REISHIKI - Opening Ceremony or Etiquette

Tachi - Standing bow to Sensei (teacher) as he enters of leaves the Dojo

Seiza - As the Sensei sits in seiza (formal sitting position); the class also sits in seiza and prepares to start class. The head student calls out:

MOKUSO! - This means, "close your eyes and meditate" after a period of time, the head student calls out:

KAIMOKU! - This means: "open your eyes"

Zarei - Next the class performs two zarai or sitting bows. The head student calls out:

SHOMEN NI REI! - This means: "bow to the front of the Dojo". After the class finishes this bow, the Sensei will turn around and the head student will call out:

SENSEI NI REI! - This means, "bow to the teacher". As the class bows, the teacher returns the bow. As each person bows, they say: "onegaishimasu" which means, "please teach us"

After the bowing ceremony has been completed the Sensei will indicate that the class should stand up and practice begins.

TAISO

These are warm up, stretching, and conditioning exercise to prepare the body for Karate practice. There are many different exercises, which are used so that student's bodies are stretched completely and students are not bored by repetition of one pattern.

KIHON WAZA

Basic technique practice without a partner to learn the movements of karate. The emphasis is on the perfection of the motion.

Tachi Kata - stance forms
Tsuki Kata - thrusting forms
Uchi Kata - striking forms
Keri Kata - kicking forms
Uke Kata - blocking forms

KUMITE

The literal translation of Kumite is "meeting of hands" and it is usually translated as "sparring" this practice with a partner is usually in the form of pre-arranged attacks and defences using the techniques developed in Kihon waza. Practice with a partner allows the student to develop the proper speed, timing and distance for effective technique.

Kihon Kumite - basic sparring

Oyo Kumite - application sparring

KATA

This term is usually translated as "formal exercise". Kata is a set of prescribed, precise techniques that both encompass and transcend the aspects of karate learned in Kihon waza and Kumite. Kata has been described as the soul of the traditional karate. While entire books have been written about Kata, it is sufficient for the beginner to understand that Kata will ultimately become the core of his or her karate training.

Kumaite! - Ready for Kata

Naotte! - Finish

REISHIKI - Closing ceremony

Seiza - As the Sensei sits in seiza (formal sitting position), the class also sits in seiza and prepares to end class. The head student calls out:

MOKUSO! - This means, "close your eyes and meditate" after a period of time, the head student calls out:

KAIMOKU! - This means: "open your eyes"

GO DO SHIN - At this point, the class recites the GO DO SHIN - "five way spirit" or "five fold path" written by Kenwa Mabuni.

Zarei - Next the class performs three zarai or sitting bows. The head student calls out:

SHOMEN NI REI! - This means: "bow to the front of the Dojo". After the class finishes this bow, the Sensei will turn around and the head student will call out:

SENSEI NI REI! - This means, "bow to the teacher". As the class bows, the teacher returns the bow. As each person bows, they say: "domo arigato Gozaimasu" which means, "thank you for teaching us" the Sensei replies, "gokurosan" which means, "thank you for doing what is expected of you".

OTAGAI NI REI! - This means, "bow to each other".

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