Welcome To Goshin Karate & Judo Academy. Congratulations on your decision to take the challenge towards personal excellence. The purpose of this handbook is to make your start with our studio easy and comfortable.

Table Of Contents Studio Training Creed About the School & Instructors Dojo Etiquette and Standards Tying Your Belt, Uniform, Patches Attendance, Testing & Promotion, & Studio Policies Seven Home Rules For Children 7 Ways To Build A Street Smart Child Survival Rules Free Sparring Rules Frequent Questions A Word To Family Members History of Karate Self-Defense and the Law Orange Belt Standards Terminology Training Equipment Suggested Reading List

"Building Better Futures'' Since 1991

Mike Anderson began his martial arts career in 1978 in Waterloo, Iowa, studying both Shuri-Ryu and Kyokushin-kai karate. He continued his studies and has been awarded black belts in Okinawan Kempo and Shuri Ryu karate styles, as well as associate black belt in Hoteikan Jiu Jitsu . Mr. Anderson has also studied several other styles of martial arts, including judo, wing chun kung fu, and kuk sool won, and continues his never ending pursuit of martial arts knowledge. Mr. Anderson began teaching karate in 1985, teaching summer and after-school karate programs at various Paradise Valley District grade schools, as well as privately and at community centers. A recipient of the 1996 IMAMS "Outstanding Instructor" award, he has also taught the karate program at Paradise Valley Community College. A published author, his numerous articles have appeared in Inside Taekwondo, Secrets Of The Masters, Martial Arts Business Magazine, the Black Book. and Martial Arts Professional magazines. Cathy Poland Anderson began her martial arts career in 1975, training in Shotokan Karate at Arizona State University. She then began training in Kodokan Judo, and was awarded her first degree black belt in 1981. Mrs. Anderson competed frequently, both nationally and internationally, in the late 70's and early '80's, winning often, including first place in the Arizona State Championships, Las Vegas Invitational, San Diego Open, Baja California Invitational, Silver State Championships, and the American-

Canadian Invitational. She was also the Women's Grand Champion in the San Diego Open and the Fiesta Bowl Championships. In 1984, she defeated the women's gold medalist in the International Police Olympics. Mrs. Anderson taught locally in a number of settings before opening Goshin with her husband . She also holds Black Belts in both Okinawan Kempo Karate and Tai Liu Chuan Fa (Kung Fu), and continues her study of a wide range of martial arts. In 1994, she received the prestigious title of "Instructor Of The Year" by the National Association of Professional Martial Artists.

All instructors are trained in the "Goshin Method", through our Instructor Training Program, which emphasizes teaching with positive feedback and character building methods of instruction. Nearly all instructors are drawn from within our own ranks.

Goshin Karate & Judo Academy opened in October, 1991, under the direction of Mike & Cathy Anderson. Since that time, we have progressed to become one of the most honored and respected studios in the Southwest. Goshin has won numerous awards, including being recognized in 1994 through 1997 as one of the Top 100 Martial Arts Studios in North America by Martial Arts Business Information Magazine, at the time a leading trade journal of the industry. In the October, 1996 issue of Martial Arts Professional Magazine, we were the featured School of the Month. Without philosophy, Martial Arts would be little more than street fighting. At Goshin we teach and emphasize a series of basic life skills that challenge our students throughout not only their Martial Arts training but also their everyday lives. Junior Students are taught to be respectful and polite towards their parents, siblings, teachers and elders. They are also taught the importance of learning and doing their best in school. Our Teenage and Young Adult Students are taught to set achievable goals and that hard work does have its rewards. Through the Martial Arts they become more confident and develop an attitude of self-reliance. This increase in confidence enables them to better cope with issues of peer pressure and helps them make correct choices. Our primary philosophies are embodied in our Student Creed. However, this is not a boot camp, the Japanese army, a Zen Buddhist temple, or a Shinto shrine. We strive for discipline without humiliation, character development without oriental religious trappings. Personal growth is the goal to which we all aspire, and continue to pursue.

1. Bowing (Rei) is the customary greeting in oriental culture the way a handshake is to us. It is also a sign of respect. It is NOT a bow of worship, and has No religious significance!! We do not bow to any pictures, altars or flags at this studio, nor do we practice zen meditation. Please bow (rei) upon entering and leaving the studio and the mat. Bow when starting and ending a sparring practice and at the start and close of each lesson. 2. Please address your black belt instructors as Mr./Mrs./Miss (last name) or Sensei, which is the Japanese term for teacher. Always address all other brown & black belts as Mr./Mrs./Miss (last name) Always address all Black & Brown Belts as "Sir" or "Ma'am". 3. Please be on time. If you are late, please prepare yourself to enter class and remain by the mat edge until admitted by the instructor leading the class. If you are late, wait until after class to find to turn in your attendance card. 4. Please do not use any bags, blockers, or other equipment without the senior instructors permission. Safety is our first consideration. If you indulge in any horseplay or unsafe behavior which could result in injury to yourself or other students, you may be suspended from training. 5. Never fight outside the studio, except in self-defense. You may be banned from all further study if you fight or threaten others, except in a LEGITIMATE self-defense situation. 6. Please don’t smoke, chew gum, eat, drink, or bring any food or beverage products in the studio. 7. Please introduce guests and visitors to the instructors at the earliest opportunity. 8. Please don’t wear watches or jewelry during workouts, and keep your fingernails and toenails cut short. Long nails and jewelry are dangerous to your

