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!!!

The International Kenshi Kai Karate Kobudo Organization (IKKO) is a recognised worldwide organization which is regarded highly in many martial arts circles.. The Organization was founded and is directed by Kyoshi Imtiaz Abdulla, internationally recognised karate administrator and leading practitioner of Okinwwan and Japanese Karate and Okinawan Kobudo with over 30 years experience. Kyoshi Abdulla is supported by a Koen Kai (Executive Old Boys Club) comprised of some of the leading martials artist in Africa and Asia. The Executive Committee is the steering committee to the President (Kyoshi Abdulla)

Besides the Executive Committee there is the Continental Executive Board which is responsible for the operations of the five continents.

International Kenshi Kai Karate Kobudo Organization  (iKKo)

The Pride of Okinawan and Japanese Karate-Do

In essence, Karate-Do is a set of techniques and mental attitudes systemised and codified in a martial arts which through a rigorous and systemised training of the mind and body, strive to achieve knowledge of oneself, others to ultimately create a state of complete harmony between oneself and the universe. It is a disciplined art that develops a strong body and perfection both of physical and spiritually in order to fully realise oneself.

The Values of IKKO

 IKKO is essentially a martial art (budo) and such it is also a means of reaching the way (Do) by the practice of weapons (KOBUDO). As in any martial art.

 IKKO is, and requires solid discipline. The body must go through long and strenuous exercise for many years.

Control is required over not only one's technique also emotions such as fear, pain and hate. As a fighting art. IKKO involves the confrontation of two wills each determined to win. This develops qualities such as fortitude, but also humility and respect for oneself and others. IKKO is also a formidable means of self-defense, which does not require any particular weapon.

 The weapon is the entire body. Its physical values are rather unique, it is an all round activity which equally develops every part of the body if the exercises are done in a proper and constructive sequence. All IKKO instructors are highly qualified in this aspect. The exercise can be practiced alone or with a partner. Anyone of any age group can practice this art as it is flexible to suit any individual and the benefits are immense.

IKKO Mission and Aim

Karate and Kobudo was born when peace, the heart of the Okinawan people was incorporated with the spirit of Zen as embodied in the Chinese Shorin Temple Boxing.  IKKO aims, therefore, is completely different from other martial arts. Whereas the chief aim of all other martial is killing and wounding as many opponents as possible. IKKO Karate Kobudo primary concern is simply self-defense and perfection of character.

Of defense and offense cannot exist without each other. Consequently, training in superior defense necessitates training in superior offense techniques.

 Now, the growing interest in karate results not from the excellence of its techniques or the Oriental mystique, rather this interest stems from over-increasing appreciation for the spirit of Budo and the Okinawan Spirit of peace. It is both the hope of Kaicho Tetsuhiro Hokama and the late Soke Kunio Tatsuno and Soke Kozo Kuniba that the spirit of Karate and Kobudo must be understood and peace will come to the world through an appreciation of this spirit.

Purpose of IKKO

The IKKO is dedicated to the preservation of authentic traditional Okinawan and Japanese Martial Arts Worldwide. The Organization is has numerous technical advisors of which the two of the foremost are Masters in Okinawa and Japan namely Master Tetsuhiro Hokama and Soke Kozo Kuniba who reside in the birth place of karate being Okinawa and Osaka

  Renshi Shihan Imtiaz Abdulla is a student of the arts for 30 years, holds ranks of 7th Dan in Karate, 6th Dan in Okinwan Goju Ryu Kenshi-Kai and Motobu-Ha Shito Ryu as well as 6th Dan in Kobudo. .

Benefits of IKKO membership and teaching

The following is the list of various benefits one receives from the membership to the IKKO.

These benefits include:

* There are no affiliation fees to belong to the IKKO only pure dedication and loyalty

*  The purpose of the IKKO is the establishment of an International      Brotherhood to preserve and propagate authentic Traditional  Okinawan and Japanese Martial Arts Worldwide.

*  The IKKO is dead against substance abuse and the aim of the Organization is to make our societies a safe and happy one.* The IKKO provides beginning, intermediate and advanced level  training in a system incorporating both Okinawan Goju Ryu and Traditional Japanese Shito Ryu Karate and Kobudo, which roots originated from the 1600's

* The IKKO ranks and teaching licenses are accepted and recognised throughout the world.

* The IKKO holds and participates in Annual Training and Seminars  by Top Japanese and Okinawan masters for all members in the various countries throughout the world. .

*  The IKKO holds periodic Promotion Review Boards for its members,

 Black Belts grading are done every April and November at the Africa Honbu Dojo. All dojos promote independently from white belt to 3kyu. Grading certificate cost is R 15.00 per grade.

*  IKKO has a quarterly Regional Seminar by Shihan Imtiaz Abdulla.

* The multi-arts make up of IKKO provides the members with the unique opportunity to receive cross training in a variety of authentic  traditional martial arts via the liaison relationship through the IKKO to Japan and Okinawa.

 The words Kenshi Translates to the way of developing the spirit through hard and enjoyable way of serious martial arts. The Organization emphasizes the principles of respect, courtesy and manner together with development of a character that creates an individual that is an asset to society.

