Top Carlisle Karate Clubs & Instructors

We practise Karate-Do - which means the "Way" of karate - it is not just a sport, a way of getting stronger or even just a form of fighting - "Do" means a WAY OF LIFE. It is not enough just to come and practise one or two hours a week. You must let your training affect your whole behaviour and approach towards life. This is your first step on "The Way of the Warrior". To be a warrior does not just mean being able to defend your self (although you will certainly learn to do this in our training), it means to be brave and gentle; strong and kind; to care for those around you and to respect yourself and your own deep intelligence. It means to be sensitive to everything around you - the beauty in life as well as the danger; to protect your environment and especially people less strong than yourself. You will learn to be resourceful, quick and independent yet at the same time not afraid to show your feelings. It is frequently better to behave the way you feel is right instead of always worrying what other people (or friends) might think. Dojo Etiquette: Helps you remember these aspects of training and sometimes the importance of what you are doing. All Students, whatever age, are required to behave with respect to the dojo, the other members of the dojo (and to themselves). For example: 1. When you enter or leave the Dojo - bow. 2. When you speak to Sensei (black belt instructor), address him as "Sensei" and bow. He will treat you with respect and you are expected to do the same. in Karate-do, Kungfu, or tai Chi Chuan, the relationship of teacher/pupil is very important. It doesn't matter how small you are or how young, to your teacher you are a complete and fully intelligent Human Being. You are expected to behave that way too (this is not a normal school). 3. Then you wish to speak to a Sensei or Sempai (assistant instructor), bow first and wait til he or she bows back. 4. When you are addressed either individually or as part of the class, always acknowledge with a loud "HAI" or "OOS". 5. You are expected to train hard - also, during the week you must practise. Make sure, especially, that when you have been corrected by Sensei or Sempai that you do not repeat the same mistake again! To do so might be just laziness or a sign of low respect. 6. After training, the Sensei or Sempai will address the class with the words "Thank you for training". The students then immediately reply together "Thank you for training us".