As students progress in their training, it’s helpful to have a guide. Improved features are coming soon, but for now, you’ll find printable PDFs at the bottom of the page to give you a starting point. These particular resources are specific to Wado and our dojo. Please keep them as part of your personal karate notebook.
Dojo Kun
Dojo Kun are maxims (mottos) by which karateka train and live. They exemplify an attitude which dictates a way of life. Serious karate students should follow in the spirit of dojo kun to gain the maximum benefit from their training.
Reisetsu O Mamori: Stick to the rules. In the dojo, good etiquette must be observed by following the rules.
Shingi O Omanji: A student must have loyalty to his instructor. This is the most important thing in martial arts. It is not possible for someone to change his style in Japanese martial arts – people who do so cannot learn the correct etiquette and spirit of martial arts.
Jojitsu Ni Oberezu: Teachers and students are not all one. Outside the dojo you can be friendly with your sensei, but do not take advantage of this friendship.
Shinkenmi Ni Tesseyo: Be serious in your efforts. No flippancy, chattering, smoking, gum chewing, eating or drinking in the dojo. Concentrate solely on karate and train hard in everything you do. The dojo is not a social gathering hall and visitors as well as students shall respect the rules and Maxims.
Kumite no Gogensoku: 5 Principles of Kumite
Kiwa Hayaku: Attack your opponent with a strong spirit, do not think about defense, only attack.
Kokoro wa Shizuka: Always maintain a calm mind and spirit.
Miwa Karuku: Your movement and technique must be polished and smooth.
Mewa Akirakani: When you look at your opponent, see all of him. Do not fix your gaze on only one spot.
Waza Wa Hageshiku: Your technique must be sharp.
Kata no Rokugensoku: 6 Principles of Kata
Ikitakata: Kata must be alive and done with feeling and purpose.
Inen: Kata must be performed with Spirit.
Chikara no Kyojaku: Kata should be done with changes in application of power. Technique can be strong or yielding, hard then soft.
Waza no Kankyu: Kata should be done with variations in the timing of movement, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
Kisoku no Donto: Kata must be done with a proper rhythm of breathing, when to inhale and exhale.
Balance: Proper balance must be maintained in the performance of kata.
Suhari
Suhari is an old and important martial arts word in Japan.
Su indicates that a beginner must correctly copy all karate techniques from his instructor.
Ha means that after a number of years training, when the karateka has attained a high-degree black belt, he is allowed to develop new techniques, provided they are improvements. This applies to all movements with the exception of basic techniques.
Ri is the highest form. It means that after an even longer period of training than for Ha, the karate must be able to perform all forms of karate automatically, not stopping to think about his moves.
Wado Concepts
The following concepts are the underlying commonalities that bring quality to the martial movement used in Wado. Combined, they can be so effective as to evoke wonder or sense of “magic”. Martial arts cinema has helped this perception along, with shallow realism; however, to join one’s mind to movement is truly powerful. It’s simply the connection of brain and body, intention and skill.
Energy radiates from the human body. Our brains are sparking with it and our nerves carry it throughout our tissues. Connecting your thoughts with your movement (paying attention to the muscles and physical concepts therein) trains the brain to use its energy to enhance a physical effort.
In studying Wado, students must think on these things constantly to improve body awareness and structure, such as muscle control, breath, and posture. Karate training changes the body and mind. Student come to realize that this development process, when allowed to work, can change lives for the better.
Receiving Principles
Nagasu
Inasu
Noru
Irimi
Generating Power
Dropping
Twisting
Stepping
Aiki Principles
Aiki speaks to the harmony of forces. We can harness greater strength and power through connecting the body and mind. Science uses terms like biophysics and applied movement neurology to describe this kind of connection.
Initiation Principles – “3 Timings”
Go no Sen: Reaction timing, for instance, blocking because a punch is thrown.
Sen no Sen: Reaction is at the same time as action, for instance, noru, or entering the attack with the block.
Sen sen no sente: Action initiated by anticipation. Sense the attack and respond without waiting for it to happen.
New Visions Curriculum & Training Requirements (Ninjas)
New Visions Curriculum & Training Requirements (Kids-Adults)
A note on the Glossary— for now, please follow the pronunciation guide to the best of your ability. Space holders for each word’s pronunciation are in place here, with specifics to come.
© New Visions Dojo