fellow students. We will not be responsible for lost watches or jewelry. 9. Please help keep the studio clean and orderly. Hang your clothes up and throw trash in the trash basket. Please do not leave shoes in the lobby! Please leave them in the dressing room or the restroom. 10. Don’t throw your gi and your obi (belt) - that you've spent so much energy earning -on the floor. They are a sign of your hard work and achievements. 11. Please keep your gi and body clean and neat. 12. If you have to wait out in front of the studio for a ride, please wait quietly until your ride appears. “Horseplay”, loud, undisciplined behavior, climbing on the pillars, running up and down the sidewalks, etc. makes a poor impression on others. 13. The phone is our primary business tool. Please use the phone for emergency calls only. 14. Please knock before entering the office. 15. Always line up according to rank. 16. Please do not wiggle, fidget, fall down, or otherwise display undisciplined body language in class. To show pride in our studio, these rules must be adhered to at all times. Thank you for your support.

Sexual harassment of any sort is strictly forbidden. Acts of competitiveness and intimidation can spill over into the area of sexual harassment, which is also a form of domination and intimidation. Any student who feels that they are the subject of such harassment should bring it to the attention of Mr. Boggs immediately.

If you have left something behind, we do have a Lost and Found. Please see

your instructor or someone in the office and they will try to help you locate your item. All items are held for four weeks before being donated.

First, fold the belt in half to find the center. Then, place the centerpoint at the front of the waist, just below the navel. Bring each end around the back and to the front.

C. Finish by drawing the outside end of the belt up between the jacket and the belt and tying a square knot.

All uniforms are expected to be clean, unwrinkled, and hemmed (sleeves not above the elbows). Although it is not necessary to iron or press your uniform, don't stuff it into your training bag so that it is full of wrinkles when you put it on. An untidy, messy uniform detracts from the atmosphere that we are striving to maintain. Plus, no one likes to work out with someone whose uniform stinks! If you train often, we suggest that you have more than one uniform. Various uniform options are available to Black Belt Club members. White Uniforms are required for all non BBC members. To help instill a uniform, disciplined atmosphere, all student karate uniforms MUST HAVE the Goshin logo on the back, and the school patch correctly in place. We have a wide variety of uniforms available in all price ranges, from the basic white student uniform all the way up to a selection of deluxe heavyweight uniforms worn by most of the instructors. A Judo uniform is different from a karate uniform in that it is much more heavily constructed, to withstand the tugging and pulling characteristic of judo. Judo uniforms are always white or off white. These are also available for purchase at Goshin.

Please refer to your schedule for exact class times. Schedule copies are available in the office and may also be downloaded at www.GoshinKarate.com. The schedule is changed periodically to better suit the needs of our students. Class changes will be announced as they occur in the Goshin News on the web-site. Parents dropping off children should do so five to ten minutes prior to the class, and should pick them up within five to ten minutes of class end. The studio gets very busy around class changing time and we cannot be responsible for watching unattended children.

Goshin will close for most legal holidays, including but not limited to MLK Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, and Thanksgiving Weekend. We will close for the week from Christmas Day through New Years Day. We will also close for the week before Labor Day, and the week before Memorial Day. Holiday closings will be posted on the bulletin board and the website at least one week prior to the holiday. Some classes may be canceled with prior notice for special events such as photo days, seminars, clinics, and teacher workdays. In every case, missed classes can be made up at the student's discretion either

prior to or following the missed or canceled class.

If you will be missing class due to out-of-town vacation or illness for a period of more than four consecutive weeks, please notify the office in writing. Missed class time of more than four consecutive weeks due to vacation or illness can be credited on to the end of your program. See the business office for more details. We DO NOT give credits or extensions for soccer, baseball, golf, etc.

Please remember that your agreement will be AUTOMATICALLY RENEWED at the expiration date unless you submit written notice at least FIFTEEN DAYS prior to the expiration date of any intention not to renew. Please do not leave telephone messages regarding membership status changes. As indicated in your agreement, there will be NO REFUNDS for unused classes

It is common within the Martial Arts industry to charge, over and above tuition,

additional fees for items such as association dues, mandatory private lessons, mandatory clinics, mandatory tournaments, finance charges, etc. We are proud to say that here at Goshin we will not be charging you any such fees. The only things excluded from your tuition payment will be promotion fees (which include belt, video, & certificate) and your own personal equipment, such as uniforms, patches safety gear, etc. There are also occasional optional events (like seminars and karate camps) which will have an extra fee.

