Recruits

What is Shotokan Karate?

Shotokan Karate is a style of karate that originates in Okinawa, Japan. Training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially, strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Kumite (fighting) techniques are practiced in the kihon and kata and developed from basic to advanced levels with an opponent.

How do I join the club / Contact a representative?

For the fastest response, email ljgreen@scu.edu to contact the president. You can also email clubsports@scu.edu to reach out to SCU Club Sports (it may take longer).

Does the club have any social media?

We have an Instagram account @scukarate along with a TikTok account @scukarate

What do I need to do before my first practice?

If you want to try out a practice, you must fill out two forms before practice. This is for liability reasons, but filling out the forms does not force you to join the club. I included the links to those documents, but sometimes it doesn't work, so here is a tutorial: go to Officer's Corner and scroll down till you see the section labeled "Forms Required to Join a Club Team" and fill out the "Informed Consent and Liability Form" and "Conduct Guidelines". 

Can I just watch a practice to see if I would like it?

Yup, you are welcome to sit inside the room and watch. We require you to fill out the 2 forms before sitting in. The forms are not an obligation to join the team but rather for liability purposes. 

What do I wear to my first practice?

Wear any athletic clothes (no shoes and socks), and it is best to wear fitted clothes so the instructor can easily see your movements. If you have a martial arts gi, feel free to wear that. We are not strict on the gi during practices - it can be any color and from any martial arts.

Is the club student-run or is there a coach?

Ken is an SCU alumnus and advanced karate instructor. He is the club’s head coach we have another coach, Jean. Some days, when they can’t make it, practice will be run by one of the students.

Can I join the club as a graduate student?

YES! SCU students are welcome to join at any time. You can be a freshman, upperclassman, or graduate student to join the club. We welcome all years.

Do I need experience in martial arts/karate to join?

Nope! Most of our members are actually new to martial arts. We will teach you everything you need to know. If you are coming from another martial art, that's great but not required.

Do I need to be an athlete to join?

Absolutely not. We welcome everyone, regardless of their athletic ability, to join. We are very relaxed and accommodate everyone (even if you have medical necessities or injuries).

Does the club compete?

Yes, the club competes, but tournaments are optional. We do not force members to compete but highly encourage participation. Tournaments are also a great way to get closer to others and meet other karate clubs around CA.

Are there club dues?

Yes, we only require students to pay $50 for the school year.

What is the IMPACT test?

It is a concussion baseline test that will help us if you get a concussion. This is required when you join the club. You will have a link emailed to you, which will be active for 30 days. After that, you must email club sports (clubsports@scu.edu) to resend it. If you fail to complete the test in those initial 30 days, you will be unable to practice until it is completed. Email ljgreen@scu.edu if you have any issues with the test or with contacting Club Sports.

What is a “bow-in” and how does it work?

We start and end each class with bowing in and bowing out. We’ll use the formal bow-in procedure below for most classes, but if we’re running late, then we’ll use the informal procedure.

1. When the instructor says to line up, everyone stands shoulder to shoulder, in rank order, military style with your feet together and hands at your sides.
1. For informal bow-in, the senpai (highest-ranked student) will say, “Sensei-ni rei!” (sen-say-knee ray). Everyone bows and says, “Oss!” (ohss). We then spread out across the room and begin the warm-up
2. For the formal bow in, the sensei will say, “Seiza!” (sit down in seiza, so that knees are aligned with the person on your left). Then Senpai will say, “Mokusou!” (quiet meditation – just lower your gaze, relax, and breathe) After some time, they will say, “Mokusou yame!” (stop). They will then say, “Shoumen ni rei!” (Bow to the front of the room - this signifies bowing to the institution of karate and to the line of instructors who brought it to your instructor). Senpai will say, “Sensei ni rei!” (Bow to the instructor). When you’re bowing, you can say “onegaishimasu,” which roughly means “Please,” i.e., please teach me, please help me, please hold class, etc. At the signal of the instructor, get up (quickly, without waiting for the person on your left, necessarily).

What is “bow-out”?

Bow-out is similar to bow-in. We follow the same ritual, except instead of Mokusou, we say the dojo-kun. After this, we say “oss” and then bow.

What is the Dojo-Kun?

Seek perfection of character

Be faithful

Endeavor

Respect others

Refrain from violent behavior

What do I do if I arrive late?

