Mackinaw Valley Karate-Do
and Fitness Center

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Mackinaw Valley Karate - Do is a member of the

Illinois Traditional Karate Organization
&
World Traditional Karate Organization

The Illinois Traditional Karate Organization is under the direction of Chief Instructor Brian Evans 6th Dan WTKO. The ITKO is a self regulated organization which networks with many different traditional groups in order to develop its members and the organiztion.We are dedicated to learning and practicing traditional Shotokan karate. Shotokan karate-do is original, authentic karate from Japan and its techniques are self-defense based. Karate-do literally means way of the empty hand.

We promote the development of all Karate-do members according to the teachings of Master Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern day karate-do. We strive for the sound physical, psychological, and moral improvements of students through the benefits of quality traditional training. We also provide Instructor training courses, gradings and tournaments.
(Membership is open to clubs and individuals of all ages)

Our dojos are full affiliate members of the World Traditional Karate Organization, which is under the direction of Sensei John Mullin (Executive Director) and Sensei Richard Amos (Chief Instructor).

The ITKO Headquarters dojo is located in Mackinaw Illinois, USA. Private Instructor training only; Monday and Wendsday 4:30-5:30p.m (See contact information on Home Page).

Our Mackinaw Valley The dojo is located in the downtown district of Mackinaw Illinois, at 107 E. Fast Ave. (See Karate page for classes and Home Page for contact information).

Pawnee Shotokan dojo is located in the downtown district of Pawnee Illinois, at 605 Douglas. 62558

Kaizen Shotokan Karate Club: 1333 N.Wheeler, Springfield IL. 62702
www.kaizenshotokan.com

WTKO:
http://www.honbudojo.com/ Sensei Richard Amos
http://www.wtko.org/www/htmls/jkasipage.htm Sensei John Mullin
http://www.ctkarateusa.com/ Sensei Fred Serricchio
Japanese Karate-do: Shotokan of Cincinnati Sensei Sonny Kim
http://www.traditionalkarateofbrandon.ca/index.php?pageid=2 Sensei Scott Middleton

