Isshinryu Karate Academy LLC

3152 Bailey Road
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
330-221-0295

or

Kent Karate and Family Fitness
1154 West Main Street
Kent, Ohio 44240
330-221-0295

IKAkarate@sbcglobal.net

   

   
   
   
   
   
 
 

Karate begins and ends with courtesy and respect.

Attitudes and Goals

The study of Isshinryu Karate will benefit you in every phase of your life.  Master Tatsuo Shimabuku, the founder of Isshinryu Karate, had four main goals that Isshinryu would help you achieve:

  1.  To strengthen one’s body and mind

  2. To instill self-discipline

  3. To instill self-confidence

  4. To provide a means of self-defense

Where are you?

Aakezuri is like cleaning the bark off a rough tree.  The student learns the Basics.
Nakakezuri is like the shaping of the wood.  The student shows his willingness to work.
Hosokezuri is like sanding and molding the wood.  The student refines his techniques.
Shiyagi is like the smoothing and polishing of the wood.  The student is deeply enlightened.

Student Creed

I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health.  I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.  I intend to learn in class constructively and defensively in order to help myself and my fellow man and never be abusive or offensive. 

Karate Creed

I come to you with only karate-my empty hands I have no weapons.  But, should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor; should it be a matter of life and death, right or wrong, then here are my weapons—karate, my empty hands. 

Belt Ranks

Kyu = any belt rank below Black Belt
Dan = Black Belt Rank      

10th kyu

White Blet

9th kyu

Yellow Belt

8th kyu

Orange Belt

7th kyu

Blue Belt

6th kyu

Green Belt

5th kyu

Green Belt

4th kyu

Purple Belt

3rd kyu

Brown Belt

2nd kyu

Brown Belt

1st kyu

Brown Belt

 

 

Sho Dan

1st Degree Black Belt

Ni Dan

2nd Degree Black Belt

San Dan

3rd Degree Black Belt

Yon Dan

4th Degree Black Belt

Go Dan

5th Degree Black Belt

Roku Dan

6th Degree Black Belt

Nana Dan

7th Degree Black Belt

Hachi Dan

8th Degree Black Belt

Ku Dan

9th Degree Black Belt

Ju Dan

10th Degree Black Belt

Forms

Empty Hand Kata

  • ‘H’-pattern, Taikyouku Kata

  • Seisan

  • Seiuchin

  • Nahanchie

  • Wansu

  • Chinto

  • Ku San Ku

  • Sun Nu Su

  • Sanchin

Weapons Kata

  • Practice-introduction to Bo, H-pattern

  • BoSu Yoi

  • Kiyano Sai

  • Tokomine No Kun

  • Urashi Bo

  • Practice-introduction to sai, Kyan No Sai

  • Kusanku Sai

  • Chatanyara No Sai

  • Bo Shishi No Kun Dai

Vocabulary   

Japanese   

English

Isshin   

One Heart Way or Mind

Ryu   

Technique or Method

Karate   

Empty Hand

Sensei   

Teacher of Black Belt Rank

Dan   

Black Belt Rank

Sempai   

Below Black Upper Belt Rank

Kyu   

Any Rank Below Block

Karateka   

Student of Karate

Dojo   

Practice or Training Hall

Gi   

Uniform

Obi   

Belt

Kiotsuke   

Attention

Rei   

Bow

Domo Arigato   

Thank You Very Much

Kata   

Formal Exercise

Kumite   

Sparring or Practice Fighting

Kiai   

Spirit Yell

Hajime   

Begin

Yame   

Stop

Jodan   

Upper

Chudan   

Middle

Gedan   

Lower

                               

Ichi   

1   One

Ni   

2   Two

San   

3   Three

Shi   

4   Four

Go   

5   Five

Roku   

6   Six

Shichi   

7   Seven

Hachi   

8   Eight

Ku   

9   Nine

Ju   

10  Ten

                               

Stances (Dachi)             

