20 Years of Service to Orlando

1986 – 2006!

Shorin-Ryu

Matsubayashi-Ryu STUDET GUIDE AD HADBOOK

“Amidst The Noise And Rapid Changes Of

Karate-Do Modern Society One Can Find, In Karate-Do,

A Peace Of Mind That Will Never Be Shaken.”
Nagamine Shoshin
3340 Curry Ford Road Grandmaster
Orlando, Florida 32806 Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do
407-897-3642
www.okinawanshorinryu.com
 A Special Note from Renshi NOTES:
The Orlando Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Dojo is
dedicated to providing the best instruction in traditional karate
in a Christian environment.
This school, founded in the same location in 1986, prides
itself on the practice of “traditional” Okinawan karate.
Traditional karate demands the mind, body and spirit be
trained as one. As our late Grand Master Nagamine Shoshin
said;

“The mastery of karate-do requires

dedication and strenuous effort. To
pursue karate means to seek to master
one’s self.”

Although proper technique and

intellectual understanding are important,
we are equally concerned with the
student’s attitude and dedication. Hanshi Nagamine Shoshin
1907 - 1997
Students need to demonstrate a
willingness to learn and a tenacity to never give up.

Information About Our School & Staff

Grandmaster: Nagamine Shoshin, Founder of Style

Style Master: Nagamine Takayoshi, 10th Degree Black Belt
Owner: Geoffrey Gaudoin, 6th Degree Black Belt
Co-Owner: Trish Gaudoin, 4th Degree Black Belt

Style Federation:
U.S. Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Federation
Federation President:
Mike Ritter, 8th Degree Black Belt
- 1 -- - 14 -
 Counting in Japanese INTRODUCTION

