The Program

The Traditional Karate Center teaches and practices the art of Shotokan Karate and focuses on self-achievement and discipline through physical and mental improvements. The invaluable skills learned and the training methods used provide a healthy outlet for releasing tension. Studies have shown that karate training actually decreases aggressiveness while increasing focus and building a more positive self-concept. Children in this program also become more disciplined in other areas of their lives, such as at school and at home. Similarly, adults can experience these benefits at home and at work. Students feel better about themselves and have a more positive attitude toward life. The training is both physically and mentally challenging, emphasizing focus and concentration, strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination and speed, and control and timing of breath and body. All of the classes provide a healthy and exciting way to stay physically and mentally fit.

The Traditional Karate Center offers a diverse team of qualified instructors, including an experienced core of senior black belt instructors who received their training under the instruction of Jordan Scott. The Traditional Karate Center is a member of the Midwest Shotokan Karate Association :: Sensei Anthony DeSardi, Chairman and Head Instructor, the Amatuer Athletic Union (AAU) :: Sensei Joe Mirza, Chairman of Karate Program and affiliated with JKA Chicago :: Sensei Michael Arab, Head Instructor.

Self-Defense

At the Traditional Karate Center a strong emphasis is placed on teaching the original meanings and applications of the techniques and forms, as well as teaching more modern techniques and applications to deal with everyday real-world threats. These modern skills include holding and freeing techniques, as well as weapon removal and defense.

Kihon, Kata and Kumite

Kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) are the three major aspects of Shotokan Karate training.

Kihon
An emphasis on strong basics and fundamentals, or kihon, is at the heart of the Shotokan system. These basics include specific stances, strikes, kicks and blocks, as well as proper breathing, body positioning and alignment, and the principles of body contraction and relaxation.

Kata
Kata, or forms, are a sequence of prearranged movements designed to simulate specific attacks and defenses against imaginary opponents. There are many kata in the Shotokan system, ranging from very basic kihon kata, Taikyoku Shodan (Kihon Kata Ichi), to very advanced black belt level kata.

Kumite
Practical application with another karate student is called kumite, or sparring. There are various forms of kumite, including prearranged, one-step, and free sparring. Proper distancing, timing, body shifting, balance and control are all learned through this practice. Specific rules of contact and control are strictly enforced to ensure safe training.

Karate is more than an art of self-defense. The technical aspects are enriched by cultural elements derived from centuries of blending with various East Asian philosophies. The accurate transmission of the philosophies from teacher to student is crucial to the discipline. The philosophy of the Traditional Karate Center reflects a commitment to a continuous striving towards self-perfection. This philosophy is best summarized in its code of ethics, or Dojo Kun.

1) Refrain from impetuous and violent behavior
2) Respect propriety
3) Cultivate the spirit of perseverance
4) Be faithful and sincere
5) Exert oneself in the perfection of character

...(modern interpretation)

Student Code

I will develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that could reduce my mental growth or physical well-being.

I will develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in me and in others.

I will use what I learn in class constructively and defensively to help myself and others.

Instructor Code

I will teach every class with respect, patience, and enthusiasm.

I will bring out the best in my students and myself.

I will lead by example.

Traditional Karate-do is a martial art for the development of character through the training of the mind, body and spirit. Because of this training, and the experience of going through such training, the karateka (practitioner of karate) can surmount any obstacle, physical or mental, tangible or intangible.

The training of traditional Karate-do is rigorous in nature. The entire body is transformed into an instrument capable of executing devastating self-defense techniques to an opponent, or enemy. The essence of these self-defense techniques is kime. The meaning of kime is an explosive attack to a specific target using the appropriate technique and maximum power in the shortest time possible. If a technique does not have kime, it is not true karate. The saying ichigeki hissatsu, or ikken hissatsu, one technique, one kill, or to kill with one blow, have traditionally been stated to describe the essence of kime, and therefore of true karate. These are important phrases, but are often misunderstood by the majority of martial arts practitioners to mean that killing, or hurting, is the aim of Karate-do, and that karate practice is simply a means of achieving a high proficiency in fighting ability and strategies. This is not true. Therefore, to avoid misunderstanding, it may be helpful to substitute those phrases for the expression "one technique, last technique." In this expression, the practitioner's intentions during his karate training are summed up: do each technique as if it will be your last. Having this goal will produce the same results and it will help to keep the students intentions and attitude during his/or her training on a more positive, and therefore, productive level.

Through proper (systematic) traditional Karate-do training; in which the karateka repeatedly experiences the blood, sweat, and tears of his efforts; strives to perfect each technique with the essence of kime; and does so with the idea of one technique, last technique; the karateka learns to overcome his/or her own self, and in essence, becomes master of his/or her own self. This self-mastery, and more importantly, the long and difficult struggle to achieve it, creates dignity, courage, honesty, and awareness. With these traits can come the most important qualities to the karateka: self-awareness, self-control, and honest self-expression.