Rank and age divide all classes at Goshin. Children and adults train separately,

this way everybody works with a peer close to their own skill level. Your initial membership entitles you to two karate classes per week (plus unlimited judo for ages eight & above). We suggest that you pick the two days that best fit your schedule, and stick to them on a consistent basis. We rotate the days that we teach the different categories of our curriculum. Consistent attendance will ensure that the student is taught each curriculum category needed for the next belt at least once per month. (However, if your schedule changes and you need to attend a different class time, please feel free to do so.) Also, if you miss a class or two (maybe due to vacation or illness), please try to make them up by coming an extra day for a week or two. Remember, contrary to what one might believe, coming too often to class could be counter productive. The key is to be consistent and balanced; if you spend too much time at karate, other areas in your life will become unbalanced. Students are expected to attend Goshin just like they are expected to attend regular school or work. In order to realize the long-term benefits of Martial Arts training it is important to train consistently. Here is our attendance card procedure:

All attendance cards are filed in Box #1 at the beginning of the week. The first time you come to class in a given week, take your card out and turn it in at the beginning of class. At the end of the day, we date -stamp the cards and re - file them into Box #2 .

For the rest of that week, when you come to class, pull your attendance card from Box #2 and turn it in at the beginning of class.

On Monday of the following week, your card will be refiled back into Box #1 and you will begin the process all over again. If you have been absent for a week or more, your card may be in the office.

Box #3 is for Judo (yellow cards) Sparring, (red cards) and

Leadership/Instructor Cards (blue cards). At the end of the week, we look in "Box 1" to see whose card has not been pulled. This is how we can tell who has not been to class that week. Sometimes cards are misfiled. If you cannot find your card the first time you look, please look again and check the letters that are near your name. If you are late to class, wait until after class to find and turn in your attendance card.

Occasionally a student won't want to come to class. If this occurs more than

once or twice, please notify an instructor so that we can re-motivate, educate, and reaffirm the goals of Black Belt Excellence. It is important to remember that almost everyone who earns a Black Belt at some point during his or her training considers quitting. It is normal to have peaks and valleys in our training, especially since Martial Arts are a year round activity whereas most other activities are seasonal. We sometimes hear that it is challenging for parents to get their children to class. As long as the student still has fun while they are here, then there is not too much to be concerned about. We find that children often have trouble switching gears from one activity to the next, but as long as karate is still enjoyable for them, then a little difficulty getting them to class now and then is not a major issue. However, if a student complains excessively about coming to class, or says they don't enjoy coming anymore, then you should tell their instructor immediately so that we can find out what needs to be done to re-motivate that student. We find that students may lose motivation simply because they have other activities (playing with friends or a favorite TV show) at the same time as karate class. Sometimes students just lose sight of their goals and need to reaffirm them. During periods of low motivation it is helpful to know that no one who has earned a Black Belt has regretted it, and that "a Black Belt is a white belt who never gave up!"

Patches are a fun way to both show achievement and personalize your uniform. The following guidelines will tell you where to put them. Mandatory Patch Goshin School Patch - left chest, over the heart. The Goshin Patch must be displayed on the uniform before orange belt promotion. Merrit Patches Black Belt Club Patch - Right Chest USKA/ASKA -Right Top Shoulder Sleeve Instructor, Ass't Instructor, Instructor's Ass't, SWAT Team- left chest under Goshin School Patch, Honor Roll/Academic Achiever, STORM Team, Spirit Award, Full Splits, Leadership, Exceptional Progress -bottom of left sleeve Excellence Patches - on the right sleeve

At Goshin a student's progress is measured by the awarding of tips and belt

promotions. A "Tip" is a stripe added to a student's belt that signifies that the student has moved a step closer to their next rank. It is used as a measurement of that student's progression at their current rank. A "Promotion" to a new color of belt signifies a completion of an entire set of curriculum and therefore recognition of a student's increase in skill levels, and a step closer toward the goal of Black Belt. We have both technique and class hour requirements that need to be fulfilled for each belt rank. Copies of those requirements are available on the website. Tips are awarded between belts for class attendance and attitude. FIVE AREAS OF TESTING

