Class Training

Class training usually consists of:

Warm up - a number of stretches and muscle warming exercises are done to prevent injury. Some flexibility is gained from these exercises but students should stretch every day on their own to improve flexibility.

Basic [kihon] training - involves practicing kicks, punches, blocks and stances; usually performed in lines so the instructor can easily notice any corrections that need to be suggested. Basics may be practiced with or without partners.

Kata - sequence of moves that represent fighting imaginary opponents. A new kata is learned with each new belt.

• Sanbon kumite [three step] is used for beginners to allow control while students are learning technique and distance.
  
• Ippon Kumite [one step] is for orange belts and up. A single attack is announced and performed while the partner practices blocking and counter attacking.
  
• Jiyu ippon kumite [semi-free sparring] is for brown belts testing for shodan level. A single attack is announced but the partners move towards each other until distance is right before attacking.
  
• Jiyu kumite [free sparring] is for black belt testing and competition in tournaments. This is not used for junior students. No attack is called. Control is very important.

Testing

Testing is usually possible every three months. If a student practices three times per week they should be ready to test for the next level at testing time, but always check with your sensei to see if you are ready. Students should train "on their own" as well. A few minutes every day goes a long way.

Normally every three months Yutaka Yaguchi Sensei, an eighth level black belt now living in Denver, visits Winnipeg and will test students [costs are typically $30 per student]. February, May, August and November are the usual months for testing. As well, special classes [Seminars] are normally provided by the visiting master [cost again is usually $30 per student].

Certificates are presented to passing students at the end of the next class they attend after testing. Belts are pre-ordered and can be purchased for $7 from Sensei Ron.

Grading regularly helps set achievable goals towards a higher objective - a black belt - but this again is just a step toward the regular training for the most noble cause - health and well-being.

Special classes are similar to regular classes, but all clubs from Manitoba participate, and there could be as many as 200 students in a class. Most classes are broken up between white to purple belts and brown to black belts. All students are encouraged to attend the seminar but it is understood for the younger and newer students up to orange belt level that the benefit is not great and they can just attend testing if they wish. All brown and black belts must attend every seminar, even if they are not testing.

Achieving a new rank includes more than showing the proper techniques at testing - spirit, respect, commitment, and personal improvement are all considered.

Belt Grades

Kyu levels [colored belts]:

Beginner - white belt
10^th kyu - white one black stripe
9^th kyu - white two black stripes

[Stripes for children under 12 only]

8^th kyu - yellow belt
7^th kyu - orange belt
6^th kyu - green belt
5^th kyu - purple belt
4^th kyu - purple belt
3^rd kyu - brown belt
2^nd kyu - brown belt
1^st kyu - brown belt