Musabi   

Attention

Heisoku   

Informal Attention

Shika   

Outside Horse

Kiba   

Inside Horse

Seisan   

Forward

Neko Ashi   

Cat

Kake   

Hook

Zen Kutsu   

Elongated

Tsuri Ashi   

Crane

Sanchin   

Hourglass

Hieko   

Parallel

                               

Hand Techniques (Te Waza)            

Te   

Hand

Empi   

Elbow

Empi Uchi   

Elbow Strike

Jodan Uchi   

Upper cut

Shuto   

Knikfe Hand

Seiken   

Forehand Strike, Punch

Uraken   

Back Fist

Nukite   

Spearhand

Uke   

Block

Chudan Uke   

Side Block

Gedan Uke   

Low Block

Jodan Uke   

Upper Block

                               

Leg Techniques (Geri Waza)          

Geri   

Kick

Mae Geri   

Front Kick

Yoko Geri   

Side Kick

Mawashi Geri   

Roundhouse Kick

Ushiro Geri   

Back Kick

Hiza Geri   

Knee Strick

Mikazuke Geri   

Cresent Kick

Fumikomi Geri   

Cross Kick

Kake Geri   

Hook Kick

Kakato Geri   

Heel Kick

Tobi Mae Geri   

Flying Front Kick

Keage Geri   

Snap Kick

Kekomi Geri   

Thrust Kick

Fumikomi Geri   

Stomping Kick

Shoban Kon Ate   

Angle Kick

 

Registration Information

Sensei Gauntner phone number 330-221-0295

New Student Requirements

Conference with Sensei Gauntner

1. Review and explanation of packet
2. Discuss expectations

Complete both sides of waiver and return to Sensei or office
Submit entry registration fee to Sensei or office
Sign Website waiver and submit to Sensei or office

There are no testing Fees

Registration Fee Breakdown

Black Gi, School Patchs, History Packet $40.00

Isshinryu World Karate Association (FILL OUT FORM) $40.00

One Month’s Tuition

Dojo Motto

Isshinryu Karate begins and ends with courtesy and respect!

 

Whole Person Responsibilities (Conference with Sensei Gauntner Required)

A conference with parents prior to a promotion discussing status in the following areas:

1) School Performance (Grades: B Average or better is preferred)

2) Attitude both in and outside of the Dojo

3) Contributions to household and family (chores, responsibilities, attitude)

4) Respect and Manners

These items may have a reflection on your promotion date.

Any parent or guardian seeking guidance in these areas, please don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions from Sensei Gauntner.

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS AND PARENTS

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL BE INFORMED OF TESTING DATES….PLEASE, DON’T ASK!

 

 

Isshinryu Karate Academy’s

CURRICULUM

for the art of Isshinryu Karate.

Know that the curriculum is cumulative. Hence, all knowledge from a previous rank is testable.

As each rank progresses, new required material will be listed in italics.

Also, please note that appropriate fees will be invoiced as new rank promotions are tested and earned.

 

10th Kyu White Belt - minimum 1 month training in this rank

Basic Techniques

Upper Body: Blocks - Side, Leg, Head

Punches - Straight, Reverse, Uppercut

Lower Body: Kicks - Straight, Side, Round House, Angle.

Stances

Seisan, Hieko, Musabi.

History and Vocabulary

Know your basic techniques in Japanese

9th Kyu Yellow Tips - minimum 2 months training in this rank

Basics Techniques - with improved foot, hand and form

Upper Body: Blocks - Side, Leg, Head

Punches - Straight, Reverse, Uppercut

Lower Body: Kicks - Straight, Side, Round House, Angle

Stances - with form

Seisan, Hieko, Musabi

History and Vocabulary

Know the name of your style and grand master

Know your stances in Japanese

Kata

Empty Hand: 1) H-Pattern

Breathing Techniques

Kiai - Spirit yell

Required Reading - Adult and Youth

Michel Rosenbaum, Okinawa’s Complete Karate System

 

8th Kyu Yellow Belt - minimum 3 months training in this rank

Within two weeks of this rank you will need to purchase a full set of fighting gear.