Other Links:
International Shotokan-ryu Karate-do Shihankai
Shotokan Magazine

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is karate? - Karate is a system of self-defence originally developed and refined in Okinawa and Japan. The word Karate is formed from the Japanese words Kara and Te meaning empty hand. Shotokan Karate was established by the Okinawan master Gichin Funakoshi who introduced it to Japan, where it was developed extensively by Masatoshi Nakayama.Gichin Funakoshi once wrote "As a mirror's polished surface reflects whatever stands before it and a quiet valley carries even the smallest sounds, so must a student of Karate render his mind empty of selfishness and wickedness in an effort to react appropriately towards anything he might encounter." This is the true meaning of Kara (empty). Should children take karate? - 75% of students training today are children under the age of 15.This is mainly because Karate training has many benefits for children, especially the development of three important areas of their personality.
Self Confidence.
Karate helps prepare a child for life. The children in our Karate classes know more is expected of them and with a little encouragement and support from their instructor and parents, they rise to the occasion.Etiquette.
Children are taught from the outset that Karate is primarily a defensive and not an offensive martial art.
They learn to be polite and respect their fellow students, instructor and parents. Soon, they become aware that good manners consist of having consideration for other people.Discipline.
Children react to discipline very well and after a short period they develop self-discipline. Their concentration is enhanced as they focus their mind on the job in hand. Many parents notice a marked improvement in their child's powers of concentration.
What will my training involve? - Your training will be structured into three main sections: Kihon (basic techniques), Kata (set sequences of techniques), and Kumite (sparring).
Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different skill level or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced to you as basic blocking
and counterattacking, but will ultimately lead you to freestyle fighting, where you will be taught to attack with, and defend against, unannounced attacks.
When practiced together, the above will help to create a more rounded martial artist.
They will teach how to do the basic movements (kihon), how to put movements together (kata) and how to use the techniques in "real life" situations (kumite).Kihon are the basics of karate. The individual techniques themselves. Stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, etc. These movements are usually practiced one at a time in the beginning, moving up to multiple moves. They are also practiced in a static stance first, and then while moving.Kata are the forms that a Shotokan practitioner will perform. They are pre-arranged sequences of attacks and defenses. Their purpose is to teach the martial artist the proper way to move while performing the techniques and how to put multiple techniques together. When Gichin Funakoshi first formulated shotokan, all he taught were kata. There was no separate instruction in how to perform an individual technique.
The students learned the techniques through the kata. There also was no kumite, as Funakoshi thought it was too violent.Kumite is the one-on-one and one-on-many fighting that is practiced. The purpose of kumite is to teach the student how to perform his/her techniques with a live opponent, where as kata uses imaginary opponents. There are several types of kumite:1. Kihon Kumite, or basic sparring is done with each opponent taking a step. Both attacker and defender take up fighting stances. The attacker will announce the technique they will throw (or it will be decided before hand by the instructor) and then step in towards the defender throwing that technique.
The defender will step back and block and counter the technique. More advanced defenders may step in towards the attacker.2. Jyu-ippon Kumite, or semi-free sparring is usually done with the participants taking multiple steps before the attack. There may three of five steps taken.
The attacker will then announce his/her technique and execute it. The defender will block and counter. More advanced students may practice this sparring without announcing the attack.3. Jyu Kumite, or free sparring is the most advanced type of sparring practice. Both practitioners assume fighting stances and have at it. There is no calling of techniques and no designated attacker/defender. Each student must attack and defend as and when they see fit.
What do I wear when training? - The uniform of Shotokan karate (and most martial arts, for that matter) is the gi. The gi is composed of a jacket, pants and a belt (obi). The gi should be treated with the same amount of respect as the dojo, as your teacher, as yourself.
Your gi is your outward appearance for your art. The gi should not have holes or be dirty. The holes can be repaired and dirt should be washed out. The gi should NEVER be left in a pile. When not being worn or washed, it should be hung up, folded or rolled up and tied with the belt. After a while a student's gi may become worn from regular training and washing. Parts of the gi may also become discoloured from vigorous workouts.
The belt (obi) will also become ragged from being tied and untied, and from being tugged on. Although one washes ones gi, the belt is never washed. Every class that you take, every drop of sweat, every little tear or abrasion is part of what goes into each student's unique experience. It is something to be remembered, but not clung to. Therefore no experience is washed away. The belt must tell its own story.
What is a grade and how do I get one? - A grade is a measure of the level of attainment of a Karate student.
Each grade is signified by a different coloured belt, starting with the White belt and progressing to Black. Below the black belt, grades are referred to as Kyu, which means 'boy'. Black belts are called Dans, which can translate as 'man' (this is all a little sexist, but remember that traditional Karate traces it's roots to a very male-dominated past).
Wearing a black belt is a great privilege, and carries a deal of responsibility. Fewer than 1 in 10000 people ever try their hand at a martial art.
For every 1000 people who do begin Karate, fewer than 50 will achieve a Dan grade. Most will drop out before they achieve a senior grade (senior grades are 3rd Kyu - brown belt - and above).
Above this point the 'drop-out' rate is somewhat smaller, but still less than half those who achieve 3rd Kyu will eventually reach black belt.
How will I measure my progress? - ITKO students are entitled to take grading examinations, conducted by senior examiners after set periods, usually after every three months of training.
There is a grading syllabus for each level with coloured belts used to denote the grades. With regular and correct training students can expect to achieve black belt standard within 4 to 5 years.

Terminology

This is a small list of Japanese terms used in karate and martial arts, not specifically Shotokan. These are always useful when attending other schools or competitions. Some schools teach entirely in English, while others use virtually none.

Blocks (Uke)

Gedan Barai - Downward Block
Soto Ude Uke - Outside Forearm Block
Uchi Ude Uke - Inside Forearm Block
Shuto Uke- Knife Hand Block
Kakiwake Uke - Wedge Block
Juji Uke - X Block
Tate Shuto Uke - Vertical Knife Hand Block
Morote Uke - Augmented Block
Sukui Uke - Sweeping Block
Age Uke - Upper Rising Block
Ashikubi-Kake Uke - Ankle Hooking Block.
Haishu Uke - Back Hand Block.
Haito Uke - Ridge-hand Block.
Haiwan Uke - Back Arm Block
Kagi Uke - Hooking Block.
Kaisho Uke - Open Hand Block
Kake Uke - Hooking Block
Nagashi Uke - Sweeping Block
Nami Ashi - Inside Snapping Block.