There are five areas in which students must perform competently in order to be ready for belt promotion: Knowledge of Curriculum, Spirit and Energy, Attitude and Protocol, Fitness Basics, and Applications 1. Knowledge of Curriculum - Students must know the entire curriculum necessary to progress to the next level. This curriculum is available online on a curriculum sheet for the student's particular belt level, and on video, which is provided with every promotion. Although effort is rewarded more so at beginning belt levels and greater technical proficiency is expected as students attain higher rank, students must still be able to perform all movements in their belt's curriculum in order to promote. 2. Spirit and Energy - Students are expected to perform their moves with high energy. "Kiai" and intensity of movement can demonstrate this. 3. Attitude and Protocol - Students should demonstrate a positive and respectful attitude and follow the protocol of the school, such as bowing on and off the mat and remembering their sir’s and ma'ams. (Junior students are also required to get a school teacher's and parent's signature on their intent to promote letter showing that their behavior at home and at school is acceptable.) 4. Fitness - Students are expected to improve their fitness as they progress. This can be demonstrated by doing good push-ups and calisthenics, as by well as by performing the movements required with good endurance (not being completely out of breath at the end of a form, etc.). 5. Basics and Application -Good basics are the foundation of a good Martial Artist; therefore we expect students to perform basics competently at all belt levels. Students should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the application of the movements they are learning. To be tested, you must have a clean white uniform with the school patch properly attached. You will be tested informally for all belts up to your brown belt (sankyu). However, subsequent tests through black belt (shodan) will be formal reviews before a black belt review board. Remember, you will need to know all of the katas and techniques for the belt you are testing for.

When you are promoted, you will receive a videotape which will include all of the techniques you will need for your next belt promotion. A promotion fee will be charged and will include your next video, rank certificate, and belt. Promotion fees are subject to change.

Our requirements for each belt promotion in Tiny Tiger classes is to attend 25 classes and demonstrate a good attitude. A promotion fee of $15.00 will be charged and will include your rank certificate and belt. Promotion fees are subject to change.

Minimum Class Hours Sparring Hours Fee

Kukyu (9th) White 0 Hachikyu (8th) Orange

20 $30

Shichikyu (7th) Yellow 20 $30 Rokukyu (6th) Blue 30 $40 Gokyu (5th)Green 40 $40 Yonkyu (4th) Purple 50 $50 Sankyu (3rd) Brown 60 $60 Nikyu (2nd) Brown 60 20 $60 Ikkyu (1st) Brown 60 20 $60 Shodan (1st) Black 60 30 $120

These are the minimum hours required for rank promotion. Technical skill and proper

attitude must also be demonstrated to be eligible for promotion.

When a Tiny Tiger or Youth student has passed their testing for their next belt, an intent to promote letter will be sent home with them. The purpose of this letter is twofold. First, it allows students and parents a chance to give us feedback about the program. Second (for juniors), it requires a parent and school teacher signature letting us know that a student's behavior at home and school is good. If there is ever a challenge with behavior in either area, please let the student's instructor know so that the instructor understands why the student has not received his or her next belt.

There should be no doubt in any student’s mind -Perfect Practice Makes Perfect. As flower requires water to grow, so does a person need practice to grow. Doctors are said to “practice medicine” because after they have learned their

skills in medical school, they must continue to practice those skills, and even learn new ones. Given even a small amount of ability, every student can reach black belt if he or she is prepared to work hard. Constant practice develops self discipline and determination, confidence in your abilities, and strength of mind.

There are three basic types of practice that will help you improve your martial arts skill: Improving Technique, Competitive and Mental. All three work to increase your skill, all three are useful for different reasons, and each one is appropriate at different times: . • Practice that improves your technique. The student practices their form in his or her own space for the sake of the form itself. The student does not move in reaction to others, but in harmony with his or her form or technique. Don't forget, however, that it takes not just any practice, but rather "perfect practice" to make perfect. Practicing roundhouse kicks on the bag will not necessarily improve your kata. . • Competitive practice lets you perform your moves under pressure and creates a whole new level of skill. With competitive practice, not only do you have to be in touch with your own body position, but you must be aware of the competitor’s moves and react accordingly. . • Mental Practice. The great thing about mental practice is that you can do it anywhere, any time. Sitting in a traffic jam? Then why not practice every move of your latest form or technique in you head. You will be amazed at how this type of mental practice can increase your confidence and skill.

Our training videos, which you receive at each promotion, are great training aids for you. Pick one category every day that you don't come to class and spend ten or fifteen minutes practicing with the video. You'll find that your skills will increase at a tremendous rate.

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself -Chinese Proverb

The classroom practice of our karate and judo is often conducted in pairs, taking the role of a defender and an offender. The partner is not a competitor or opponent. The aim is not to find out which of the two wins, but together to improve techniques through cooperation.

The real job satisfaction here at Goshin is helping individuals to grow and

develop. If a student needs some extra input, advice, mentoring, guidance, or just a little extra help, please talk to the student's instructor. For example, if a student is getting poor grades in school, is not respectful of others, or is not doing chores, our instructors would be happy to have a "Mat Chat" (talk with the student privately) to help the student find more empowering alternatives to their behavior or performance. Please understand that one of our main goals is to help our students become responsible and respectful people of integrity.