All required equipment is available for purchase at the dojo.

Basic Techniques

All white belt basics plus the following:

Upper Body: Blocks - Cross body block, All blocks in open hand position

Punches - Bridge to the nose, Shuto to the midsection,

Shuto to the temple

Lower Body: Kicks - Stomp, Crescent

Fighting Techniques

Stepping back kick, Round house, Straight kick, Flip kick,

Back fist Reverse punch,

Understand angles

Compete in Intra-Dojo Tournament

Kata

Stances

Cat, Crain, Hook, Horse (shika), Parallel (kiba), T-stance

History and Vocabulary

Know the Isshinryu Patch symbolisms

Know the styles and the masters that were most influential to Isshinryu

Know all your techniques and stances in Japanese

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan

Breathing Techniques

Kiai - Spirit yell

Sanchin breathing explained

Whole Person Responsibilities (conference with Sensei required)

Refer to Registration Information

Required Reading - Adult and Youth

John Lennox, Isshinryu

 

 

7th Kyu Orange Belt - minimum 4 months training in this rank

The purchase of Tonfa and Bo is required within the first month in this rank.

Basic Techniques

All previous techniques done with better focus and target areas applied

Lower Body: Kicks - sickle

Fighting Techniques

Stepping back kick, Round house, Straight kick, Flip kick Back fist reverse punch

Understand angles and begin to apply them in kumite

Under stand the different types of fighting: defensive, aggressive, and elusive

Compete in Intra-Dojo Tournament

Kata and Kumite

Stances

Sanchin, Shika, Kiba

History and Vocabulary

The Karate Creed

Know all your techniques and stances in Japanese

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin,

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo

Breathing Techniques

Kiai - Spirit yell

Sanchin breathing

Whole Person Responsibilities (conference with Sensei required)

Refer to Registration Information

Required Reading

Adults: Hayness, Zen and the Martial Art

Youth: Terrence Webster-Doyle, Facing The Double-Edged Sword

 

6th Kyu Blue Belt - minimum 6 months training in this rank.

The purchase of Sai is required within the first month in this rank

Increase perfection of techniques. Must be able to execute techniques with speed and power. Break a board with foot and hand.

Basic Techniques

All previous techniques done with focus and target areas applied

Upper Body: Hand - Tettsui, Shotei, Kumade (Kuma)

Arm - Empi

Lower Body: Kicks - Thrusting techniques

Fighting Techniques

Stepping back kick, Round house, Straight kick, Flip kick,

Back fist reverse punch, Over the Top, Hook kick, Stepping and skipping side kick

Begin to use spinning techniques, and the use of angles during kumite

Use the different types of fighting: defensive, aggressive, and elusive

Compete in Intra-Dojo Tournament

Kata, Kumite and Team

Stances

All Isshinryu stances excluding Nahanchie

History and Vocabulary

Be able to explain the power generation.

Know all your techniques and stances in Japanese

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo

 

Breathing Techniques

Kiai - Spirit yell

Sanchin breathing

Required Reading - Adult and Youth

Terrence Webster-Doyle, Karate The Art of Empty Self

Whole Person Responsibilities (conference with Sensei required)

Refer to Registration Information

 

5th Kyu Green Belt - minimum 10 months training in this rank

Basic Techniques

All previous techniques done with focus and target areas applied.

Upper Body: Hand –open hand hard and soft, Parry double hook

Lower Body: Kicks - Use the ball of the foot in kick ,Sickle,Fumikomi

 

Fighting Techniques

Spinning techniques should begin to be more developed

Use the different types of fighting: defensive, aggressive, and elusive

Use of angles during kumite

Compete in Intra-Dojo Tournament

Kata, Kumite and Team

Stances

All Isshinryu stances

History and Vocabulary

Know all your techniques and stances in Japanese.

