What does the word "KARATE" mean?

         "Karate" (pronounced "Kah-rah-tay") is a Japanese word that means empty hand and refers to a karate student's ability to offer a defense without the use of weapons.

What does the word JUJITSU mean?

        JuJitsu (pronounced Joo-jit-sue) is a close-combat martial system emphasizing grappling, throws, locks and pins and offers the student a way of close quarters self defense.

What style of Karate and JuJitsu is this?

        The style of Karate that is taught is refered to as Shotokan and the formal style JuJitsu that taught is known as Yamanaka Kojute Jiujitsu. These come together to form a complete style as Sensei Gichin Funakoshi the Father of Shotokan Karatejitsu originally taught.

Why is good form important?

        Good form means that you know how to use your body in a way that will allow you to get the most power from it.

Will I get a new rank every Semester?

        No. You must earn your rank. WISK is known for its high standards and not everyone comprehends everything at the same rate and sometimes you'll decide that you need more time to prepare for a test. As you advance, you'll discover that these high standards mean better karatejitsu

Why should I test?

        Students should test to attain the physical and mental objectives of that rank. This helps to increase their confidence levels and to build upon the goals necessary to progress through that rank. This ranks system is built upon the goals being attained in Kihon (basics), Kata(forms), and in Kumite (freesparring) that allows the student and instructors to plan the necessary steps to reach the goals for the next levels and beyond.

Why is this non-contact Karate?

        The average heavyweight boxer punches with about 600 pounds of force per square inch, while an advanced Karate black belt can punch with a force of 2000 pounds per square inch. Even the slightest contact by a normal karatejitsu student can hurt a person.

 

What are some of the goals and objective that will be taught ?

 

Mental & Leadership Objectives

Respect	Respect and good sportsmanship will be learned through bowing and other gestures, not only toward elders, but peers as well.
Discipline	Young people will learn the difference between politeness, respect, honor, and integrity. This is part of leadership training toward Blackbelt.
Confidence Levels	Positive feelings will be acquired by accomplishing basic karate skills andthrough rank testing, toward Blackbelt.
Reflexes	Reflexes will be developed by learning to dodge and block supervised karate movements.
Stress Relief	Students will become familiar with ways of releasing excess energy by supervised blocking, punching and kicking drills.

Physical Objectives

Motor Skills	Through slow motion punching and blocking drills, young people will improve gross motor skills as well as fine motor skills by aiming karate techniques at specific targets.
Muscle Tone	Muscle tone will be strengthened through karate postures (stances), and practice of karate techniques.
Rhythm	Rhythm will be acquired by performing karate techniques and counting simultaneously.
Flexibility	Flexibility will be developed by stretching and rotation exercises which are designed to benefit muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
Coordination	Students will develop coordination through contraction and relaxation of various muscle groups, using karate techniques. Balance will also be acquired through kicking exercises, standing on one leg.