Port Hills Dojo Sensei Dan Jakes Phone: 021 408 036 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.porthillskarate.nz/

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your interest in the Port Hills Shotokan Karate Dojo, I have enclosed more information on the classes and expectations but let’s take the all important first step together to makes sure we are on the same path.

Your child will be in a supervised, safe environment where we will nurture a learning, creative and disciplined environment where fun and fulfilment will manifest. Karate is an art and discipline suitable for all ages and abilities, which can help build the following;

• confidence, • self-control, • coordination and, • physical fitness.

Though widely practiced as a sport, karate is first and foremost a martial art (budō) that places emphasis on self-development, which is hugely beneficial to children.

It is essential in learning a martial art that clear expectations and routines are observed in order to ensure the safety, respect and enjoyment of all. Though unfamiliar at first, these expectations will be explained at the beginning of training and do not take long to get used to.

I hope to share the beauty and joy of this martial art with you, your children and our community so that we may all benefit. Your next step is to please carefully read the information below and complete the registration form provided. If you have any questions please contact me. I look forward to seeing you and the children at the start of term.

Warmest regards,

Dan Jakes Information for Parents Instructor: Dan Jakes Contact: 021 408036 Venue: Christchurch South Intermediate School Hall Time: Mondays 4:00 – 4:55pm (5-8 year olds) Monday 5:00 - 6:15pm (8+ years & adults)

Fees: Classes are charged by the term based on $10/class (i.e. $100 per 10 week term). There are no classes during school holidays. Fees must be paid at the beginning of term. If starting part way through term, fees will be charged on a pro rata basis according to the number of weeks left in the term. Missed classes may not be credited to the following term.

Gi (uniforms) and Belts: Students must wear a plain white karate gi for training (for the first four weeks of training regular clothes appropriate for exercise are acceptable). It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that their gi fits correctly and is kept clean and in a good state of repair. Tears and other damage must be repaired prior to the following training session. The appropriate coloured belt must be worn with the gi at all times:

Grade Belt Colour 10th Kyu (beginners) White 9th Kyu White 8th Kyu Yellow 7th Kyu Orange 6th Kyu Green 5th Kyu Blue

4th Kyu Purple 3rd Kyu Brown

2nd Kyu Brown 1st Kyu Brown 1st Dan Black

Suppliers for uniforms (gi) and belts: http://www.bushido.co.nz http://www.zenjo.co.nz http://chchma.co.nz

Gradings: Students will be offered the opportunity to grade approximately twice per year. Grading fees are currently set at $35/person. A minimum of 70% attendance is necessary to be eligible to grade. Students wanting to grade will be advised close to the time grading whether they are ready to do so. Training Format: Training usually involves a thorough warm-up and stretching, followed by three main practices:

Kihon (Basics): , or basic techniques are the foundation of karate. Kihon is practiced as a group or individually to develop coordination of basic stances, blocks, strikes and . Emphasis is placed on good form, posture and safe biomechanics.

Kata (Forms): Kata is a formalised sequence of kihon, which takes about one to two minutes to complete. Kata are traditional forms and the same kata are practiced all over the world with very little variation. As students progress through the grades, kata become increasingly athletic, complex and subtle in their execution. In Shotokan Karate there are 26 kata. the basic form of a kata can be learnt quite easily, but mastery takes many years of practice.

Kumite (sparring): Sparring in karate is called . For beginners and intermediate practitioners, kumite is practiced in a very controlled pre-arranged form, which allows students to develop technique, control, distance and timing. As skills are developed, kumite becomes more complex and more free in form.

Dojo Etiquette: The training hall is referred to as the dojo.

• Always bow on entering or leaving the dojo. • Junior grades must bow first to their seniors. • Instructors should be referred to as Sensei. • Nails must be kept clean and short enough to avoid scratching and cutting jewellery or watches should not be worn. If it is not possible to remove rings or earrings, they should be safely covered. • It may be requested that shoes are removed on entering the dojo. • It is polite to walk around the edge of the training area. • Students must make every effort to be on time for classes, but if late, should enter the dojo quietly, change, and warm up in the changing room. When joining the class, they must kneel to the front and side of the class, where they can be clearly seen by the Sensei, and watch carefully for the Sensei's signal to join in. When this signal is given, they should remain kneeling, bow deeply, then walk quickly and quietly around the back of the class until it is convenient go to a position appropriate to their grade. • Any behaviour that is likely to offend the etiquette of the dojo is not allowed. Port Hills Shotokan Karate Dojo REGISTRATION FORM Sensei Dan Jakes Phone: 021 408 036 Please complete as fully as Email: [email protected] possible, sign and date. Web: http://www.porthillskarate.nz/

Full Name: ……………………………………………………… Date of Birth:..………………

Previous karate or other martial arts experience:……………………………………………

Any Medical Conditions: …………………………………………….. …………………………

Medications:…………………………………………….. ……………………………………….

Parent(s) Names:…………………………………………….. …………………………………

Address:……………………………………………….. …………………………………………

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Phone (mobile): ……………………………………Home: ………………………………………

Email: ……………………………………………….. ………………………………………….…

Alternative emergency contact:

Name: ……………………………………………Relationship: ……………………………….

Phone (mobile): ……………………………………Home: ………………………………………

Email: ……………………………………………….. ………………………………………….…

• While I understand that every possible care is taken to make the activity safe, I accept that karate is a martial art and that the instructor will not accept liability for any injury or mishap that may occur. • I accept that fees must be paid at the beginning of term and that missed classes may not be credited or transferred to the following term.

Signed by parent/guardian: ………………………………………………. Date ……………………….