Waza: A prescribed technique, defense, counter-attack, or reaction to a one step attack (usually punch, grab, or club strike). This is the backbone for learning our concepts and demonstrating mastery of them.
- Includes an entry that evades the attack and places the defender in a position to:
- Protect oneself
- Assess the situation
- Evade, neutralize or conquer the attacker (uke)
- Focuses on foot work, weight transfers and body mechanics to perfect one's technique
- The Uke (preson receiving the technique) must execute the attack as if to land the attack on the target, and the Tori (person executing the technique) must demonstrate clear control of the uke when executing a waza. Movements, strikes, blocks, kicks, etc. are designed to create a reaction in the uke; technique and control are critical elements for successfully executing a waza.
- Controlled contact is expected. The uke must learn to accept and control his/her reactions to contact, and the person executing a waza must understand the feel, breath control, technique, etc. on opponents. The instructor will ensure that appropriate levels are maintained and not exceeded.
Kata: A series of prescribed moves to face one or more imaginary opponents. These may not be the moves you would select facing actual opponents; however, they are designed to teach you different skills through repetition. Learning punches, strikes, blocks, kicks and stances are only useful if one can generate power from them while in motion with actual targets. Kata teaches us to transition from one stance to another; to move from aggression to defense; from blocks to strikes, etc. The katas
have been carefully selected for each rank level to utilize what you
have already learned and to challenge you for the next level.
When performing kata, the practitioner should demonstrate several proficiencies:
- Ability to perform the kata from start to finish
- Proper breath control
- Demonstrate snap with strikes, punches, kicks, etc.
- Varied pace that match attacks and responses
- Explain the bunki of any given move in kata
Bunki: Technical breakdown of each move in
a kata. Each move in the kata has a purpose. Each student must understand each move fully and demonstrate two things: the nature of the attack on the kata practitioner and difference methods of responding to the attack (not just the one prescribed in the kata).
Eight Directions
Assume you are standing in the center point at which all of the arrows intersect. The direction you face while in Fudo Dachi before performing the Kata is 1. As you move about during the Kata, you will be called upon to face different directions relative to your starting position. The direction will be called out by number as outlined on the chart above.
Kumite: Free sparring is part of the curriculum. This allows the student to use acquired skills in an open forum on the mat. Students will have the opportunity to spar with other students of various rank. This gives everyone new learning opportunities. Unlike tournaments, the object is not simply to outscore an opponent. Students must demonstrate confidence, ability to close with an opponent and follow up with action appropriate for their level. Sparring gear must be worn during Kumite. This includes head gear, gloves, foot gear, mouth piece and groin protection. Females should also wear chest protection.
- Kumite begins with both opponents facing each other a safe distance apart.
- Opponents bow to the instructor then to each other.
- The Instructor gives the command to start (HAJIME!), and both opponents begin free sparring.
- Controlled contact is expected. Injury to your opponent is not acceptable and can result in your being dismissed from the class.
- Never attack without looking at your opponent to gage the attack.
- If the attack is to the head or groin, only LIGHT contact is permitted
- Understand your opponent's rank. Attacks should be geared to your opponent's level.
- Never attack an opponent's back or major joints such as knees, elbows, etc.
- Use of elbows and knees is prohibited during Kumite.
- Kumite pauses when someone lands a solid attack on his/her opponent; both opponents should disengage for a moment to acknowledge that an attack was successful. Resume sparring when the Instructor gives the signal.
- If your opponent pulls a technique where they clearly bested you on the interchange, acknowledge this and break off. Do not offer argument that it didn't stop you because you didn't "feel" it.
- The Instructor is the final judge
- Kumite ends when the Instructor signals both parties to stop (YAME!).
Terms: Each rank is required to know both the Japanese and English terms for various blocks, kicks, strikes, stances, kata names, etc.
- Self-Defense Concepts is a system that comes from Japanese origins.
- Should you wish to further your study of the martial arts by researching certain topics, you will discover that much of the information references Japanese terms.
- Being familiar with the terms both in English and Japanese will put you on a level playing field when discussing your own art with others who practice different disciplines.
- Having this knowledge will only help in your continual path to learning in the world of martial arts.
Basic Japanese Terms:
- Hajime: Begin
- Yame: Stop
 - Sensei: Teacher
- Obi: Belt
- Migi: Right side
- Hidarai: Left side
- Mae: Front
- Ushiro: Back
- Jodan: Upper
- Chudan: Mid-level
- Gedan: Lower
- Hai: Yes
- Iee lie: No
- Kioskay: Stand at attention
Counting:
- Ichi: One
- Ni: Two
- San: Three
- Shi: Four
- Go: Five
- Roku: Six
- Shichi: Seven
- Hachi: Eight
- Ku: Nine
- Ju: Ten
- NiJu: Twenty
- NiJu-Go: Twenty-five
- Hyaku: One Hundred
- Ippon: First
- Yon: Fourth
- Gohon: Fifth
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