Complete self-mastery, or perfection of character, by its definition, may be impossible to achieve. That is why it is important to remember that the struggle, or the path, (the blood, the sweat, and the tears) is in itself the goal-the path and the goal are, in essence, one and the same. No karateka becomes so proficient and self-aware that the training is no longer necessary. Therefore, the training is for one's entire life: "while one breaths, one trains."

A Brief History of Karate

No one knows for certain the exact origins of karate. Fighting arts and self-defense systems date back thousands of years. One theory is that a Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma , traveled across the Himalayan mountains from India to the Hunan Province in China in 527 AD to introduce Buddhism. While staying at a Shao Lin Temple, Bodhidharma noticed that the monks were physically weak and suffered many attacks from bandits. He then began to teach them meditation, exercise, and self-defense which developed into Chinese Kenpo and Kung Fu. The monks studied the behaviors of many animals. They adopted the movements of such animals as the tiger, leopard, monkey, snake and crane, into their self-defense system.

Eventually, the Shao Lin system was imported onto Okinawa by merchants who traded in China, Japan, Korea, and other areas of Southeast Asia. This system eventually blended with other indigenous fighting systems and was constantly changed and adapted.

The feudal lord of Okinawa banned the populace from using or owning any weapons, thus giving rise to the necessity and development by the Okinawan people of systematized self-defense techniques. Practice of these techniques eventually developed into what we know of today as kata. Later, as new kata were created and developed, each with unique applications for different environments, and each with a different emphasis on body dynamics, various schools, or Ryu, were formed. All of the major modern Japanese Karate-do systems, including, Shotokan, Shito-ryu, Goju-ryu, and Wado-ryu originated from these original Okinawan systems.

Literally translated, karate-do means "empty hand way". The word 'way' can be interpreted in many ways, but it usually indicates a constant, lifelong striving towards self-perfection through increased awareness, understanding and respect for oneself and for others. Shotokan, translated as "pine waves", is a style of karate created by the great teacher and scholar Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957).

Shoto Niju Kun

The following are the words of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern Japanese Shotokan Karate-do. They are called the Shoto Niju Kun, or Shoto's Twenty Precepts. They predate the modern dojo kun that we are all familiar with, and in essence, can be considered the original dojo kun of modern karate.

1- Karate-do begins and ends with courtesy.

2- There is no first attack in karate.

3- Karate is a great assistance to justice.

4- Know yourself first, and then others.

5- Spirit first, technique second.

6- Always be ready to release your mind.

7- Misfortune always comes out of idleness.

8- Don't think that karate training is only in the dojo.

9- It will take your entire life to learn karate, there is no limit.

10- Put your everyday living into karate and you will find the ideal state of existence.

11- Karate is like hot water. If you do not give it heat constantly, it will again become cold water.

12- Do not think that you have to win. Rather, think that you do not have to lose.

13- Victory depends on your ability to distinguish vulnerable points from invulnerable ones.

14- The battle is according to how you maneuver guarded and unguarded. Move according to your opponent.

15- Think of the hands and feet as swords.

16- When you leave home, think that you have numerous opponents waiting for you. It is your behavior that invites trouble from them.

17- Beginners must master low stance and posture, natural body position for advanced.

18- Practicing kata is one thing, and engaging in a real fight is another.

19- Do not forget:
(1) strength and weakness of power,
(2) stretching and contraction of body,
(3) slowness and speed of techniques.
Apply these correctly.

20- Always think and devise ways to live the precepts every day.

As a new student of karate you will notice many traditional behaviors and actions that all the students adhere to. These customs are not religious in nature. Their purpose is to help build common courtesy, respect, structure, and safety.

· In the dojo, karate is your only concern.

· The head instructor is addressed as Sensei (teacher) by all students.
·
· All students must bow on and off the dojo floor, the green mats.

· Always bow to your training partner as a sign of mutual respect and appreciation.

· Reply to feedback given by the Sensei or Senpai with a spirited "Oss".

· Tell the teacher if you are on any medication or have any minor injuries that may effect your training (before class starts if possible).

· Tie your obi (belt) neatly with both ends at equal lengths. Do not wash your obi, unless because of extreme circumstances.

· Always keep your gi (uniform) clean and neat. All students (yellow belt and higher) must wear a T.K.C. Dojo patch on the left chest of their gi.

· Be on time.

· If you are early and waiting for your class to begin while another is in progress please refrain from all unnecessary talking while class is in session.

· Always work in a cooperative manner with each other.

· Do not criticize others.

· Higher belts (senpai) should assist lower belts (kohai).

· Always thank the Sensei or Senpai for extra help.