Punches (Tsuki or Zuki)

Ake empi - Rising elbow strike
Choku zuki - Straight punch
Empi uchi - Elbow strike
Gyaku zuki - Reverse punch
Haishu uchi - Back hand strike
Haito uchi - Ridge hand strike
Hisami zuki - Scissor strike
Kage zuki - Hook punch
Kizami zuki - Straight jab punch
Mae mawashi empi uchi - Augmented side elbow strike (kata, Heian yondan)
Mawashi empi - Hook elbow strike
Morote zuki - Double punch (Tekki shodan)
Nukite - Spear-hand strike
Oi zuki - Lunge punch
Sanbon zuki - Triple punch
Shuto uchi - Knife-hand strike
Sokumen empi uchi - Augmented elbow strike (kata, Tekki shodan)
Tate zuki - Half reverse punch
Teisho furi uchi - Sideways palm-heel strike
Teisho uchi - Palm-heel strike
Tettsui - Hammer-fist strike
Tettsui hasami uchi - Hammer-fist scissor strike
Uraken uchi - Backfist strike
Ura zuki - Backfist punch
Ushiro empi - Back elbow strike
Yama zuki ("mountain punch") - Wide double fisted strike (kata, Bassai dai )
Awase zuki - Narrow double fisted strike
Yoko empi - Side elbow strike
Yoko tettsui - Sideways hammer-fist strike (kata, Heian sandan)
Gyaku age zuki - Rising reverse punch (kata, Enpi)

Kicks (Geri)

Mae Geri - Front Kick
Yoko Geri Keage - Side Snap Kick
Yoko Geri Kekomi - Side Thrust Kick
Mawashi Geri - Roundhouse Kick
Ushiro Geri - Back Kick
Mikazuki Geri - Crescent Kick
Ushiro Mawashi Geri - Reverse Roundhouse Kick
Mae Tobi Geri - Front Jumping Kick
Kakato Geri - Heel kick
Hiza Geri - Knee Kick
Ashi Gatana - Foot Sword
Fumikomi Geri - Stamping kick
Ashi Waza - All leg and foot techniques
Nidan Geri - Double Kick
Ren Geri - Consecutive Kicking
Tsumasaki Geri - Kick using the tips of the toes
Mae Geri Kekomi - Front Thrust Kick
Keage - 'Kick Up'
Mae Geri Keage - Front Snapping Kick

Strikes (Uchi)

Seiken - Forefist
Uraken - Backfist
Tettsui - Hammer Fist
Nukite - Spear Fist
Haito - Ridge Hand
Teisho - Palm Heel
Haishu - Back Hand
Shuto - Knife Hand
Keito - Chicken Head Wrist
Kakuto - Bent Wrist

Stances (Dachi)

fudo dachi - rooted stance
hachiji dachi - natural stance
hangetsu dachi - half-moon stance
heisoku dachi - informal attention stance
kiba dachi - horse stance / side stance
kokutsu dachi - back stance
kosa dachi - cross-legged stance
neko ashi dachi - cat stance
renoji dachi - L-stance (e.g. in the kata, Heian godan)
sanchin dachi: hourglass stance
shizentai: ready stance
katashi dachi: crane-like stance (e.g. in the kata Enpi)
tsuru ashi dachi: crane stance (e.g. in the kata Gankaku)
zenkutsu dachi

Smashes (Ate)

Empi Ate - Elbow Smash
Hiza Ate - Knee Smash

Parts of the Body

Ashi - Foot or Leg
Ashikubi - Ankle
Ashi Yubi - Toes
Empi - Elbow (also called HIJI)
Gan - Eye
Haiwan - Back Arm
Hiji - Elbow
Hira Kote - Level Forearm
Hiza - Knee or Lap
Hizagashira - Knee Cap
Kakato - Heel (of the foot)
Kami - Hair
Kansetsu - Joint
Karada - Body, Physique
Komekani - The temple area of the head
Matsukaze - The side of the neck
Sokko - Top Of The Foot
Sokutei - Sole of Foot
Zenshin - Whole (entire) Body