ENGLISH JAPANESE Whether a person is only considering a study of the art of karate
One Ichi or is actually beginning such a study, it is necessary to view karate
Two Ni with a proper perspective. Many people are intensely interested in
Three San karate or other martial arts but are wary about embarking on a
course of instruction in one of the martial arts because of their many
Four Shi
misconceptions. I hope, by way of this introduction, we can remove
Five Go many of these misconceptions plaguing the new student.
Six Roku The whole person concept is emphasized in this karate club.
Seven Shichi The achievement of one’s potential spiritually, mentally and
Eight Hachi physically is stressed. Karate combines the body, mind and spirit in
Nine Ku a harmony of the whole person in order to approach perfection in
Ten Ju the art.
Our primary goal in life should be devotion to God, thus this
karate club operates with Christian values and ideas. These values
Karate Maxims and goals include academic knowledge, physical fitness, devotion to
God, a serene family life and recognition by your fellow humans as a
“Karate Ni Sente Nashi” contributor to the society in which we live. To do this you must
There is no first attack In Karate. delegate karate to it’s proper place in life - - don’t become a KARATE
FANATIC! Learn balance in all things.
Katas Practiced by Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Physical fitness, awareness, self
confidence, discipline and self defense
Fukyugata Ichi are taught and are equal in importance.
Fukyugata Ni At no time should you place the self
defense phase uppermost in your mind.
Pinan
To do so will inevitably bring chaos and
(Sho-dan to Go-dan)
unhappiness to your life.
Naihanchi The study of karate is not a short
(Sho-dan to San-dan) term goal but rather a life long endeavor.
Ananku
Ananku It is a journey not a destination and
Wankan obtaining the black-belt is not a symbol
Rohai of the end, but of the beginning. As
Wanshu Master Kyan said;
GAUDOIN RENSHI
Passai DOJO FOUNDER &
Gojushiho “A mastery of karate does not OWNER
Chinto depend upon the learner’s physical
Kusanku condition, but mainly on constant practice.”
- 13 - -2-
 HISTORY AND BACKGROUND JAPANESE TERMINOLOGY
The following are common Japanese terms used in class day-to-day.
The words “Shorin-Ryu” refer to a specific style or type of karate which All students are expected to learn and use them. There are more, which
originated on the island kingdom of Okinawa long before karate was will be learned as the student progresses.
introduced to Japan. TERM JAPANESE
Each style of karate has it’s own distinguishing features such as kata
Line Up Shugo
forms as well as ways of punching and kicking. The word “ryu” means
style while the word “Shorin” is the Okinawan pronunciation of the Chinese
Attention Kyotsuke
word “Shaolin.” So Shorin-Ryu actually translates to mean Shaolin style. Ready Yoi
This is a reference to China, specifically the Shaolin Monastery in Sit Down Seiza
Northern China, where empty hand martial arts (originally called Kung-Fu Bow Rei
in Chinese) began. Before Okinawa was occupied by the Japanese, it was Please Teach Me Onegai Shimasu
the autonomous kingdom of Okinawa with its own language (Uchina Thank You Very Much Arigato Gozaimasu
Guchi), culture, social and political structure. You’re welcome Do itashimashite
Okinawa was originally very close culturally and politically to China. It Way of the Empty Hand Karate-do
was this association which allowed Chinese monks and noblemen to carry Senior Instructor Renshi
Shaolin Wu Shu (Kung Fu) to Okinawa. Upon being exposed to Shaolin Wu Teacher Sensei
Shu, the native Okinawans combined it with the island’s indigenous martial
Student Deshi or Montei
arts known as Te, or hand. The hybrid system became known as To Te or
Master Soke
Tode which literally translated to mean “China Hand.”
Martial arts legend holds an Okinawan nobleman, Sakugawa, as being
House of Instruction Dojo
directly responsible for learning Shaolin Wu Shu in China and then Forms (Stylized Fighting) Kata
returning to Okinawa as it’s first Okinawan Master. Sakugawa was also the Striking Post Makiwara
first man to open an actual karate school in Okinawa. Because of his Turn Mawate
mastery of this martial art system he is still known as “To Te Sakugawa.” Upper Jodan
As the years past, different teachers founded different Ryus or styles. Middle Chudan
The Shorin-Ryu system remains a direct descendent of the earlier Shaolin Lower Gedan
art. The main difference between the two is the Chinese system relies Block Uke
heavily on open hands whereas the Okinawan systems uses more closed Punch Zuki
fists. This is attributable to the incorporation of Okinawan Te which means Kick Keri
hand or fist.
Left Hidari
Originally the Shorin system was concentrated to an area around
Tomari village in Okinawan. The system grew to include four distinct Ryus;
Right Migi
Matsubayashi-Ryu founded by Nagamine Shoshin, Matsumura-Ryu Begin (start) Hajime
(Orthodox) by Soken Hohan, Kobayashi-Ryu by Chibana Stance Dachi
Choshin & Shobayashi-Ryu by Kyan Chotoku. Push-Ups Udetate Fuse
While our system is primarily a hand technique Excuse me (sorry) Sumimasen
oriented style there is no one “best” style of karate. Just a moment please Chotto matte kudasai
Styles developed differently based on needs, terrain, I understand Wakarimashita
climate and other factors. All traditional martial arts How are you? Ogenki desu ka?
should be respected. Yes Hai
-3- No Iie
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT PROMOTIONS FEES AND DUES

1. How often are promotions held? - Promotions are held As a traditional school, we do not utilize contracts.
every three months. However, that does not mean you will be Contracts are for businesses; we are a martial arts school.
tested every three months. Various ranks have different time Fees are due at the beginning of the month. Monthly fees
requirements, in addition the individual student must show they are include insurance and federation dues. We have to charge a
ready for advancement through their abilities, attitude and
late fee for those dues not received by the 10th of the month.
attendance at the dojo.
We appreciate prompt payment of dues.
2. How much time must I wait between ranks? - The time
between ranks ranges from 24 – 36 classes depending on the Promotion fees are due prior to the day of the promotion
specific rank. test. We require this in order to save time on testing day so
the examiner(s) can concentrate on the test, not paperwork.
3. What are the requirements for promotion? - The
You may not be allowed to test if fees are not paid prior to the
requirements for promotion are contained in a book located in the
top drawer of the filing cabinet in the dojo. The book is open to all testing date.
students and should be reviewed often.
SPECIAL EVENTS
4. What is the actual promotion process? - As you attend
class and improve in ability it is up to you to get signed off as being
From time to time we have special
ready for promotion. On your attendance card are sign-off blocks
events. We will let you (and your child)
for technique, essay, kata, questions, etc. Any Sensei or Brown belt
can test you on these areas and sign you off in preparation for know during class what we’re planning
formal testing. Renshi will notify you when you are testing. NOTE: and if there are any fees associated
Traditionally it is a with the event.
sign of discourtesy to
ask Renshi to test you. We have an annual Christmas
When you are ready to party in which we invite family and
test Renshi will know. friends for a meal and a karate
demonstration put on by our students
5. What is the proper and instructors. We also have other
courtesy to show during
special events such as a beach party,
testing? -
parent’s night out, etc.
There is a poster of
“Testing Etiquette” Renshi will notify you of these
located in the dojo. events at practice sessions.
Please become familiar
with it.

