TRAINING AND CLASSES

Training takes place in many forms. We engage in class training, special seminars, clinics, camps, and tournaments. Students must practice. 

New students are accepted at anytime. There are no sessions.  Before joining, prospective students are asked to observe a couple of classes and engage in an expectations exchange to ensure the best opportunity for success. 

Karate begins and ends with respect. 

A typical class will begin with a demonstration of respect as we bow (rei), and includes meditation, warmups, kihon (basics), kata, kumite, and close with a cool down, meditation, often an inspirational story, reciting the Showa and bowing (rei). 

While we don't call ourselves a teaching school of the Japanese language, we do use some key Japanese traditions and terms in instruction and learning. 

CHILDREN’S CLASS is designed to introduce younger students (ages 6-12) to the martial arts in a formal manner. While preserving the respect, discipline and integrity of karate, we strive to create a kinder and friendlier environment that should feel safe and fun to the younger student. By participating in this class, children will develop better motor coordination, higher self-esteem, and greater respect for adults, their peers and themselves. 

Age Range: 6 to 12 years. With approval, students who participate in Children's Class and are age 7 and older may also participate in the "adult" class.

Purpose: This class was designed to introduce the younger student to the martial arts in a formal manner. While preserving the respect, discipline, and integrity of Karate, we are striving to create a kinder and friendlier environment that should feel safe and fun to the younger student.

Environment: Although the intention is to make the class fun and enjoyable, there will be a balance between fun and discipline – this is not playtime. Depending on their developmental level, students will have different needs that will be taken into consideration. We recognize that students will have different levels of physical and mental ability and we will make appropriate accommodations. More than teaching the kids patience, we, as teachers, will also be patient with them. We recognize that, in as much as this opportunity can be a tremendous boost to a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem, it can also be equally damaging if approached inappropriately.

Enthusiasm is contagious, so teachers will communicate their enthusiasm for Karate to the students. This concept becomes more important as the novelty of learning Karate wears off for the children. It will also be important for the parents to convey their enthusiasm for their children’s participation in Karate by watching classes at least occasionally and encouraging their children to practice regularly at home.

Students will refer to their teachers as “Sensei”, which means “teacher”. As the students get older, they will be encouraged to begin to use last names with “Sensei”. Children will be permitted to use first names for each other. As they get older, however, they will be encouraged to begin to use last names of classmates, as is done in the other karate classes offered at our Dojo.

Teaching of the Japanese terminology will be incorporated into the lesson plan as “Japanese lessons.” Children love to learn different languages (remember Sesame Street?). During Japanese lessons, words will be broken down into syllables, and the children will be encouraged to repeat after the Sensei.

The use of the bag and focus pads will be introduced early on in order to give the children the experience of physical contact as well as the proper way to execute a technique (e.g., straight wrist with punches, toes curled back with kicks). With this in mind, it is very important to get the point across to the children that Karate techniques are not to be used on siblings, classmates, playmates, etc., unless they are expressly practicing with another member of the school. Children “showing off” by demonstrating techniques will strongly be discouraged by teachers and should also be discouraged by parents.

A reading will take place at the end of each class. Each reading will be selected to reinforce certain principles that are being taught to the children such as respect, patience, courage, and loyalty.

Outcome: We expect that, by participating in this karate class, the children will develop better motor coordination, higher self-esteem, and greater respect for adults, their peers, and themselves.

Shihan Laura Stith Deck, Ph.D, Go Dan

ADULTS can study Chito-ryu and experience an increase in physical well being, weight loss and acquire a good basis for cardio and strength conditioning. Students can experience increased mental focus, improved discipline and a reduction in stress. 

The adult classes are comprised of men, women, and young adults, ages thirteen and older. Students learn Chito-ryu Karate and bushido (the way of the warrior) in an environment of shugio (austere discipline).

The class content changes as we practice a variety of different aspects of martial arts including: basic technique, kata, kumite, self defense applications and some weapons work. All beginning students have an individual lesson plan that will allow their progress and development to be monitored closely.

Through the practice of Chito-ryu it is our goal to develop a student’s character. The training that is endured results in a student improving traits such as patience, respect, self confidence and the ability to persevere in difficult situations to name just a few of the areas of character and self development that take place. The ultimate aim of our training is the perfection of a student’s character.

In addition to our special events, we participate in USCK National events such as Shochugeiko (July summer training), Kangeiko (January winter training), and March and October Clinics.  Students are encouraged to attend.

Historically, we conduct a one week Kids Camp during the summer.

Students often experience growth in many areas while participating in tournaments.