It is very important to remember that parents are also martial arts

coaches. When children first start their training in the martial arts, especially in the case of very young children, we often find that they have not yet developed the self discipline to practice at home on a regular basis. Practicing at home greatly enhances performance at the school and it should be encouraged. Our training videos, provided to you at each promotion, greatly facilitate home training. We suggest that you talk to your child and agree on a daily practice time. It can be as little as ten minutes per day, if that ten minutes is used for quality practice. The curriculum portions that will need the most practice are the combination techniques - Combination Techniques, Self Defense Techniques, and, for yellow belts and up, kata. Pick a category each day and work it for a solid, focused ten minutes. Developing the habit of setting a goal (next belt) and working for it on a regular basis will give your child life skills that go far beyond punching and kicking.

One of the easiest ways to help your child is by simply showing that you are interested in his or her training and talents. Children love to show off what they have learned in class and we encourage parents to ask their child what he or she has learned every single week. Show your encouragement by offering positive feedback, and compliment them in the areas where you can see improvement. This approach with children works wonders for their self-image and for their motivation. In fact, if you use this approach in just about anything your child does, whether it be homework or chores, you will soon notice the difference. If children believe that they are getting better it boosts their self confidence, which in turn encourages them to try harder still. When children know that when they do well they will receive recognition and praise, they will want to do well because it makes them feel good. Children will rise to the level of your expectations, but only if they are encouraged and praised along the way.

Our "intent to promote letters" are an excellent opportunity for you to praise your child's accomplishments. Use the Comments section to say something nice that your child will see.

Help your child to reach his or her personal best by being the martial arts coach at home.

It is important to recognize that attendance at Goshin Karate and Judo Academy, unlike participation in activities such as soccer or hockey, is attendance at an institution of learning - a school. The school is for the most part a service, but it is a school. We therefore run it under the same professional standards as a college or private school, or any other institution of education. All rules are in print, up front.

1. Although the local college or private school doesn't care if you come to class or drop, we will make every effort to help you complete the curriculum and achieve your goals. However, the responsibility for learning is on your shoulders. 2. The local college or private school doesn't offer your money back (it would be foolish to even ask). 3. Because it is a school, parents choose whether their children attend. Imagine your children deciding they no longer wanted to do their homework or go to grade school. Who decides? 4. Children are here to learn lessons that are designed to improve the quality of, or perhaps even save their lives 5. This is not soccer, or volleyball, or the gym. This is a school. There is a commitment to learning.

At Goshin, we do all of our teaching in plain sight. We have no secrets, and we want parents to feel free to drop in at any time to observe class and satisfy themselves that their children are receiving proper instruction. However, we want our students to feel that they are free to make mistakes in class while learning that will not embarrass them in front of Mom or Dad. Also, the noise and busy-ness created by parents visiting with each other in the lobby, and the outbursts from toddlers and younger siblings can be very distracting to both instructors and students and diminishes their capacity to focus on training. We suggest that if you wish to watch class, stay for a few minutes at the beginning of class and then drop back in a few minutes early before class is finished, or stop in for a while during the middle of class. If you stay to observe class, we ask you to please do so quietly, and if you have a noisy toddler with you, we request that you keep them quiet or go elsewhere while class is in session. We also ask that you not bring small toys, books, crayons, etc., to spread out on our lobby floor for the entertainment of younger children. Because seating in our lobby is limited to three chairs, we ask that these chairs be reserved for ADULTS (18 & over) ONLY. (No children in the chairs, please.) We need your cooperation to maintain the professional atmosphere which we are endeavoring to project. Thank you for your support.

Quotes ”Children have never been any good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” -James Baldwin “Each child represents either a potential addition to the protective capacity and enlightened citizenship of the nation or, if allowed to suffer from neglect , a potential addition to the destructive forces of a community... the interests of the nation are involved in the welfare of this array of children no less than in our great material affairs”. -Theodore Roosevelt

We do GREAT Karate Birthday Parties, on a regular basis, for our students. If you have ever wondered if there was someone out there that could run a party for you, set up, clean up, supply food and drink, as well as give you a gift list when it's all over, and even provide party favors for the guests, we are your answer. Ask for details!

You can be the star of show & tell! Ask your teacher if you can bring a Sensei to your show & tell. They'll tell your class all about where and why karate got its start. Then we'll use YOU to demonstrate some self defense techniques, kicks, and so forth. AND, you and all of your friends and classmates will get a free headband! Sound like fun? Talk to Mr. Boggs today!

The highest compliment that a person can give us is the referral of a family member or friend. If you have a friend or know of somebody that would benefit from our program, please give him or her a Buddy Pass. Explain to this person that the Buddy Pass will entitle them to a free private lesson, compliments of you. Encourage them (or their parent(s) to call the school and make an appointment

for their class. If the person you recommend then enrolls in one of our regular programs, you will receive $25.00 in Goshin Bucks, redeemable on merchandise.

At Goshin, we believe in supporting worthwhile causes in our community, and, we also offer a community service support program which will continue to provide revenue for your organization all year long. We will be glad to meet with you to deliver a donation and to explain how Goshin can continue to provide your organization with financial support throughout the year. Please call us so that we may schedule an appointment.

