Welcome Dear Student: As our newest member, we would like to personally welcome you to the Shogun Martial Arts Center. We hope training in the martial arts will be as fulfilling for you as it has been for us. Shogun Martial Arts Center offers many positive rewards for adults as well as children, and will extend into all areas of life. As a new student, there are a few guidelines and practices to learn that help the Shogun Martial Arts Center function to the best of its ability. This student manual will be a convenient way of answering many of your questions. Please use this material to start a personal collection of notes and handouts as you begin your journey toward earning a Black Belt. Quality, tradition and excellence are our main goals as we strive to provide the most comprehensive martial arts school available today. If at any time you have a special concern or question, don't hesitate to call, e-mail, or stop in the office. We take great pride and personal interest in every one of our students. Our commitment is to help you in any way we can. Welcome and Good Luck on your journey! Sincerely, Renshi Gregg Brown, Master Instructor About Shogun Martial Arts Center Shogun Martial Arts Center was founded in 1998 and is now one of the leading private martial arts schools in the Shawnee Mission area. Renshi Gregg Brown, Certified Black Belt, brings highly skilled and knowledgeable instruction to each and every student. He not only strives to offer excellence in all that he does, but also has a deep caring and commitment to his students. There are three primary styles of martial arts taught: Kenpo is an empty hand system of martial arts and is used as the foundation for all of our training. This ancient system is rooted in solid fundamentals and applicable self-defense techniques. Traditional teachings passed down from generation-to-generation are closely followed. Kobudo means “Traditional Weapons” or "Ancient Weapons Techniques". The Okinawan weapons were essential in ancient times for self-defense and protection of property. Although we do not practice full-contact sparring with the weapons, we study kata and carefully practice real-life application in drills called bunkai. The traditional Okinawan weapons systems include the Bo (staff), Tonfa, Sai, Kama (sickle), Oar, Nunchucku, and Nunte-Bo. Aiki Te JuJitsu is a grappling art focusing on locks, throws, take-downs, breaking techniques and submission holds. Aiki Te JuJitsu is also an ancient art practiced by many. The incorporation of Aiki Te JuJitsu with Kenpo creates an unbeatable style of self-defense. We also offer: Kumite or Mixed Martial Fighting System. Sometimes referred to as “sparring” and practiced on a regular basis. Sessions are held in all classes. Intermediate and Advanced students are required to participate to be eligible for their next rank promotion. Official Shogun Martial Arts Center gear must be worn at all kumite sessions, no exceptions. All necessary items are available in our Pro Shop. Special Events. As a new member of Shogun Martial Arts Center, you will find many opportunities inside and outside the dojo that will enhance your martial arts experience. Events ranging from special seminars, advanced clinics, school picnics, theater released martial arts movies, etc. are just a few ways we try to augment your day-to-day training routine. Please feel free to offer and suggestions for upcoming events that you feel may be great for the school. Rev 1/23/11 www.shogunmartialartscenter.com 2 Business Office Procedures Shogun Martial Arts Center has several business procedures that serve to help organization and efficiency. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the following: Tuition Payments All tuition payments are processed electronically via ACH (electronic funds transfer). No long term contract is necessary as payments are made on a month- to-month basis. We do have the right payment plan for you. If you wish to withdraw from our program and stop the monthly billing, please give the office a 30-day notice prior to your next billing cycle. You must complete the "Membership Cancellation" form. You are more than welcome to continue training until the end of your term. If you decide to return to Shogun Martial Arts Center, the current enrollment fee will apply. V.I.P Memberships Although no long-term contract is required at Shogun Martial Arts Center, taking advantage of the V.I.P membership allows students to pre-pay for an extended period of time at a discounted price. Ask for more information if you are interested. Belt Test Fees When you are eligible for belt rank advancement, we ask that you pre-register for your test. In doing so, it confirms your attendance on