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(10) Chinto

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo,

(9) Kiyan no Sai,

Required Reading

Adult: Peter Urban, The Karate Dojo

Youth: Terrence Webster-Doyle, Fighting The Invisible Enemy

Whole Person Responsibilities (conference with Sensei required)

Refer to Registration Information

 

4th Kyu Purple Belt - minimum 10 months training in this rank

Basic Techniques

All previous techniques done with focus and target areas applied.

Squat/lunge Kick

Continuation of technique enhancement

Fighting Techniques

Spinning techniques should be developed

Use of angles during kumite

Compete in Intra-Dojo Tournament

Kata, Kumite and Team

History and Vocabulary

Know all your techniques and stances in Japanese

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(10)Chinto, (12) Kusanku

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo, (9) Kiyan no Sai

(11) Tokomine-no-kun

Required Reading

Adults: Eugen Herrigel, Zen and the Art of Archery

Youth: Hayness, Zen and the Martial Art

Whole Person Responsibilities (conference with Sensei required)

Refer to Registration Information

"It is not the destination you strive for that is important…

It is the journey that will take you there."

 

3rd Kyu Brown Belt - minimum 8 months training in this rank

Basic Techniques

All previous techniques done with focus and target areas applied

Continue technique enhancement

Fighting Techniques

Spinning techniques should be developed.

Use of angles during kumite

Compete in Intra-Dojo Tournament

Kata, Kumite and Team

History and Vocabulary

Know all your techniques and stances in Japanese

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(10) Chinto, (12) Kusanku

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo, (9) Kiyan no Sai,

(11) Tokomine-no-kun, (13) Kusan-ku Sai,

Assistant Instructor – 25 logged hours helping to instruct classes

Required Reading - Adult and Youth

Robert Scaglione & William Cummins, Building Warrior Spirit

Whole Person Responsibilities (conference with Sensei required)

Refer to Registration Information

2nd Kyu Brown Belt - minimum of 3 months in this rank

Responsible for all previously stated information

Kata

Empty Hand: Sanchin Soft

Assistant Instructor – 25 logged hours helping to instruct classes

1st Kyu Brown Belt - minimum of 3 months in this rank

Responsible for all previously stated information

Kata

Empty Hand: (14) Sunsu, (15) Sanchin Hard

Assistant Instructor – 25 logged hours helping to instruct classes

Required Reading - Adults and Youth

Taisen Deshimaru, The Zen Way to the Martial Arts

Willian H. Duessel and Donald Washabaugh Beyond Black Belt

 

 

First Degree Black Belt - Sho Dan - minimum 2 years training in this rank

Basic Techniques

Continuation of technique enhancement

Fighting Techniques

44 Kumite Techniques as taught by Shimabuku

Continuation of technique enhancement

Use of angles during kumite

Instructor

Committed to teaching

Judge Tournament

Become familiar with Judging in a tournament setting

Tournament Competition

Enter a minimum of one tournament a year

History and Vocabulary

Continue to expand your knowledge of Karate

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(10) Chinto, (12) Kusan-ku, (14) Sunsu, (15) Sanchin

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo, (9) Kiyan no Sai,

(11) Tokomine-no-kun, (13) Kusan-ku Sai,

(16) Urashi–Bo, (17) Bo to Bo, (18) Bo to Sai

Required Reading

Thomas Byrom, The DHAMMAPADA the sayings of the Buddha

Tetsuhiro Hokama History and Traditions of Okinawan Karate

 

 

 

 

Ancient Quotation

"The path up a mountain is steep. If it is not steep, it is not a mountain."

Any goal worth achieving is worth working very hard to obtain.

