Gedan: Lower area
  • Geri: Kick
  • Gi: Karate uniform
  • Hai: Yes
  • Hajime: Begin
  • Hidari: Left
  • Jodan: Upper area
  • Karate: Empty hand
  • Kata: Forms
  • Kihon: Basic
  • Kumite: Practice fighting
  • Mawate: Turn
  • Migi: Right
  • Mokuso: Quiet meditation
  • Obi: Belt
  • Rei: Bow, courtesy
  • Seiza: Formal sitting posture
  • Sempai: Senior student
  • Sensei: Instructor: One who has gone before
  • Shomen ni rei: Bow to the front
  • Te: Hand
  • Tsuki: Punch
  • Yame: Stop

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