Administration Requirements

Each Dojo is required to be registered with the IKKO. Dojo registration is on an annual basis (calendar year) upon which a Registration Certificate will be issued from the Headquarters. Each Registered Dojo must be under the direction of an IKKO licensed Instructor (3rd Dan or Higher) or be sponsored by such an individual. All members of registered Dojo’s are individual’s members of IKKO. Membership to IKKO will automatically include the individual as an affiliated member of IKKO in Okinawa and Japan individual affiliation is not charged for unless an individual membership book is requested at a cost of R 15.00 per person, for all grades below black belt, but dojo’s can charge for student without books and if books are requested then an additional charge after payment of the R 15.00 can be charged, what they feel is appropriate but must not be unaffordable to especially the lesser fortunate of our societies.

Dojo Affiliation fee is R 100.00 per year

Rank Certification

Upon joining the IKKO each individual will be issued with an Organization Membership Card (OMC). Rank certifications are issued by the IKKO upon completion of the requirements. Dojo's can grade from white belt to 3kyu grading certificates are only issued by the IKKO headquarters at a cost of

R 10.00 together with the OMC which is an agreed price of R 50.00 per year per member this can be altered by the Chief instructor.

Dojo must send to the Headquarters all the records of members and Black Belts, together with the relevant registration fees, and any other information. Previous rank certificates for new members must also be included.

Yearly Activities

Each country and regional will beside other have to conduct a minimum number of activities as stipulated below

2 Gasshkus with Shihan Imtiaz in their country or region

• 1 Invitational Championships
• at least 3 x kyu’s gradings, where the a member of the Koen Kai must be present
• Submit for grading at least 5 students for Yudansha grades which is conducted twice per year in an area selected by the African Chief Instructor
• All Koen Kai members must be present at the grading
• The cost for grading of Yudansha is as follows and can be changed by the Chief Instructor
• Shodan           R 150.00
• Nidan              R 250.00
• Sandan           R 350.00
• Yondan           R 450.00
• Godan and Above will have to done in Japan or Okinawa
• Dojos however can charge any additional to this above mentioned rate as long as this is not abused.
• Countries and regions must attend the 2 x compulsory Instructors standardization course, which will be held every April and September at Honbu Dojo, this course is over an entire weekend, which shall include, administration, referees, technical syllabus understanding and instructor workshops
• All IKKO members shall support the annual IKKO National Championships which will be a championships for both Juniors and Seniors, held in a region as decided by the KoenKai

Koen Sensei Kai

• The Old Instructor Association is the most senior body that helps the Chief Instructor in the effective running of the IKKO
• Only selected members selected by the Chief Instructor can serve on this body. Dojos will be advised on the composition of this committee.
• The committee will consist of 10 members of each 5 shall be permanent members, the committee shall be chaired by the Chief Instructor
• The Koen Kai shall arrange one international trip for purposes of development of the IKKO
• Every two years there shall be an Open International Held in South Africa which shall serve as a convention of all international instructors of Kenshi Kai
• Administration
• The Chief Instructor shall appoint an administrator in the Office of the Chairman (Chief Instructor) who shall be the official voice piece of the IKKO
• All Administration shall be operated from the office of the Chief Instructor and all grading records and other items shall reside ion this office
• Every Year during the month of January a Kagami Baraki will be held at Honbu Dojo where all members of IKKO are invited to participate, however the most important reason for such a meeting is to gather all Seniors and Sponsored Yudansha for a meeting to plan the New Year and to discussion points of common interest for the development of the IKKO. This meeting will following the following agenda:-
• Opening and Welcome    Chief Instructor
• Action for the Year
• Dates and Activities
• Technical Changes
• Administrative Changes
• International Changes
• Closure

Every Senior grade Sandan and above will have 6 junior grades under their tutelage 2 Nidans, in the case of Yodan 2 Sandans, 3 Shodans, who will be mentored under their tutelage to understand the operations and operations of the IKKO, each of these Yudansha shall be assigned a task which is for the betterment of the IKKO.

These Yudansha will be uchi deshi under the tutelage of the respective senior for a period of 3 years for Sandan, 2 Years for Nidan, 1 Year for Shodan which in effect means that they will be with the senior at all  times during all activities of IKKO. Therefore the selection of these individuals is important as they must have the development of IKKO at heart

Regional Heads

The Koen Kai in consultation with the Chief Instructor can appoint regional head who will be answerable to the Koen Kai member, all new members will be given a minimum transition period according to his existing grade.

In this time the Koen Kai will develop his transition taking into consideration the following:-

• His Training and conversion to the IKKO
• His Grading conversion into the IKKO
• His Commitment and understanding of the Rules and Regulation
• His contribution of dues and other fees

In the transition period the transition dojo shall have the following benefits:-

• Use of the Name IKKO
• Able to training the syllabus of IKKO
• Participate under the sponsor of the Koen Kai member in IKKO activities
• Member of the club shall be allowed to participate in grading under the sponsorship of the Koen Kai member

Join us today and be part of this important Budo family. Learn authentic Okinawan Goju Ryu and Motobu- Ha Shito Ryu Karate and Kobudo

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