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BEGINNERS' INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING

Beginner's Introduction to Training

 

This gem comes from the late, great Shihan Bob McCallum (7th Dan), who passed away at the impressive age of 89 in 2018. Judging by the tone and style, it was probably written in the early-to-mid 1980s as an introduction to Kyokushin karate for fresh-faced beginners at the Victoria University club.

I’ve kept it in its original form without editing because, well, Shihan Bob’s way with words was as unique as his roundhouse kicks—and just as effective. The beauty of it is that even though it’s a few decades old, his teachings still hold up perfectly today. Kyokushin hasn’t really changed much… but maybe our hairstyles have.

For me, reading this brings back a flood of fond memories of Shihan Bob. He was one of those larger-than-life characters with a razor-sharp sense of humour. On my very first trip to Japan, he orchestrated a level of embarrassment that, at the time, had me wishing the tatami would open up and swallow me whole. Of course, looking back now, I can only laugh—it was classic Shihan Bob mischief.

It took me nearly 10 years before I managed to get a little payback. Let’s just say it was sweet, but never quite at the same epic scale of his prank. He always stayed one step ahead—on the dojo floor and in comedy.

 

By Shihan Bob McCallum.

 

Let me say first that it is almost impossible to actually learn Karate from the techniques you are taught. These are the building blocks which you will learn to combine for more complicated formal exercises, and later for practical application for self-defence. No-one can ever learn all that there is to know about Karate, even though he has trained for 50 years. It is also important for beginners to understand that no instruction can actually ' teach' karate to you.  YOU are the person who will slowly teach your body to respond on command in the correct way your instructor will demonstrate and correct - but knowledge can only be transIated into action by hard work and regular attendance.

 

Karate literally means empty hand fighting, and this emphasises the fact that we must use the weapons that nature gave us for our own defence or that of others. The main advantages that a Karateka possesses over an untrained assailant lies in the speed and power of his techniques, and also in his capacity to react correctly and without thought, so as to instantly counter an unexpected attack. In order to achieve this readiness, we must first improve the physical condition of the body. If you carry on with your training, you will find that, at the same time, you will be improving your mind, your emotions, and your relations with others. On the physical side, you will learn  ways to use parts of the body for offence and defence, how to stand and how to move, and how to breathe properly. On the mental side of your training, you will learn concentration to clear the mind and relax, and to accept the discipline of Karate which must come from within.

 

The exercises that you learn are designed to: firstly, stretch and strengthen weak flabby muscles, secondly, to increase the suppleness and range of movement of body joints, and thirdly, to improve and maintain a high standard of stamina, general health, and well-being. Once learnt, these exercises can be gone through in about 20 minutes to achieve a steady improvement, it is desirable that you do these exercises once every day. Before going to bed is probably the best time; and a short jog before breakfast will speedily build up stamina.

 

Why exercise at all? The human body is a very finely balanced machine, and exercise is its oil-can, valve-grin der, and energy source. Heart disease is increasing year by year, and so are back troubles, overweight, ulcers and asthma. All these can be avoided or relieved by regular exercise, and Karate. It would be wise, however, for any person who has suffered any illness or accident to obtain a clearance from their doctor before starting training. It is also essential that you inform the person in charge of the training session if you have suffered any injury or sprain etc which would render it inadvisable to do an exercise or portion of the training session.

As most beginners are rather unfit, it will be necessary for you to hasten very slowly until the initial stiffness is past. Once you have mastered the exercises it is essential to 'force' a little in order to make progress. By this I mean that if you can only manage 5 press-ups comfortably, then you MUST try to do 6 or 7 – but not 12 or 15. In general, muscle stiffness  and soreness result from stretching and minor tearing of the muscle fibres, and also from the large volume of blood brought into the muscles during exercise . This initial stiffness is best relieved by  a hot bath straight after training sessions, and a small amount or liniment. Vigorous massage is not necessary. 

 

However, once you have entered into this state of soreness, TRY TO KEEP AT IT, otherwise you will be undoing the progress you have made. Once you reach a reasonable state of fitness, an average training session will not trouble you greatly; although if you have no muscle soreness next day, it means that you have not worked hard enough and you were just marking time .

I welcome you, then, to your karate training . Try to remember an d understand the use and correct execution of the techniques you are shown. If you don't – ASK.  The correct time to ask a senior about such matters is before or after a training session.

 

DOJO PROCEDURE AND ETIQUETTE

 

The dojo etiquette that we follow is that practised by Kyokushinkai Dojos in Japan, and indeed all around the world. Naturally, there is some variation as changes are made to suit local conditions. To show respect for Seniors, observing Karate traditions is a vital part of the  discipline and character training that every beginner must undergo if he is to advance along the Way of Karate.

 

Shoes and hats are to be removed at the Dojo entrance. As soon as you enter the dojo, and whenever you come onto the main training area, face the shinden  (shrine)  and execute a formal bow and 'oosh'. This formal bow is a mark of respect for the traditions of Karate and the Dojo in which one trains. In our country, the shinden (shrine) has no religious significance but serves to remind us of all the Karate Senseis (teachers) that have taught before us, and also as a symbol of Dojo or club spirit.

 

Be early for training and ready to start the session in good time. If you are waiting for the Sempei or Sensei to commence the training session, use this time to practise techniques in front or the mirror; run through katas etc. Do NOT stand around lounging against the dojo wall and gossiping — use this time to improve yourself.

 

At the beating of the drum, or when the Senior calls the class for training, move quickly into line with the highest grade on your right and cover off  front to rear. Stand without  talking in Fudo Dachi  (ready stance). At the  command the  line will give the command " mokuso",  close your eyes and clear your mind of outside thoughts and at the same time regulating the breathing. At the command "mokuso yame", open the eyes. The command is  then given: "shinden ni rei", and the whole class bows to the shinden. The senior conducting  the class then faces back to the class, and the command "Sensei  ni  rei"  (or Sempei) is then given, remain motionless until directed to move. The session is concluded in the same manner; and in addition it is traditional for the Senior to thank the class for their attention and participation.

 

During instruction, do not leave the floor unless for urgent personal reasons, and always seek permission from the Senior in charge of the session. When directed to rest, sit in the formal kneeling position, do not lounge back, or chatter. 

Acknowledge all commands and directions by 'oosh'. When you need to attract the attention of Seniors in charge, bow and 'oosh'. It is good form to greet other Karateka,  particularly Senseis with 'oosh' whenever you meet or take leave of them .

If you arrive late for a session, change as quickly as possible. Enter the dojo with a bow and a loud "oosh" then kneel in "seiza" until the person in charge acknowledges you, then move quickly to the back and commence whatever the class is doing.

If you are forced to leave a training session early, if possible tell the person in charge BEFORE the session starts.

 

Tick the attendance register each night you attend. If your name is not in the attendant register you are not financial and may not train unless you have permission from a senior. Karate-gi must be kept clean and  tidy (except on training camps!). Dirty, sweat-smelling gi are a reflection on the character of the owner.

 

Head of Kyokushin Karate, Kancho Matsui with Shihan McCallum.