- 11 - -4-
 CLASS SCHEDULES THE OBI (Belt)
Monday………..Beginners Class (open to all ranks) Do’s and Don’ts:
Tuesday……….Advanced Class and Kinder Karate
Wednesday….Closed 1. Don’t eat or drink while wearing the obi.
Thursday……..All Students 2. Don’t wear the obi outside of the dojo.
Friday………….All Students 3. Don’t wash the obi.
4. Do respect the obi and don’t let it touch the ground.
OTES:
5. Do take the obi home and remember to bring it to class.
Kinder Karate Class is held from 5 to 6 PM on Tuesdays.
Children’s Classes are held from 6 to 7 PM Monday through Friday Adult
(closed Wednesday). Obi Colors:
Adult classes are from 7 to 8:30 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
White
and Friday from 7 to 8 PM.
Advanced children’s classes are open to Orange belt & above. Yellow
Advanced Adult classes are for ranks of Green belt and above. Orange
Green
All workout sessions
Brown
start with warm-up,
Black.
stretching and
exercises before Children’s
moving into the Obi Colors:
basics. Once this is
complete, new White
techniques and/or Yellow
katas are taught by Orange
the instructors. Red, Blue and Purple
Sparring (or kumite)
will occur on a How to Tie Your Obi:
frequent basis and
Steps 1 & 2: Wrap the obi twice around your
without prior notice, STUDENTS PRACTICING FUKYUGATA - ICHI IN
FRONT OF SHURI CASTLE, OKINAWA, 1941 Waist With the left end on top. Adjust it to
so you need to be
ready. To be eligible for kumite you must have first obtained the make both ends the same length.
rank and have Renshi Gaudoin’s permission. Step 3: Tuck the left end under both folds of the belt.
Step 4: Fold the right end of the obi back toward your right.
THE DOJO WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE FOLLOWING Step 5: Fold the left end over the right end.
HOLIDAYS AND EVENTS: Step 6. Tuck the left end of the obi up through the loop
New Year’s Eve & Day Memorial Day 4th of July formed by the right end
Labor Day Halloween Thanksgiving Weekend Step 7. Give both ends a half twist inward to make the knot
Good Friday thru Easter Sunday Christmas Break lie flat.
- 10 -
 DOJO ETIQUETTE WEAPONS CLASSES
Weapons are a paradox
Bowing: In the Orient a bow means in Karate. Traditionally,
much more than a handshake here in there are no weapons in
America. When two people bow to karate other than the
each other it is clear who is of higher human mind and body. At
respect (rank). The junior individual the same time, Okinawans
(regardless of rank) bows deeper to a developed sophisticated
higher rank individual. Peers bow the weapons out of primitive
same depth to each other. farm implements. The study
of these ancient weapons is known as Kobu-Jitsu or Kobu-Do.
Shoes: Shoes are NEVER to be worn The development of Karate and Kobu-Do occurred almost at the
onto the dojo floor. A shoe rack is same time. As a result Kobu-do has always been studied
located at the dojo entrance. concurrently with karate. When one watches a weapons form it is
easy to see the parallels between it and karate in the stances and
Cleanliness: The dojo floor is swept, wet mopped and the carpet many of the moves.
vacuumed after Friday’s class or whenever it is needed. Our style utilizes 5 of the traditional Kobujitsu Weapons; the
Traditionally, Kyu ranked students perform these duties as a sign of Nunchaku (Rice flail), the Sai (trident), the Kamas (hand sickles),
respect to the school. If a Kyu student sees a Black Belt cleaning the Tuifa (millstone handle) and the Bo (6 foot staff).
something in the dojo, it would show great respect if they would Because Kobu-Do requires an understanding of the basics of
volunteer to take over for the Sensei. karate, students do not begin working with weapons until they are
eligible to attend advanced classes.
Body Fluids: On rare occasions a student will scrape a knee, toe,
finger or the like. At any time there is visible blood, the student
should stop whatever activity they are involved in and inform a
Sensei. Activities will resume after cleaning has been accomplished.
First aid supplies are located in the restrooms.