As a part of our community service outreach, Goshin is more than happy to

give demonstrations or lectures for any organization. We offer self defense clinics, demonstrations, appearances at Scout and Brownie meetings, and show-and-tells. If you are interested in having us come out and talk or do a demonstration for your group, simply ask Mr. Boggs.

Private lessons from our staff are available for students who need a little extra help or who desire a more personalized approach to training. Ask for details!

Periodically, competitions are held around the valley. Tournaments that we feel are suitable for our students are posted on the bulletin board. Any student wishing more information on tournaments and the sport aspect of judo and karate should check with Mr. Boggs. Tournament competition is strictly optional!

Goshin's Black Belt Club is a special membership reserved for those students who wish to commit themselves to the goal of obtaining the black belt. Black Belt Club membership is available by invitation only. During your first few months of training, your instructors will be observing your degree of dedication, consistency of attendance, etc. Black Belt Club members receive an extra class each week and a special Black Belt Club class each month, special extra curricular events, a unique black belt club patch and belt, a discount in the pro shop and on seminars and school sponsored events. Black Belt Club membership is also a prerequisite for' membership on STORM, SWAT, and Demonstration Teams.

Although classes start at different times during the day, we answer our phone from 9:00 A.M. on. Please feel free to call us anytime Monday through Friday after 9:00 A.M.!

The following rules need to be memorized by all youth class members (age 6-11) before promotion to Orange Belt.

1. Children shall greet their parents when they enter the house (Hi Mom! Hi Dad!) and tell their parents "Good-bye" when they leave. 2. Children will always be respectful of their Parents, Teachers, and Elders. 3. Children will be kind to their brothers and sisters. 4. Children will help keep the household - especially their own room - neat and clean and will make their own beds every morning. 5. Children will keep their hair, body, and teeth clean daily. 6. Children will not interrupt adult conversations. 7. Children will do all their assigned schoolwork every day. These rules must be memorized by Youth students, age 6 - 11, for promotion to Orange Belt. Children who do not obey these rules CHEERFULLY will not be eligible for promotion.

A copy of the “Seven Home Rules” list is available in the office and online.

Free sparring is conducted here at Goshin because it is a part of our martial arts training. Sparring lets us practice our “match fighting range” techniques in a more "realistic" setting, and helps to develop your speed and timing, as well as improving your cardiovascular condition and reflexes. You are challenged under somewhat stressful conditions, which helps you to develop a calm mind under attack. There is no additional charge for sparring classes with the purchase from Goshin of Genuine Goshin Sparring Equipment !

When we spar, we have rules to insure that everyone will be safe, so everyone can learn from the experience. These rules and regulations must be STRICTLY ADHERED TO, WITHOUT EXCEPTION by all persons engaged in free sparring:

1. All participants must have and wear the following protective items while sparring:

A. Groin Cup B. Mouthpiece C. Genuine Goshin Foam Headgear D. Genuine Goshin Foam Footgear E. Genuine Goshin Foam Handgear F. Chest Protector

2. Attacks to the GROIN are NOT ALLOWED. 3. Light contact is permitted to the head in the area covered by the foam headgear. Face contact is NOT ALLOWED. 4. Light to moderate contact is permitted to the front body area above the waist. 5. Attacks to the SPINE, LEGS, JOINTS, and THROAT are NOT PERMITTED.

Have fun! Free sparring is not to win or lose, but to improve your skills and the skills of your partner.

Okinawa is the largest of the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago that stretches between the south of Japan and Taiwan. Located between China and Japan, the word Okinawa literally means “a rope tossed in the water” and that is how the islands appear on a map. Okinawa has long been known for its own particular form of unarmed combat which the Okinawans call “te” or hand. Okinawa had three districts: the Shuri, Naha, and Tomari districts. When the art was introduced to Japan, it was simply referred to as Okinawa-te, regardless of which district it came from. The Tokugawa Shoguns of the Satsuma clan of Kyushu (the southern most island of Japan), controlled Okinawa from 1609 to 1868. During this period all training of a martial arts nature had to take place in secret, usually late at night or in the early morning hours. When Japan captured Okinawa, the Shogun forbid all weapons and martial arts training. If an individual was caught doing so, it was considered treason and not only he, but probably his family, would be executed. Because of this, there is very little written down about martial arts or techniques during this time period since this information had to be passed on orally behind closed doors. What little information was kept before or after 1868 was probably destroyed by the ravages of World War II in 1945.

Early reference to the term "Okinawa Kenpo (Kempo)" dates back to the early 1900's. During this period the name was used as a generic name for all

Okinawan Karate. It was not until the early 1950's that the use of the name shifted to describe a particular karate system taught by Master SHIGERU NAKAMURA.

