Info for beginners
Introduction Welcome to your new karate home, our Dojo of the Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA organization. We hope that your training with us will be rewarding physically, mentally, and spiritually. Shorin-Ryu karate was introduced to the United States in 1962 when Grand Master Ansei Ueshiro moved here from the island of Okinawa. His worldwide organization, Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA, was transferred to his chosen successor, Hanshi Robert Scaglione in 2004. Hanshi lives here in Brevard County, and, in addition to being the CEO of USRKUSA, is the Shihan (Director) of the Viera Dojo. As a member, you may train at all seven karate schools in Florida, and more broadly, at all those throughout the world. Any senior student will be happy to answer questions you might have either before or after class. |
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Start slow
Take it easy at first to avoid injury. Train as often as you wish, but focus on technique rather than power. As your body gradually becomes accustomed to the techniques, you can add more power. Train regularly Establish good training habits from the beginning. At first, try to attend a minimum of two classes a week. Then, ideally, after training a month or more, you should increase that until you attend three to four classes weekly (or more) for maximum benefit. Try various classes to find which are more convenient and appealing to you. Once you've established your training schedule, attend them on a regular, consistent basis. If you must miss one of your selected classes, try to attend another to make up for it. Then get right back on schedule. Attendance records Keep a record of your attendance and review it often to make sure your training remains on track. If you take a vacation or plan a pause in your training, make sure you tell your Shihan beforehand. 
Your uniform (gi)
To put on your uniform, place the belt loop of the pants in front, pull the drawstring out on both sides so it tightens around you. Then tie a knot to both ends of the drawstring so they do not get lost, back inside the pants. Finally, thread the drawstring through the belt loop in front, and tie it off in a knot. Wash the gi after every class and keep it neat and in good repair. Garments worn underneath the gi should be white and fully cover you in a modest manner. The Shorin-Ryu gold "patch" should be sewn on the left side of the chest. For instructions to tie your belt, ask an advanced student or refer to The Shorin-Ryu Question and Answer Book (the Red Book) on page 82. Do not wash the belt (Obi). |
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Find a training partner
It is helpful to work on new techniques on a regular basis with someone of your own rank. This person is called your training partner. If you joined with someone, you already have a training partner. If you did not, try to find another student of the same approximate rank who trains at the same classes as you. Seek out a Sempai A Sempai is a higher ranking student with whom you develop a training relationship. Your Sempai can answer your questions before or after class and help you refine technique. This relationship benefits both of you. In karate, we say: "To teach is to learn." In other words, your Sempai also learns by helping you. 
Promotions
Students test to advance in rank at an event called a promotion. At the white belt level, promotions are held every two months, in February, April, June, August, October, and December. From green belt to high brown belt, these promotions are held every six months, in February and August. Seek advice from an advanced student about the requirements for each rank, as well as how to get permission, once you decide to test. |
The Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA system
We are a worldwide organization, and the benefits to you include the ability to train at our affiliated member dojo and clubs around the world, to transfer to those dojo or clubs should you move, access to the ShorinRyu.com website and email, Technique of the Week bulletins, newsletters, to help fund special system-wide events, and the ability to be part of the Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA system, its history and traditions.
Again, we welcome you.
We are a worldwide organization, and the benefits to you include the ability to train at our affiliated member dojo and clubs around the world, to transfer to those dojo or clubs should you move, access to the ShorinRyu.com website and email, Technique of the Week bulletins, newsletters, to help fund special system-wide events, and the ability to be part of the Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate USA system, its history and traditions.
Again, we welcome you.