· Never correct or criticize your Senpai or Sensei

· Never criticize another dojo or teacher. Focus on the positive and don't waste your energy on the negative.

· Do not free spar without the permission or supervision of a Sensei or Senpai

· Stand or sit in a respectful manner. Arm crossing or sitting with your legs stretched out is inappropriate unless you are exercising or stretching.

· Keep the dojo clean and don't hesitate to help straighten up even if it is not your mess.

· Return all equipment to its proper place when you are finished using it.

· It is impolite to leave class before it is over without permission. If possible, make arrangements with your Sensei before class begins.

· It is necessary to train in class at least twice a week if one wishes to progress.

· Let your Sensei or Senpai know if you will be absent from the dojo for a prolonged period of time.

· No food is allowed in the dojo area at any time.

· Young children should be accompanied by adults when watching class.

· All jewelry must be removed.

· All finger and toe nails must be clipped short. Women may keep longer finger nails but only with care.

· These guidelines are meant for your safety and benefit of learning. Should there be any etiquette problems please consult Sensei or any Senpai. When possible discuss any issues with your Senpai before approaching Sensei.

Karate Ranking

- click here to view a complete set of promotion exam guidelines

The Traditional Karate Center holds Kyu promotion exams on an average of every three months. They are open to all students who have met the necessary requirements, including time training, knowledge of required kata, and specific technical competence. Students should consult a Senpai, or Sensei, if they are uncertain about their readiness for testing.

The colored belt ranking system used at the Traditional Karate Center is based on similar systems found in other Japanese martial arts. Karate ranking is based on technical competence and character development. It measures one's improvement, provides valuable feedback and helps to motivate the student.

Belt ranking in our dojo uses a system with 10 levels, or Kyu. 10th Kyu (white belt) is the lowest, and 1st Kyu (brown belt) is the highest. After the Kyu are the Dan, or black belt degrees. 1st Dan black belt is the lowest and 10th Dan black belt is the highest. A TKC student can expect to train 6-8 years to earn the rank of 1st Dan black belt. This level is not considered an end, but a new beginning in karate training.

In addition to full Kyu promotions, there are also intermediate stripes that a student can earn. There are three stripe levels between each full Kyu rank in the youth program, and one stripe level between each full Kyu rank in the adult program.

Students participating in a promotion exam are responsible for making themselves familiar with all of the requirements and judging criteria for their specific level of desired promotion. There is a maximum of twenty possible sections on each exam. Students will be tested on any ten of the sections and will be graded numerically from 0-10 on each section. Scores will be added and the total will give the student his or her exam score.

Judges are allowed to award an additional 1 to 5 total points for exceptional attitude, spirit, effort, improvement, verbal response to questions, recovery from mistakes, or other situations that are deserving of merit. In addition, students are awarded one extra point for every three classes attended over the stated minimum requirement for each rank.

Students are not judged in comparison to one another, but are judged against a minimum standard necessary to earn each specific rank. Judges will take into consideration the age, individual progress and improvement of each student. Some specific technical areas of importance include: (1) the ability to move correctly and smoothly from one stance to another, (2) weight distribution in stances, (3) breathing in correspondence with body movements, (4) coordination, (5) physical endurance in stance work and kumite, (6) proficiency in kata and knowledge of application of kata, (7) ability to focus, (8) use of hip, (9) proper usage of the different striking surfaces of the hands, arms, feet and legs, (10) knowledge of effective target areas.

Program Specifics

Tigers Pre-Karate Program

This program offers children ages 4-6 a positive, challenging and safe environment in which to learn karate and develop important physical and mental skills. This program helps to develop focus, self-control, listening, balance, coordination, large motor skills and goal setting. The children in this class are prepared for future advancement into the Youth Karate Beginner Program.

Youth Karate Beginner Program

This program is geared towards children ages 7-10 with little or no previous karate experience. This program emphasizes the "Three C's" (Concentration, Coordination, and Confidence). The children in this class are prepared for future advancement into the Youth Karate Advanced Program.

Youth Karate Advanced Program

This is a serious and challenging program geared towards children ages 11 and up. As well as teaching the traditional martial arts skills and techniques, this program focuses on teaching life skills that will help the child's overall development at home and at school. This program strengthens focus, respect, discipline, goal setting, teamwork, self-defense, balance, control and coordination.

Adult Karate Program

The invaluable skills learned and the training methods used in this program provide a healthy outlet for releasing tension, staying physically fit, and learning self-defense. The training is both physically and mentally challenging, emphasizing focus and concentration, strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination and speed, and control and timing of breath and body. These classes provide a healthy and exciting way to stay physically and mentally fit.

Special Needs Karate Program

This program, in conjunction with the North Suburban Special Recreation Association, offers children with special needs and challenges a positive, challenging and safe environment in which to learn basic karate techniques and develop important physical and mental skills.