The
Bow
In Kensho-Ryu Kenpo Karate
we use the Chinese bow. This bow has come down to us from the Shaolin Temple.
The left hand is held open and is placed vertically against the right hand, which is in the form of a fist.
The bow is a salute. It
is also a sign of peace. The right hand represents your martial knowledge and your willingness, if necessary m to use that
knowledge in defense of yourself or your loved ones. It also represents your Energy/Power. The left hand Represents your desire
to come in peace and shields the aggressive power of your right. If you are forced to defend yourself, your bow demonstrates
that you have the secret knowledge of Kenpo.
When to Bow
The student should greet
the instructor and other black belts that are present with a bow.
The student should bow when
entering the dojo, as a sign of respect for those who have studied the arts before him / her, to show respect for the knowledge
they are about to learn. The student should also bow when leaving the dojo, once more for respect for the teachers and masters
who have some before them, and also out of respect for the knowledge that they have received.
We bow to Sensei to show
respect; for the masters who trained him / her; for the years of training that has been put in; and for the training which
him / her is about to give and has given us.
We bow and stand in front position (feet together and
pointing out at a forty-five degree angle with the hands held in a Chinese bow) when a black belt enters the dojo and ties
on his / her rank. This is out of respect for the masters who trained him / her, as well as a sign of respect for the knowledge
and dedication that they posses.
We bow at
the beginning and ending of each class. The bow is directed to the past masters, to the instructors and to the flag.
Before a student puts on or removes his / her rank they
must be sure to ask the permission of the instructor. This is a sign of respect for the knowledge that the instructor has
given the student that is represented by the color of the belt that the student wears.
The student also bows before engaging an opponent in
kumite or an imaginary opponent in kata.
The bow is always used as a sign of respect, whether
to an opponent, an instructor, or a fellow classmate.
5 PRICIPLES OF CONDUCT:
EFFORT – Effort means to try your hardest in everything you do.
ETIQUETTE – Etiquette means to use good
manners.
SINCERITY – Sincerity means to tell the truth.
SELF CONTROL – Self control means to control your body and
emotions, control your self.
CHARACTER – Character means to be yourself; do not try to be like anyone else.
ANIMAL INFLUENCES
Kensho-Ryu
seeks to teach from nature and the animals in it.
TIGER
From the Tiger we learn Strength and Tenacity. The Tiger is very
powerful and direct. The Tiger commits its entire mind and body into each move. There is no hesitation in the Tiger's mind.
LEOPARD
From the Leopard, we learn Speed and Cunning. The Leopard
is extremely fast and angular. It sneaks up on its enemies and uses the element of surprise. The Leopard is not as big as
the Tiger, but is capable of "providing great effect."
SNAKE
From The Snake we learn Chi and endurance. The Snake
attacks with its fangs and control. Certain Snakes can suffocate their opponents.
CRANE
From the Crane, we learn Grace and Balance -- Fluidity.
The Crane is very aware and evasive. Many people underestimate the Crane's power. It utilizes its beak for poking and its
wings for trapping.
DRAGON
From The
Dragon, we learn Knowledge and Wisdom. The Dragon can change into any animal at any moment. This is a key part of the secrets
of movement.
STUDENT CREED:
1.
I intend
to develop myself in a positive manner and to avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or physical health.
2.
I intend
to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.
3.
I intend
to use what I've learned in class constructively and defensively, and to never be abusive or offensive.
THE PINAN KATAS
The Pinan
Katas were developed by Itosu Anko (Ginchin Funakoshi's Teacher); the word PINAN or HEIAN as they are sometimes called means
PEACEFUL MIND. Many years ago a student may have spent 20 or 30 years just mastering the Pinan katas, it was believed if he
understood the Pinan's then he would be at peace with himself.
Pinan
1 basic shape is a capital I
There
are 20 movements in PINAN 1