Master Nakamura was born in 1894 and lived in the City of Nago. His first introduction to karate came at the Icchu Middle School, in Shuri where Karate had just been introduced to the educational system. His instructors included Kanryo Higashionna, Kentsu Yabu & Chomo Hanashiro. Yastune Itosu also made periodic visits to the school. Upon graduation from the middle school, Nakamura returned to Nago, where he continued his training under Shinkichi Kunioshi, the successor to the legendary Naha "Bushi" Sakiyama. In 1953 Nakamura established his own dojo in Nago City, calling his form of the art "Okinawa Kenpo". In 1955, the OKINAWA KENPO

RENMEI (Association) was formed with Master Nakamura as President. Master Nakamura died in 1969 at the age of seventy-seven leaving no designate as the system’s master. Our style, as taught at Goshin, contains the basic elements of Okinawa Kenpo Karate as taught by Master Nakamura. However, we also have added elements of Judo and included a great deal of self defense techniques drawn from a variety of systems.

Shigeru Nakamura, founder of Okinawan Kempo

Mr. Tom Muncy One of the reasons many people choose to take martial arts is for self-defense. Before considering the precautions and defenses against specific types of assault, you should know the legal restrictions of acting in your own defense. Legally, this is a complex issue, but here are some basic principles you should remember. Self-defense begins when you are required to defend yourself against an unlawful attack, and it is a time honored principle that one is entitled to defend himself from physical attack by another person. However, you are only protected by the law if you are obeying the law. Notice this definition of self-defense is related to physical, not verbal, attack. Verbal assault, mere words spoken by another, regardless of content, are not sufficient grounds for using physical force in the name of self-defense. However, if the person verbally assaults you and then acts in a way that you honestly believe he or she is going to attempt to injure you, you can use a reasonable amount of force in your defense. You may only use equal force to overcome the force against you. Here are some examples to clarify these statements: 1. If I swing at you with a club and you knock me out with a punch, you have acted justifiably and legally to defend yourself. It is immaterial that I didn’t hit you. This simply means that, at this point, I have committed assault, but not battery. 2. Let us assume that I have verbally threatened to cut you with a knife and that I reach into my pocket just as I step toward you. What can you do? Although you cannot really determine whether I have a knife of not, you are legally permitted to defend yourself on the assumption that I do have a knife. If my actions are such as to convince any reasonable person that I have a knife in my possession with which I intend to commit bodily injury, even if I’m bluffing, you have acted justifiably if you defend yourself. 3. Assume I have attacked you, beaten you up, and have stopped and walked away. What do you do now? The only thing you can do is to report the attack to the police. Under the law, if I am walking away you are no longer in danger of being physically injured, and you cannot now retaliate against me. You can’t chase me, throw things at me, or the like. Like it or not, it is the law. 4. The law does provide for what is called justifiable homicide, but only if there were no other choices and your life is in imminent danger. Even if you felt there was no alternative, a prosecutor may argue that you, as a practitioner of a martial art, should have sufficient knowledge and control to be able to stop any attacker without the necessity of taking his life. This may be a valid argument if you have reached the rank of green belt or higher. The majority opinion is known as the Texas rule. It states: An individual, who is not a trespasser, need not retreat from an assailant if he truly fears death or serious bodily harm. It is assumed that the assailant is the person who initiated the attack without any provocation on the part of the defender. (Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, West Virginia, Kansas, Kentucky, and Virginia).

The topic of defending others also needs to be explored. There is generally a consensus among the states that you can come to the defense of others, even total strangers. However, you should be extremely cautious when entering into someone else’s problems. For example, when you see two people fighting, how are you going to know who is in the right? Your first impression might be that a man is beating up another and you come to the defense of the man getting the worst of it. Then you find out, after you are in jail, that the man winning the fight was a policeman arresting a dangerous criminal and you interfered with the officer in the performance of his duty. Not exactly what you had in mind, is it? If you think all of this is a bit complicated, you are right! In general, you would do well to heed the advice of the judo instructor who told his students: "Stay out of trouble at all costs. As a practical matter, when the police come, both you and your assailant are wrongdoers in the eyes of the law.” So, as a summary, you should observe the following: 1. Stay away from those places and areas where you could get into trouble. 2. If you are attacked and cannot retreat, use only the force necessary to stop the attack and hold the assailant for the police. 3. You must stop your assault as soon as the attacker has submitted or is in custody. 4. Legally, you are on firm ground if you act in the situation just as any reasonable person would act under the same conditions. 5. Call the police immediately. You must justify that your actions were necessary to protect yourself. You should also be alert to any witnesses who may support your side of the story. And remember -Common Sense Before Self Defense

