To progress at every belt, there is a grading. Students are tested on basics, kata, bunkai (applications of the kata), and self-defence. Additionally, there is a short take-home test students must write. The questions are taken directly from class discussions. The first 2 questions on the White Belt Test are from Gichin Funakoshi’s 20 Precepts of Karate-do. 1. Karate begins and ends with respect. 2. In Karate there is no first strike. Gichin Funakoshi is one of the foundin

We ended class last night (as we often do) with a very brief discussion of some budo philosophies. Last night we brushed over one, but discussed another of Gichin Funakoshi's 20 Precepts. The precept we brushed over was: "When you leave your door, think that you have numerous enemies waiting for you." There were a few chuckles at this one, and instead we focused on a precept more 'relevant' to us. After all, we live in Woolwich. Elmira and St. Jacobs are picture-perfect sma