the day of the test, the belt size you will need, and payment for the test. The fee covers all materials and certification dues for Shogun Martial Arts Center. Failing to pre-register may result in a late fee and/or ineligibility to test. Rev 1/23/11 www.shogunmartialartscenter.com 3 Code of Conduct & Etiquette Every martial arts student, regardless of rank or seniority, obeys an unwritten code of conduct upon entering a dojo anywhere in the world. The manners, rituals and customs embodied in the martial arts help set a tone of discipline and control. Senior students lead by example and show beginning students that safety depends on participating in martial arts practice according to the dojo code of conduct. Martial Arts Courtesy Always be respectful to instructors and other students. All instructors should be referred to as “Sensei.” The bow is a traditional way to show respect, much like a handshake in the Western world. - You should bow when entering and leaving the training area. - All classes will begin and end with a formal bow. - When you are practicing with a partner, bow before and after the exercise. Respect Your Dojo Shogun Martial Arts Center a non-smoking establishment. Please keep food and drinks to a minimum in the reception area. Shoes are not permitted in the workout area. Remember to leave your valuables at home. We are not responsible for lost or stolen property. Respect Yourself and Others Be respectful of your gi (uniform), wearing it clean, pressed and with all proper patches. T-shirts are to be worn underneath your gi and should be tucked in. For your safety as well as others, maintain personal cleanliness, keep nails cut, pull back long hair, and remove all jewelry before training. We do not permit profanity in our dojo at any time. Please keep conversation at a minimum during class and do not talk when the instructor is speaking. Help Us Prevent Injuries Your safety is important to us. Horseplay is not allowed in the dojo. All classes at Shogun Martial Arts Center will be supervised by a qualified instructor or assistant instructor. During sparring classes, gear must be worn. This includes: head gear, chest protector, hand pads, feet pads, mouthpiece and groin protection (men only). No exceptions! Basic Dojo Rules: 1. Listen! 2. Do! Rev 1/23/11 www.shogunmartialartscenter.com 4 Belt Ranks The following is the belt ranking system at Shogun Martial Arts Center: White Belt Ku Kyu Yellow Belt Hachi Kyu Orange Belt Shichi Kyu Blue Belt Roku Kyu Green Belt Go Kyu Purple Belt Yon Kyu 3rd brown Belt San Kyu 2nd Brown Belt Ni Kyu Junior Black Belt Age 12 Nihon Sempai Age 14 1st Degree Black Belt Shodan 2nd Degree Black Belt Nidan 3rd Degree Black Belt Sandan 4th Degree Black Belt Yondan 5th Degree Black Belt Godan 6th Degree Black Belt Rokudan 7th Degree Black Belt Shichidan 8th Degree Black Belt Hachidan An old Karate legend tells us that the obi (belt) was simply to keep together the gi (uniform) of young students. White cotton was used because it was the cheapest material available. Out of respect for the knowledge students were gaining, washing the obi was not allowed. As time progressed and students continued their training, their obi would slowly darken. After many years of dedicated training the obi would be black, thus the mystique of the "Black Belt" was born. Our modern day traditions have their roots in this legend as each new obi is darker in color than the previous. Similar to the karatekas of old, we discourage students from washing the obi out of respect for their training. Wearing a karate obi does not make you invincible and will not win battles for you, however, the ranking system offers many benefits for students and instructors. By creating a series of successful belt promotions, confidence and conviction to continue training is established. Providing students with a means of marking progress, short term objectives are achieved while encouraging continued effort toward accomplishing the ultimate goal of earning a black belt. The belt test exams should be considered opportunities for students to demonstrate skills that have been learned. Instructors at the Shogun Martial Arts Center are among the best martial arts educators you will find. They are 100% on your side and only concerned with helping each student progress to the best of their ability. Rev 1/23/11 www.shogunmartialartscenter.com 5 Shih Pa Lo Han Sho The 18 Strikes of Lo Han As Shogun Martial Arts Center practices traditional Kenpo martial arts, a fundamental knowledge of striking is essential. Shih Pa Lo Han Sho is an ancient drill comprised of various closed and open hand techniques. These 18 strikes are a core aspect to each and every class taught at SMAC.