The following symptoms are typical of the effects of Adrenaline on the body in a stressful situation, such as a real street self defense situation. Although these reactions are common and natural, they are often mistaken for fear, and can undermine your self confidence if not understood for what they really are. . • Prefight shakes. Your legs and possibly other limbs may shake uncontrollably. . • Dry mouth. Your mouth may become dry and pasty. . • Voice quiver. Your voice may acquire a nervous and audible tremor. . • Tunnel vision. On the positive side, tunnel vision can enhance visual concentration. Its negative by-product is the reduction of peripheral vision. . • Auditory Exclusion . • Sweaty palms. The palms often sweat profusely. . • Nausea. Adrenaline may cause nausea or even vomiting. . • Bowel loosening. The recipient may experience loss of bowel or bladder control. . • "Yellow fever" or terror. Adrenaline, certainly adrenal dump, evokes feelings of helplessness and abject terror. Fear of death or rape may bring on an extreme feeling of depression and foreboding. Tears and often hysteria may also occur. Many people submit to their attackers because of this overwhelming emotional explosion. . • Time distortion. Many rape victims report that their assault seemed to last an eternity, when in reality it may have lasted only a few minutes. During a physical attack, time can appear to stand still, with a minute often feeling like an hour. Paradoxically, in retrospect, victims of muggings and assaults often say, "It all happened so fast." All of these feelings are normal parts of the adrenal reaction; accept and ignore them. The feelings do lessen in intensity as you become more exposed to them. .

Although we are an Eastern - based martial art, our karate classes use primarily English terminology. Judo uses Japanese terminology, however. Here are some common Japanese terms that you may hear during classes:

BUNKAI - BUNK - eye - application of form

DAN - DAHN - black belt

DOJO - DOE joe -literally, place to study "the way"; common use - Karate school

GATAME - gah TA LH mee - holddown

GI - GEE - uniform

HAJIME -HAH juh may - begin (command)

KATA - KAH tah - form

KIAI - KEE eye - a loud shout which reinforces physical karate techniques.

KUMITE - KOO me tay - free sparring

KYU - KYOO - below black belt rank

MATE - MAH tay - wait

NAGE - NAH gee - throw

OBI - OH bee - belt

SENSEI - SEN say - teacher

SHUTO - ssh TOH - knifehand

TORI - TOH ree - in judo, the partner who performs the technique on the other partner.

UKE - OOH kay - block; in judo, the partner upon whom the technique is practiced.

UKEMI - ooh KAY mee - breakfalling

YUDANSHA - yoo DAN sha - black belt holder

Counting ICHI -EE chee - one NI-NEE - two SAN -SAHN - three SHI -SHEE - four GO -GOE - five ROKKYU -ROE que - six SHICHI -SHE chee - seven HACHI -HA chee - eight KU -KOO - nine JU -JOO - ten

Home Training Equipment

The same top quality training equipment used at Goshin is available for purchase to enhance your home training.

Blue Foam Kick Shield This professional quality shield will take full power kicks from child to adult.

Target Squares

These inexpensive foam pads will last for years, and are great for developing accuracy and form in punches and kicks.

Headache Bag -Put it up and take it down in seconds, get hundreds of hours of great workout.

Uniforms

How about a new or second uniform? We've got 'em available in a variety of sizes and weights - from a standard replacement uniform, to a super soft heavyweight instructor quality.

Heavy Bags -All the Goshin approved gear you need to get We

offer a wide variety of hanging and free started in sparring class! standing bags, in a variety of prices., and we can suggest the right bag for your family.

Most of these books are available for purchase through Amazon.

Martial Arts Encyclopedia Emil Farkas & John Corcoran This book tells everything about every style and most everybody - a book to read for years to come. Zen In The Martial Arts Joe Hyams A modern day classic - anecdotes from a man who has trained with many of today's top masters Chinese Boxers, Masters & Methods Robert W. Smith Another modern day classic - more anecdotes from a man who trained with many of Taiwan's top masters Karate - Do, My Way of Life Gichin Funakoshi The autobiography by the "Father of Modern Karate" Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts Donn Draeger & Robert W. Smith Great historical overview of all the major oriental fighting arts. The Art Of War Sun Tzu The ancient, classic treatise on strategy that is still studied today. Iron & Silk Mark Salzman The story of an American student , training in China with one of the top masters. Okinawan Karate - Masters, Methods, and Secret Techniques - Mark Bishop A "must have" for any Okinawan stylists. Great info source. The History of Karate - Morio Higaonna - The title is a misnomer, as the book is almost completely about Okinawan Gojuryu and its origins, but an excellent read by a man who is one of the top Goju people in the world. Dead or Alive - The Choice Is Yours” Geoff Thompson Despite the lurid title, a great self defense book covering adrenal stress response, interviews with muggers & thugs, and much more by a man who’s had years of practical experience Streetwise : A Complete Manual of Security and Self Defense Peter Consterdine Consterdine covers The Basic Principles of Personal Security and takes us

through Awareness Training the cornerstone of good personal security. He covers personal security in all types of enviroment and then goes on to deal with fear, the law and what does and does not work in any physical encounter. Protecting the Gift : Keeping Children and Teenagers Safe (And Parents Sane) -- by Gavin De Becker A must read by anyone who is a parent or child care giver.