When entering or leaving the Dojo, stand in the doorway, face the front, bow and say "OSU". This represents a mark or respect for the Dojo and the people in it.

2. If late for training, kneel at the side of the class towards the back, facing away in SEIZA (formal kneeling position). When the instructor acknowledges you, stand up, turn to the front , bow and say "OSU" then "Shitsurei Shimasu" (excuse me for disturbing), then quickly join the back of the class.

3. Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in the Dojo.

4. Always move quickly in class when intructed to do something. DO NOT STROLL.

5. Do not practise KUMITE unless instructed to do so.

6. Do not break rank for any reason, without asking permission from the instructor. If you must leave your position, do not walk between the instructor and the class. Walk behind the row you are in to either side and proceed from there.

7. Always address the instructor and seniors by their proper title (SEMPAI, SENSEI, SHIHAN) inside the Dojo. Acknowledge them with a loud "OSU" when they speak to you.

8. Your training should be a serious matter. Do not laugh, giggle, talk or cause disruption during the class. You should always stand in HEIKO DACHI when awaiting the next command.

9. All directions, by instructor, should be obeyed in the Dojo, without question. You will not be asked to do anything that your instructor has not done him/herself already. If you cannot keep up, do the best you can.

10. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.

11. During the break: No sitting on chairs, leaning against the wall or lying down. Do some training rather than waste time.

12. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times.

13. Your karate-gi must be neat and washed clean at all times. Your belt should NEVER be washed, only aired dry. It symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training, and under no circumstances are male karatekas allowed to wear t-shirts or other clothing underneath their karate-gi.

14. Don't wear jewellery or watches during training.

The meaning of " OSU! "

Osu means patience, respect and appreciation. In order to develop a strong body and strong spirit it is necessary to undergo rigorous training.

This is very demanding, because you must push yourself to what you believe to be your limit, and you want to stop; to give up. When you reach this point you must fight yourself and your weakness and you must win. To do this you must learn to persevere, but above all you must learn to be patient. This is OSU!

The reason you subject yourself to hard training is because you care about yourself, and to care about yourself is to respect yourself. This self respect evolves and expands to become respect for your instructor and fellow students. When you enter the dojo you bow and say "Osu" . This means you respect your dojo and the time you spend training there. This feeling of respect is OSU!

During training you push yourself as hard as possible because you respect yourself. When you finish you bow to your insructor and fellow students and say "Osu" once more. You do this out of appreciation. This feeling of appreciation is OSU.

Thus OSU is a very important word in Karate because it signifies patience, respect and appreciation. That is why we always use the word OSU; to remind ourselves of these indespensable qualities. Osu is a Japanese term borrowed from the military and is used to create cohesion and oneness in a group and a word to acknowledge and to confirm understanding, respect and to create the “never give up” attitude. It was especially important during World War Two when the troop where going to war.

OSU!!!

     Welcome to the IKKO service information page.       Literally translated the word “Kenshi” means “Student or One that is seeking” and “Do” means the way. So combined it translates to Seeking the Way” This ancient form of martial art which traces its lineage back 2,000 years to Asia, is amethod od empty hand and foot as well as weapon fighting. But Kenshi Do is more that just teaching someone to fight or defend themselves.

Physically it is a way of developing body. mind and spirit through an ancient philosophy of SHIN/GAI/TAI. Kenshio Do combines all aspects, such as effort to live with a developmental principles, defensive and offensive skills. These teaching can be used for all aspects of ones life. Developing power and living a heathy and harmonious life, physically and mentally. Conceptually, it is a defensive martial art, and should never be used violently or excessively.

Below is a list of the services we offer: 

[KARATE_DO] - Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate and Motobu-HA Shito Ryu Karate 

[Kobudo.]- Lineage of Shinpo Matayoshi

[GoshinDo] Self Defense

[KenshiDO} Health and Wellness programs using ancient martial arts techniques

Besides the physical Kenshi Kai emphasises the development of the whole person Body. Mind and Spirit.

Through the years Budo has evolved into a total life philosophy, which endears and propogates such qualities as, Humility, Truth, Self-Discipline, Peace, Respect, Unselfishness, Honor, Courage, Loyalty and Perseverance.

The cultivation of mind, body and spirit to form a harmonious being is an important aim of Budo. Knowledge and understanding of self allows knowledge and understanding of others.

Kenson - Humility

The quality of humility is too often confused with subservience, which is defintely not the case in Budo Philosophy. Trye humility is born from knowledge and belief that all human beings are the most basic level derserving of consideration

Shinri - Truth

Truth is the quintessence of reality. Reality is the basis of all meaningful examination and subsequent formation of thought and theory. In Budo it is beleived that no decisive progress can be made without honest evaluation.

Kunren - Self Discipline

 The key to continual improvement lies in one’s mastery of discipline (first of self) on virtually all levels of life. To surpass the boundaries of what would apprear to be the limits of the mind and body leads to spiritual fortitude that is capable of weathering the storms of severe adversity. The ability to control emotions is perhaps the most difficult part of self-discipline.

WA- Peace

Peace and Harmony is the very essence of Budo. For this reason the indiscriminate use of force and violence is eschewed by the Budo-Ka. This attitude should not be miscontrued as passive acceptance of injustice, for Budo holds dear the concept of justice. To be in harmony with all things is achieved only through a deep reverance for peace.

Sonkei - Respect

Respect is imperative to human progression and peace. A state of harmony cannot exist unless consideration is given to society, nature, and individuals. On an individual level, respect is earned through conduct. Respect begins with self respect.

Hi Riko Shugi - Unselfishness

In Budo the quality of being unselfish is considered an admirable virtue. A monk called Soshi made the point in his writings that
‘ Men of poor character are greedy and seek fame and fortune even at the expense of others” The sage would if the need arises lay down the life for his country.”

Meiyo (To) Yaki - Courage and Honour

The word “honour” maybe defined as a fine sense of what is just and right withreadiness to apply it to one’s own conduct in realtion to others. Courage is the spirit that enables one to convert the willingness to apply righteousness and justice into deeds.

Kokki - Self- Conquest

The priciple of Kokki teaches that a major focus of Budo is self- improvement through continuous training. By winning over oneself we become better able to win over all difficulties and challenges, including an opponent. Sun Tsu in the Art of way states clearly “If we know the enemy and ourselves, there is no peril in a hundred battles. If we know not the enemy but know ourselves the odds are equal. If we are ignorant of both the enemy and ourselves, there is peril in a hindred battles.”

Chujitsu - Loyalty

Loyalty is a cornerstone (along with honour and respect) of Budo philosophy.Loyalty is the foundation of trust, which plays a great role in human relationships.

These art of Kenshi Kai has been deeply influenced by the above mentioned philosophies that find themselves in all oriental and middle eastren religions. These were all assililated and rooted into the philosophy of Kenshi Kai. To achieve advanced mental and physical power , it is necessary to incorporate all these traits into your training. In doing so, Kenshi Kai is elevated from a physical and mental activity to a martial art.

For more information please contact us either via email [by clicking on the contact button on this page] or  ikko@saol.com. You may also call us at 0829045450 

We look forward to serving you.

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