Seito Shito Ryu Karate
New Zealand

Welcome to Davis Karate Academy

Thank you for being part of Davis Karate Academy.

You have done the hard part already by making the decision to commit to training.

デイビス空手アカデミー

空手協会

ニュージーランド

糸東流

What to do after signing up

You should receive a copy of the membership contract from DebitSuccess via email.

Simply come to training at the appropriate time listed at the bottom of the page.

If you qualified for a free uniform (Gi) or would like to purchase a Gi through Davis Karate please bring your height (in centimetres) to your first lesson so we can order ASAP. Although suppliers are usually quite quick with delivery please allow 2-3 weeks.

During the first few sessions you will receive all the information you need to start your karate journey. The information below will help you make a start on you karate journey.

More Information

This area of the website is to provide members of Davis Karate Academy resources used to assist with your Karate training. It also explains general rules, guidelines and requirements for gradings. The information below will help you make a start on you karate journey.

It is important to attend classes regularly. Even though you can learn some basics using the online resources provided it doesn't substitute tuition to help you practice, understand and refine your technique. There are a minimum number of classes required to sit examinations/gradings.

If you look up Kata on YouTube you will likely find Shito-Kai Kata and not authentic Shito-Ryu Kata and the techniques may be different. Please ensure you only use the YouTube videos provided via request for training to ensure you are learning correctly. These videos are private and will not appear in a YouTube search.

Please remember the content on this website is for members only. Don't share or copy and redistribute any information, images or videos on this website to non-members. It has taken considerable time to build these resources for paying members.

Dojo Rules

Davis Karate Academy is a traditional karate club and as such follows traditional methods of training and etiquette. Please respect the rules and etiquette of the dojo.

Here are some of the fundamental rules to help you on your way:

  • Always bow when you enter or leave the dojo
  • Bow to your partner before and after any training exercise
  • Take your shoes off before entering the dojo
  • Always ensure your do-gi (training uniform) is clean and tidy before coming to training
  • Make sure you are clean and both feet and hands are clean
  • Students must be quiet, respectful and well-behaved in class
  • Do not talk loudly or play in the dojo
  • Ask the instructor for permission to leave the dojo for any reason
  • Do not wear any jewelry in class (i.e. watches, ear rings, bracelets, necklaces, rings etc.)
  • Do not chew gum, eat food or drink during class.
  • Nails must always be cut short, long hair must be tied back.
  • Do not stand in a slovenly manner. i.e. leaning on walls or other objects etc.

General Karate Terms

Below are some common terms used in most Davis Karate classes and their translation/meaning. As you get higher in grade you will come to learn more terminology.

Greetings/Instructions

  • Rei – Bow used in Japan as a formal greeting similar to shaking hands
  • Renshu hajimemasu – Lets begin training
  • Hajime – Begin
  • Yame – Stop
  • Seiza – Kneeling sitting position
  • Mokuso – Close your eyes
  • Kaimoku – Open your eyes

  • Shomen ni rei – Bow to the front. Used to pay respect/acknowledge the founders.

  • Shihan ni rei – Bow to the masters. Used to pay respect/acknowledge the highest grades.

  • Sensei ni rei – Bow to the teacher. Used to pay respect/acknowledge the teacher.

  • Otagai ni Rei – Bow to each other. Used to pay respect/acknowledge everyone’s efforts.

Counting

  • Ichi – One
  • Ni – Two
  • San -Three
  • Shi – Four
  • Go – Five
  • Roku – Six
  • Shichi – Seven
  • Hachi – Eight
  • Ku – Nine
  • Ju – Ten

Uniform/People/Place

  • Sensei – Teacher
  • Senpai – Senior
  • Dojo – Training Hall or place where we train
  • Belt – Obi
  • Karate uniform – Karate gi/Do-gi/Keiko-gi

Techniques

  • Taiso – Warm-up exercises
  • Kihon – Basic (fundamental) techniques
  • Kata – Forms/Patterns
  • Kumite – Sparring

Shito-Ryu Go Do Shin (5 principles)

The founder Kenwa Mabuni had five principles/morals to help guide students of Shito-Ryu Karate. These principles continue to be relevant and we practice these at Davis Karate.

  • Hitotsu – Ishi. Shoshin wasureru nakare
  • Hitotsu – Dotoku. Reigi okotaru nakare
  • Hitotsu – Hatten. Doryoku okotaru nakare
  • Hitotsu – Joshiki. Joshiki kakeru nakare
  • Hitotsu – Heiwa. Wa midasu nakare

Translated to English

  • One – Determination. Never forget the spirit of first beginning.
  • One – Morality. Never neglect courtesy and etiquette.
  • One – Development. Never neglect effort.
  • One – Common Sense. Never lose common sense.
  • One – Peace. Never disturb harmony.