Directional

Age - Upper
Barai - Sweeping
Chudan - Middle
Gedan - Lower
Gyaku - Reverse
Hanmi - Side Facing
Hidari - Left
Jodan - Upper/High
Kage - Hook
Mae - Forward
Mawashi - Round
Migi - Right
Otoshi - Downward
Tate - Vertical/Upward
Tobi - Jump
Ushiro - Backward
Yoko - Sideways

Other Terms

Chudan - Middle
Jodan - Upper
Dojo - Place of training
Sempai - Senior
Sensei - Teacher
Shihan - Master
Tai Sabaki - Body Shifting
Kime - Focus
Kiai - Shout used to help Ki and Physical Power
Ki - Spirit, Inner Power
Obi - Belt
Mawate - Turn
Bushido - The way of the warrior
Budo - Martial way or path
Gi - Karate Uniform
Jiyu kumite - Free sparring
Karateka - practitioner or student
Kamae - Fighting stance; on guard
Kata - Fixed sequence of training execises
Nage-waza - Throwing techniques
Rei - Command to bow
Shomen Ni Rei - Bow to the front
Sanbon Kumite - Three step sparring
Jiyu Ippon - Semi free one step sparring
Gohon kumite - Five step sparring
Yoi - Ready command
Yame - relax command
Kietsuke - Attention

Counting

One - Ichi
Two - Ni
Three - San
Four - Shi
Five - Go
Six - Roku
Seven - Shichi
Eight - Hachi
Nine - Kyu
Ten - Jyu

ITKO Kata

Japanese Name	English Name
Taikyoku Shodan (kihon)	Heavenly
Taikyoku Nidan (kihon)	Heavenly
Taikyoku Sandan (kihon)	Heavenly
Heian Shodan	Peaceful mind 1
Heian Nidan	Peaceful mind 2
Heian Sandan	Peaceful mind 3
Heian Yondan	Peaceful mind 4
Heian Godan	Peaceful mind 5
Tekki Shodan	Iron Horse(man) 1
Tekki Nidan	Iron Horse(man) 2
Tekki Sandan	Iron Horse(man) 3
Bassai Dai	To storm a fortress (major)
Bassai Sho	To storm a fortress (minor)
Gojushiho Sho	54 steps
Gojushiho Dai	54 steps
Wankan	Crown of a king
Chinte	Incredible hands
Kanku Dai	To view the sky
Kanku Sho	To view the sky
Unsu	Cloud hands
Meikyo	Mirror of the soul
Sochin	Preserve peace
Nijushiho	24 steps
Hangetsu	Half moon
Gankaku	Crane on a rock
Enpi	Flying swallow
Jion	From the temple
Jitte (Jutte)	Ten hands
Ji'in	Named after the saint
Suishu	Water hands

ITKO Rank Requirements

YELLOW BELT (9th Kyu)
1. Lunge Punch
2. Front Kick
3. Downward Block
4. Kata (Taikyoku Sho-Dan)
RED BELT (8th Kyu)
1. Lunge Punch
2. Front Kick
3. Downward Block
4. Rising Block
5. Outside Block
6. Knife Hand Block
7. Three Time Attack
8. Kata (Heian Sho-dan)
BLUE BELT (7th Kyu)
1. Lunge Punch
2. Front Kick
3. Downward Block
4. Rising Block
5. Outside Block
6. Knife-Hand Block
7. Side Thrust Kick
8. One Time Attack
9. Kata (Heian Ni-Dan)
GREEN BELT (6th Kyu)
1. Lunge Punch
2. Front Kick
3. Downward Block - Reverse Punch
4. Rising Block - Reverse Punch
5. Outside Block - Reverse Punch
6. Knife-Hand Block
7. Side Thrust Kick
8. Side Snap Kick
9. Five Time Attack (Jodan,Chudan,Gedan)
10. Kata (Heian San-Dan)
PURPLE BELT ( 5th Kyu)
1. Lunge Punch
2. Front Kick
3. Downward Block - Reverse Punch
4. Rising Block - Reverse Punch
5. Outside Block - Reverse Punch
6. Knife-Hand Block/Spear Hand Thrust
7. Side Thrust Kick
8. Side Snap Kick
9. Roundhouse Kick
10. San-Bon-Zuki
11. Three to Five Attack
12. Kata (Heian Yon-Dan)
PURPLE BELT (4th Kyu)
Same as 5th kyu plus the following additions:
1. Double Front Kick
2. Outside Block/Elbow Strike
3. Slow Sparring
4. Kata (Heian Go-Dan)
BROWN BELT (3rd Kyu)
Same as 4th kyu plus the following additions:
1. Outside Block/Elbow Strike/Back Fist Strike
2. Kata (Tekki-Shodan)
BROWN BELT (2nd Kyu)
Same as 3rd kyu plus the following additions:
1. Kata (Bassi-Dai)
BROWN BELT (1st Kyu)
Same as 2nd kyu plus the following additions:
1. Back Stance moving forward; Knife Hand Block,
a. Front, Front Kick, Side Thrust Kick, Spear Hand Thrust.
2. Sparring Combinations:
a. Jab, Reverse Punch, Front Kick.
b. Jab, Reverse Punch Roundhouse Kick.
c. Jab, Spin Around Back Kick, Back Fist Strike.
3. Kata (Bassi-Dai)
BLACK BELT (Shodan and above see Sensei Evans)