Physical Fitness: Everyone will grow in physical strength and

endurance as they continue to train in karate. When a student
starts, while they are expected to give their best effort, they are not
expected to continue at 100% if they experience shortness of
breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, feel faint or feel pain or pressure
in their chest. If you develop one of these symptoms, bow to the
Sensei and excuse yourself. Leave the deck and sit down for a
moment. If the sensations do not go away rapidly after you relax,
notify the Sensei IMMEDIATELY.
-7- -8-
 DOJO RULES NOTES TO PARENTS
1. No profanity or abusive language will be allowed in the dojo.
2. All members will remove their shoes before entering the dojo
Parents, we need to ask for your help in ensuring your
practice deck. child receives the best in karate training. To that end, there
3. All members will bow to each other at the beginning and end of are a few rules which need to be observed in the dojo.
each class.
4. All members will bow to Renshi when entering and leaving the Dojo. 1. Please do not, under any circumstances, call to or talk with
5. All members will bow when coming onto and leaving the dojo floor. your child while class is in session. Should you have an
6. Personal cleanliness and hygiene are to be observed at all times. emergency that cannot wait until after class, motion to one of
7. Keep your fingernails and toenails short at all times. the black belt instructors and speak with them. It is very
8. Keep your karate uniform (Gi) neat and clean at all times.
9. Do not wear rings, jewelry or any other metal ornaments on the
important for the instructor to have your child’s full attention
karate deck. during class.
10. Do not leave personal belongings in the dojo overnight.
11. No candy, gum, food, or beverages of any kind will be allowed on
2. At times your child will be assigned a task to complete. It
the karate deck. No smoking in the dojo at any time by students may be to bring in a permission slip, to do a chore at the dojo
or spectators. or such. This is their responsibility, not yours. If necessary,
12. Do not come to class while intoxicated. Do not consume any gently remind your child of the task but do not do it for them
alcohol before class or practice. of force them to accomplish it. The instructors will provide the
13. No talking or laughing at any time while class is in session.
14. Help students below you in rank with knowledge.
incentives.
15. Refrain from misusing your karate knowledge. 3. If you have a problem with the instruction or something
16. Do not show anyone, who is not a club member, any karate
technique and do not demonstrate karate in public.
that has happened in class or at a special event, please talk to
17. Stay out of fights unless impossible to avoid. Report all fights to Renshi directly. We are glad to meet with you and discuss any
Renshi within 24 hours. situation.
18. Do not criticize other members at anytime.
19. Be on time for class. If you are late, do 25 push-ups then assume a 4. For some promotions, an essay is required on a specific
seizan sitting position at the back of the dojo floor until Sensei subject. This should be done by your child, not by you.
motions for you to join the class. Certainly you may help with suggestions, but this is a time for
20. The karate teacher is to be called Sensei at all times while in the the student to do the research and/or express their thoughts.
Dojo.
21. Signs and periodic postings are to be observed at all times. 5. Please observe quiet when class is in session.
22. Strive to promote the true spirit of karate by the development of;
a. Respect (Courtesy to others) 6. Parents should pick-up their children inside the dojo. We
b. Character (Mental development) ask this for three reasons: (1) We want to keep your children
c. Humility (Never lose sight of your shortcomings) safe, (2) This will ensure you hear any specific announcements
d. Health (Physical development)
e. Skill (Proficiency in karate)
and (3) This will give Renshi a chance to speak with you about
your child if it is necessary.

-9- We greatly appreciate your cooperation! -6-