Try not to be late. If you are late, quietly kneel near the cubbies. Wait until the instructor acknowledges you. Then, while kneeling, bow and get up, and quickly join the group. If you arrive just as everyone is kneeling at the beginning, don’t move, don’t make any noise, wait until warming-up starts, and bow in as described above.

What is the practice schedule, and where do you practice?

The schedule is updated every quarter, so for the most up-to-date version, go to our Instagram. Practice will always be held in the Malley Center’s Multipurpose Room. When you enter Malley, you can either ask the front desk for directions or go in the direction of the weight room, but turn right at the weight room doors and go to the end of the hallway. The room will be on your left, near the water fountain.

When should I arrive for class?

If it is your first time to practice, we recommend you come 15-10 minutes early to double-check forms. If you are a returning member, we recommend you come at least 5 minutes early to ensure you have time to stretch and socialize. 

Where can I order a gi?

For new members, you can order a gi from Amazon. We recommend a lightweight uniform, which will be cheaper and easier to exercise. This is a budget-friendly option (link ). More advanced members will want to upgrade to a medium-weight uniform. This one is a more expensive option, but it is of excellent quality (link ). If you’re unsure which of two sizes to get, get the larger one. Also, note that tournaments require a white gi with little to no patches (only dojo-related patches).

Where can I view the Katas?

Here is a link to a YouTube playlist with all the katas the club uses in belt tests. Some minor details might differ from what we do in practice, but keep doing what we practice - those are stylistic differences.

What are the requirements for belt testing?

Here is the document that Sensei will use to grade students: link

Where do I buy a mouthguard?

You can buy one online, but here is a great option: link or link . If you have braces, ensure you get one suitable for that. I recommend getting one that comes with a case. Make sure to write your name on the case so you don’t accidentally grab someone else's. 

How do I mold a mouthguard?

Make sure to do this before a tournament! You will need to boil water, drop the mouthguard in the water for the recommended time, and then take it out and put it in your mouth. Make sure to bite hard so it really gets the impression of your teeth. Once it's good, take it out and let it cool. After it’s cool, double-check that it works - it should stick to your upper teeth without any pressure/or needing to hold it. If it doesn’t, put it back in the water and repeat. I recommend using actual boiling water (water in a pan over a stove) because it won't get hot enough if it is from an electric kettle. Do note that if you remold it too often, it won’t hold its form.

Where do I buy sparring gear?

The club has a set of sparring gear, so we do not require that students buy their own. If you wish to, most tournaments require gloves and shin/foot guards. WKF-approved gear is unnecessary for lower-level tournaments - you don’t need to buy WKF-approved gear unless you plan on competing in incredibly high-level tournaments. You can find WKF-approved gloves and cheaper similar gloves. For shin/foot guards, you can find WKF gear and cheaper gear. Students also have the option of wearing a chest protector; the club does not own one, and if a student wants one, they must buy it themselves: link. Similarly, we do not own head protectors, but students can purchase their own here .

Where can I purchase a men's groin guard?

For a WKF-approved guard, you can purchase this , and for a standard guard, you can purchase this . PLEASE wear this during practice and especially at tournaments. 

Is tournament participation required?

Nope! We recommend that everyone competes and at least tries but we do not force participation. However, you will improve your own karate much faster when you are able to use what you’ve learned in competition and gauge your performance against others.

How do tournaments work?

You decide if you want to compete in kata and/or Kumite. We will register you for your chosen events and you will be all set.

Do I have to pay for tournaments?

Not if you attend. Since we pre-pay for everything we really urge that students don’t drop out at the last minute. If you do end up dropping out, you will be required to pay the club your tournament fee.

What do I need to bring to tournaments?

Make sure to bring your gi (top, bottoms, and belt) and a water bottle. If you are participating in Kumite, you will need to bring a mouthguard that you have fitted, and if you are a guy, make sure to bring your groin guard. The club has sparring gear that members will use. Tournaments are often picky and won't allow common sparring gear (boxing gloves, wraps, MMA gloves, etc). Make sure that if you want headgear or a chest protector, you bring that - we do not have a club set.

What happens in tournaments?

We will leave SCU as a team and carpool to the tournament site. There, we will check in for events and hang out in the bleachers until it is our turn. Sometimes, we will go outside to practice beforehand. When we are called, we will go to an area, and the event coordinators will do a head count, and we will get ready. Here, we will often get split up between our levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced). We will head to the mats and wait until it is our turn. After you compete, we will wait until the last person is done, and then we will head back to school.