Shotokan History

TBuddhism. He also introduced a systematized set of exercises designed to strengthen the mind and body, exercises which allegedly marked the beginning of the Shaolin style of temple boxing. Bodhidharma's teachings later became the basis for the majority of Chinese martial arts. In truth, the origins of karate appear to be somewhat obscure and little is known about the early development of karate until it appeared in Okinawa.
In its earliest stages, the martial art known as "karate" was an indigenous form of closed fist fighting which was developed in Okinawa and called Te, or 'hand'. Weapons bans, imposed on the Okinawans at various points in their history, encouraged the refinement of empty-hand techniques and, for this reason, was trained in secret until modern times. Further refinement came with the influence of other martial arts brought by nobles and trade merchants to the island.

Te continued to develop over the years, primarily in three Okinawan cities: Shuri, Naha and Tomari. Each of these towns was a center to a different sect of society: kings and nobles, merchants and business people, and farmers and fishermen, respectively. For this reason, different forms of self-defense developed within each city and subsequently became known as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te. Collectively they were called Okinawa-Te or Tode, 'Chinese hand'. Gradually, karate was divided into two main groups: Shorin-ryu which developed around Shuri and Tomari and Shorei-ryu which came from the Naha area. "It is important to note, however, that the towns of Shuri, Tomari, Naha are only a few miles apart, and that the differences between their arts were essentially ones of emphasis, not of kind. Beneath these surface differences, both the methods and aims of all Okinawan karate are one in the same" (Howard, 1991). Gichin Funakoshi goes further to suggest that these two styles were developed based on different physical requirements Funakoshi, 1935). Shorin-ryu was quick and linear with natural breathing while Shorei-ryu emphasized steady, rooted movements with breathing in synchrony with each movement. Interestingly, this concept of two basic styles also exist in kung-fu with a similar division of characteristics (Wong, 1978).
The Chinese character used to write Tode could also be pronounced 'kara' thus the name Te was replaced with kara te - jutsu or 'Chinese hand art' by the Okinawan Masters. This was later changed to karate-do by Gichin Funakoshi who adopted an alternate meaning for the Chinese character for kara, 'empty'. From this point on the term karate came to mean 'empty hand'. The Do in karate-do means 'way' or 'path', and is indicative of the discipline and philosophy of karate with moral and spiritual connotations.

Shotokan was founded by Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957) in Tokyo in 1938. Funakoshi is considered to be the founder of modern karate. Born in Okinawa, he began to study karate with Yasutsune Azato, one of Okinawa's greatest experts in the art. In 1921 Funakoshi first introduced Karate to Tokyo. In 1936, at nearly 70 years of age, he opened his own training hall. The dojo was called Shotokan after the pen name used by Funakoshi to sign poems written in his youth. Shotokan Karate is characterized by powerful linear techniques and deep strong stances.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information and the training methods contained on this web site can be dangerous. Neither the author, nor the host of this site, nor any other person or persons accepts any responsibility whatsoever for any injuries, damages, or death caused to, or by, any person or persons, as a direct or indirect result of the use of any of the information, advice, movements, and or techniques described in the articles contained on this web site or any other linked web sites, pages or articles. Anyone following the information, advise, movements, and or techniques provided here does so at their own risk. This material is intended to be for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of a qualified Instructor.

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