A Typical Class - A Description
A typical class consists of a warm-up period, a set of stretching, and then the Karate Instruction. Mingled with this there are various traditional Karate rituals aimed at focusing the class, showing respect for the class and the instructors, and thanking the class and instructors.
Entering the Dojo
On entering the Dojo students will generally start to perform light exercise, stretching and practice of Karate, relevant to them, either individually or in small groups. This is very informal with students often asking for and receiving help from others to perhaps refresh knowledge or clarify some aspect of their Karate. There is, of course, a certain amount of social conversation that takes place - there is life outside Karate - one of the goals of Karate is to maintain a balance in one's life.
The Line-up
Once the Senior Instructor has completed some short administrative items the class is called to order and lines up facing the front of the Dojo in order of Seniority, the Senior instructor facing the class. At the relevant command the class kneels and after a period of contemplation and perhaps a few words from the Senior Instructor the Dojo-Kun is recited. This is a short passage that covers the core values of Karate. In our academy this is tailored for each age group in order that it is relevant and easily understood. Thereafter the students bow to the class (Octag Ni rei) and then to the Senior Instructor (Shihan Ni Rei ). Everyone stands and then the warm-up begins.
The Warm-up
The warm-up, is an important part of any exercise regime that aims to develop and maintain fitness and is widely viewed as a simple measure to help prevent injury during exercise. It prepares you both physically and mentally for the coming exercise.
Generally taken by an instructor or senior Kyu grade it involves general exercise such as running, sit-ups, star-jumps etc. This is given a more fun aspect in the non-adult classes by integrating a playground game such as dodge-ball or tunnel-tag.
Stretching
A structured routine of stretching is performed, taking into account all of the major aspects of the body. Often this will be tailored slightly to take into account the content of the coming class. Stretching improves flexibility
The Karate Instruction
This can take a number of forms depending upon the focus of that particular class. Lead by the senior instructor, often with assistance of another senior grade, the stereotypical instruction pictured by many people of marching up and down is often used at the beginning of a class to demonstrate key aspects and to refresh on any work performed previously.
Once the basics of that class have been demonstrated the class will, if apropriate, move to either partner or group based work with instructors either assigned to work with a specific group or moving around the dojo observing, demonstrating, instructing and correcting the students as required.
The end of the class
When time runs out (which it often does with frustrating rapiditiy) the class is once again called to order and lines up in the starting lines and then kneels. After perhaps some reinteration of the important points of that class, some comments on errors in technique that were noted and need to be further worked on the students bow once again to the class, and to the senior instructor. The class is stood up and then dismissed, with the class once again bowing to the Senior instructor and then to the Senior grades.
Don't Worry!
While the above may seem daunting, what with taking on a new form of exercise that you have not tried before, being faced with a whole class of people in uniform who seem to know exactly what to do and when (especially all of those bows). Added to the rapid realisation that perhaps you aren't quite as much in control of your limbs as you believed with the frustration this brings - Don't worry - Everyone in the class started in the same place, and you will find the students and instructors supportive, encouraging and helpful. Everyone wants you to succeed.
