Training Structure A typical training session consists of a warm-up and stretching. After arriving students wait quietly at the edge of the dojo, or outside depending on the club. Please ensure that dojo etiquette is maintained at all times. Also, please ensure you bow before entering and leaving the dojo (this encourages the ethos of the dojo etiquette). The Sensei will call everyone to line up in grade order (right to left as you face the Sensei). The Senpai (assistant instructor) will call “class Sensei ni rei”, upon which all students turn and bow to the Sensei. The Senpai will then call “Rei” upon which the class faces the Senpai and bows. The Senpai will then begin the warm up. Warm up Warming up is a vital part of the class as it stretches muscles and joints as well as increasing the cardiovascular blood rate to perform techniques. Failure to warm up increases the risk of potential injury from a pulled muscle, cramp or other injury. The warm up normally lasts 10-15 minutes. It is vital that if you arrive late that you perform stretching exercises before entering the dojo as this minimises the risk of an injury. Stretches are performed on most parts of the body such as arm stretches, trunk stretches, side stretches, leg swings, neck rolls, push ups, sit ups and many more. If you know you are going to arrive late, please ensure that you have warmed up before joining the class. Kihon - Basic Techniques The start of the lesson will involve basic punching and kicking techniques, correct use of hip movement, stance measurement, blocking techniques and footwork positioning. Sometimes, techniques will be built up in a way so they can be demonstrated later in the lesson with a partner during kumite or as a further study of a kata. It is worth noting that the instructor varies the level of techniques to the students attending. For example, a beginners lesson will be more basic, focusing on simple punching, kicking, blocking and stances, whereas an intermediate or advanced lesson will concentrate on more advanced techniques or movements. Kumite - Fighting or Freestyle Kumite is performed at a variety of levels. Beginners will perform very basic and non-contact kumite with another beginner or higher grade who is instructed to vary the level of their technique to the student they are partnering. Basic punching and kicking with corresponding blocking is practised, building on techniques practised in the basic part of the class. Higher grade kumite is built up in the same way but may advance to semi free movements between partners to practice and techniques such as timing or countering. Kata - Forms Kata is a fixed sequence of movements utilising different aspects such as breathing, balance, speed, etc, taking the form of several imaginary attackers from different directions, with a specific defence and attack.