 

Second Degree Black Belt - Ni Dan - minimum 2 years training in this rank

Registration for your instructors’ license with in one year of this rank

Basic Techniques

Continuation of technique enhancement

Fighting Techniques

44 Kumite Techniques at taught by Shimabuku

Continuation of technique enhancement

Instructor

Committed to teaching

Judge Tournament

Become familiar with Center Judging in a tournament setting

Use of Japanese terminology in running a ring

Tournament Competition

Enter a minimum of one tournament a year

History and Vocabulary

Continue to expand your knowledge of Karate

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(10) Chinto, (12) Kusan-ku, (14) Sunsu, (15) Sanchin

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo, (9) Kiyan no Sai,

(11) Tokomine-no-kun, (13) Kusan-ku Sai,

(16) Urashi–Bo, (17) Bo to Bo, (18) Bo to Sai,

(19) Hamahiga Shodan,

Required Reading

Mark Bishop, Okinawan Karate Teachers Styles and Secret Techniques

 

There are black belts and there are Senseis.

You are your ultimate judge and you are the only one who can

create a teacher out of yourself, Sensei.

Third Degree Black Belt - San Dan - minimum 3 years training in this rank

Basic Techniques

Continuation of technique enhancement

Fighting Techniques

44 Kumite Techniques at taught by Shimabuku

Continuation of technique enhancement

Instructor

Committed to teaching

Judge Tournament

Become familiar with Center Judging in a tournament setting.

Use of Japanese terminology in running a ring

Tournament Competition

Enter a minimum of one tournament a year

History and Vocabulary

Continue to expand your knowledge of Karate

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(10) Chinto, (12) Kusan-ku, (14) Sunsu, (15) Sanchin

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo, (9) Kiyan no Sai,

(11) Tokomine-no-kun, (13) Kusan-ku Sai,

(16) Urashi–Bo, (17) Bo to Bo, (18) Bo to Sai,

(19) Hamahiga Shodan, (20) Chatanyara no Sai,

(21) Hamahiga Nidan

 

 

" A KARATE MAN IN TRAINING IS IN KARATE…

Strength comes from health.

Speed comes from effort.

Techniques come from experience.

Will power comes from faith.

Serenity comes from old knowledge.

Progress comes from new knowledge."

 

 

 

Fourth Degree Black Belt -Yon Dan - minimum of 4 years training in this rank

Basic Techniques

Continuation of technique enhancement

Fighting Techniques

44 Kumite Techniques at taught by Shimabuku

Continuation of technique enhancement

Instructor

Committed to teaching

Judge Tournament

Become familiar with Center Judging in a tournament setting

Use of Japanese terminology in running a ring

Tournament Competition

Enter a minimum of one tournament a year

History and Vocabulary

Continue to expand your knowledge of Karate

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(10) Chinto, (12) Kusan-ku, (14) Sunsu, (15) Sanchin

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo, (9) Kiyan no Sai,

(11) Tokomine-no-kun, (13) Kusan-ku Sai,

(16) Urashi–Bo, (17) Bo to Bo, (18) Bo to Sai,

(19) Hamahiga Shodan, (20) Chatanyara no Sai,

(21) Hamahiga Nidan, (22) Shishi no kun no dai

 

Fifth Degree Black Belt -Go Dan - minimum of 6 years training in this rank

Basic Techniques

Continuation of technique enhancement

Fighting Techniques

44 Kumite Techniques at taught by Shimabuku

Continuation of technique enhancement

Instructor

Committed to teaching

Judge Tournament

Center Judging in a tournament setting

Use of Japanese terminology in running a ring

Tournament Competition

Enter a minimum of one tournament a year

History and Vocabulary

Continue to expand your knowledge of Karate

Kata

Empty Hand: (1) H-Pattern, (2) Seisan, (3) Seiuchin, (6) Wansu, (8) Nahanchie,

(9) Chinto, (11) Kusan-ku, (13) Sunsu, (14) Sanchin

Weapons: (4) Lucky 7, (5) H-pattern Bo, (7) Tsu yoi Bo, (9) Kiyan no Sai

(10) Tokomine-no-kun, (12) Kusan-ku Sai,

(15) Urashi–Bo, (16) Bo to Bo, (17) Bo to Sai,

(18) Hamahiga Shodan (19) Chatanyara no Sai,

(20) Hamahiga Nidan, (21) Shishi no kun no dai,

Sixth Degree Black Belt - Roku Dan - minimum of 10 years training in this rank

 

 

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