Sunday mornings 10:00am to 12:00pm

Course of Study

Learning to fight, not to harm, but not to be harmed is an art. The more secure you are in your ability to defend yourself from various forms of violence and aggression, the less likely you will be to strike out in fear or a need to prove yourself (physically or verbally). Your natural fear in an intense confrontational situation can be reduced to a manageable level, and the likelihood that you will be a victim can be dramatically decreased. How then do we acquire these abilities?

At ZEN FIGHT CLUB, our classes are structured in a layered methodic approach to build up all aspects of one’s fighting skills, ability, and confidence over time in the following areas of study:

Meditation

Reality is the point at which our inner and outer worlds intersect. To access the tremendous spiritual power that we all carry within us requires conscious, continuous effort. Our classes always open and close with a short meditation, helping us to suspend the stresses of life outside the dojo and focus our inner strength on the task at hand. At different times we will delve deeper into the fundamentals of meditation, especially from a martial arts perspective, as it is one of the cornerstones of our growth and development.

Kata

Kata is a choreographed fight between the student and invisible opponents. At competitions, kata performances are graded for their technique, form and spirit. In Okinawa during the mid to latter half of the last millennium, where most modern styles of Karate originate, fighting arts were banned by the ruling Japanese. As such, martial arts were practiced in secrecy with the techniques and materials imbedded into forms that could be practiced in a group or individually. This form of practice and development also has parallels with "shadow boxing" in Western boxing.

Kumite

Kumite is a choreographed fight between two students. Employing many of the same principles of kata, kumite allows students to practice a variety of techniques and counter moves in routine sets so as to train the body to initiate and respond to an actual opponent. With practice, timing, distance, and technique are developed by kumite.

Self-Defence

At Zen Fight Club, self-defence techniques, applying martial arts skills, are taught to equip students with a toolset to handle a variety of attacking, and threatening situations (including scenarios involving multiple attackers and weapons). The principles of self-defence psychology, awareness, and presence are also imbedded into our curriculum, as at least half the battle in any confrontation is mental and emotional. Self-defence skills are learned and honed over time, in conjunction and as part of the other elements of our course of study.

Randori (Light Sparring)

The techniques and fighting methods acquired in kata, kumite and other fighting and self-defence drills are tested and honed by countless rounds of light sparring with varying degrees of intensity and duration. Randori (free practice, or study) helps to hone fighting awareness and sensitivity as well as providing an outlet for students to develop their personal fighting style.

Shiai (Fighting)

Shorinjiryu Karatedo is a full contact fighting style. Opponents square off in supervised matches, refereed and judged by senior black belts. Protective gear is worn on the head and torso, but no protection for the attacking weapons (hands, feet, elbows and knees) is permitted. Thus, combatants are required to strengthen their weapons for real life situations and can test their fighting mettle in full contact bouts, while limiting the risk of serious injury. Unlike many other martial arts styles, points are only awarded for clear and powerful blows. Opportunities for Shiai occur regularly at organized tournaments, karate camps, fighting seminars, and through the belt testing system.

In order to achieve victory, you must place yourself in your opponent's skin.

Bruce Lee