Exams are held at the last Saturday of every month. Students eligible for examinations are notified two weeks prior to testing dates. Examination schedule is posted monthly.

All classes start with a warm-up session of 10-15 minutes. In addition, since kicking requires good flexibility, leg stretches are done. The work out is intense and vigorous. Newcomers are advised to proceed at their own pace, regulars are encouraged to follow the lead.

Karate training consists of doing basic techniques such as kicking and punching with proper body, arm and foot position. Sparring (controlled fighting) exercises are regularly done to improve our ability to move, block and counter in a mobile fighting situation. Sparring is practiced from yellow belt level and above. Karate practice is repetitious. Proper karate technique is not easy to achieve and the body must be trained so that the mind can be at ease. This takes many years. There is no substitute for good training. In other words, "Perfect practice makes perfect technique."

Typically, all classes concentrate on developing the basics of: technique; timing; distance; fighting spirit; self-control; and physical fitness. The benefit of training in the Yoshukai system is that students learn valuable life-skills as they study. Parents frequently comment on how their children's school work and behaviour at home has improved since joining the dojo. We pride ourselves on helping all our students learn to lead happier, more productive lives.

The Japanese people are a very formal and polite society. Many styles of karate practiced in North America have evolved in Japan and been exported to North America. The Japanese attitude of respect for seniors (age and/or rank) and attention to business (i.e. concentration, dedication) is inherent in each class. Etiquette inn the karate dojo has been accepted and fostered in North America because it ensures the student's focus never becomes too self-centered. We all benefit from an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Here are a few other expectations of our students:

• Keep your gi (karate uniform) clean.
• Cut your toenails and fingernails and remove your jewelry for your safety and the safety of others.
• When asked to line up at the beginning or end of the class, do so quickly and according to rank.
•   No chewing gum or profanity during class.
• Be a good partner while training ('What comes around, goes around')
• When training with lower belts, challenge them physically but according to their level. If you are not sure where the line is, do not step over it.
• If you are late arriving to class, enter the dojo quietly, sit in seiza position (kneeling) by the door and wait patiently for the Sensei to give you permission to join the class.
• Conversely, don't leave the dojo floor without first notifying the senior instructor on the floor.
• Address the instructor as Sensei and other Black Belts as Sempai.

Question 1: "Why and when do we bow in the dojo?"

The practice of martial arts requires a strict adherence to protecting the safety of all students. By practicing etiquette in the dojo, the students ensure that respect is always shown to each member and that self-control and discipline are ingrained in all members.

The bow is an oriental expression of salutation, much like our own handshake. The basics of the rei (bow) require bending from the waist, letting your hands slide down the front of your thighs, and maintaining a safe distance between you and your partner (not fun to bump heads!).

In the Academy we only bow when we enter and leave the dojo (accompanied by the salutation, Ouss ) to the teacher and Shomen (place of honour) at the beginning and end of class and when we practice with a partner. Superfluous bowing is not considered an indication of practicality.

Question 2: "Do I need a karate suit (gi) to practice?"

After the trial period of two free classes, the student will be supplied a gi and crest upon joining the Academy. Additional gi's can be purchased directly from the Academy.

Please see page 20 of this booklet for instruction on how to tie your obi (belt).

Please see Materials section for gi prices.

Question 3: "What are the fees and potential costs over the year?"

The practice of karate is one of the lowest cost activities around. Even more so at the Academy. Our fees are significantly lower than other karate studios as our teachers have other full-time occupations. In effect, we teach for the love of it. However, we still need to cover our expenses which include rent, maintenance, advertising and equipment.

Over the course of the year, the student should plan on a variety of costs. They include; course fees (paid by 3 months, bi-annually or annually); karate gi; safety gear; examination fees ($5 each); Technical manual ($35 each); and occasional seminar expenses with visiting teachers.

Some costs are one time only (karate gi, manual) while some are ongoing (association membership and examination fees).

Question 4: "What if I miss a class?"

Classes are held three times a week for both children and adults*. Naturally your progress will accelerate if you can attend both classes. However, it is quite normal to miss the occasional class to balance work lives, parental responsibilities and leisure time. The simplest answer is have fun, do your best to attend both classes and don't feel badly if you need to miss some. The pursuit of martial arts is a life-long endeavor and not a sprint to the finish line.

Question 5: "What are the rules for sparring?"

The practice of kumite (sparring) typically causes more anxiety than other areas of karate practice. In the Academy we follow a strict adherence to protecting the safety of all students and in particular, our junior students. Head contact is not allowed for any junior and only light contact for students of Brown Belt level and above. Light contact to the body is not allowed at junior level but is permitted for adult students (do those sit-ups!).

For more information on kumite skills, we direct you to Sensei Robertson's publication: Advanced Kumite, Karate Fighting Skills.

Note: Kumite practice is only allowed when Black Belt instructors are present.

Question 6: "How do I tie my belt?"

Question 7: "What do I do if I am late or have to leave early?"

When arriving late, please sit in seiza (kneeling position) at the entrance to the mat until the Sensei sees you and welcomes you to the class. Conversely, never leave the class without letting the Sensei know you have to go. In this way the teacher ensures that all the students are under his/her care while they are on the dojo floor.

Question 8: "Where do I line up in the class?"

Rule of thumb is that the senior student lines up to the far left facing Shomen (Place of Honour) and all students then line up in descending rank across and behind. The lines always have even numbers so that students can bow to each other at the end of class.

Question 9: "Are there any age limitations to joining karate?"

There is no age limitation. The only limitation is your willingness to try new things.

A child should be old enough to be able to follow instructions and concentrate long enough to withstand a one hour lesson. Our purpose is to contribute in the development of youngsters both on a physical and mental level. We challenge the juniors' physical and athletic abilities to their maximum, while providing the safest methods of learning. We explain the reasons and values of our training in order to develop well-grounded individuals. Ultimately, we want our kids to have fun, while learning the fundamentals of martial arts.

We can't tell you if you are too old. Some karatekas (karate students) practice easily into their 70's and beyond, so there really is no limit for a fit person. Don't give age a second thought, karate training yields rewards for people of all ages.

Question 10: "How will I be invoiced for my lessons?"

The Academy will calculate your lesson fees on a quarterly basis and will issue an invoice to let you know where your membership stands. Payments are due upon receipt of invoice.

In the event of financial difficulty, please see the instructors privately to discuss your situation. The staff of the Academy are committed to helping their students train and will make alternate financial arrangements should they be required.

Question 10: "Why do I need to sign waivers?"

Yoshukan Karate Association—Canada
Academy of Yoshukan Karate
2355 Royal Windsor Drive, Unit 9
Mississauga, Ontario
L5J 4S8
(905) 919-1919