Aoinagi Karate

Hombu Dojo Program

Mission Statement

Aoinagi Karate-do is dedicated to:

• maintaining and ensuring the prosperity of traditional karate
• positively touch the lives of individuals
• teaching by example the martial artist way of life
• serving the community for the benefit of society

Summary

The training program consists of instructions in traditional Okinawan Shito-ryu karate in a community environment for the benefit of adults and children. The purpose is to promote traditional martial arts and the practice of self defense to enhance awareness, health and wellness of the community. Each training session focuses on physical training interspersed with discussions of martial arts principles. Regular classes are conducted in a dojo setting (martial art training hall). Additional trainings outside the dojo and special clinics are organized periodically. Student advancement in rank is based on technical proficiency, proper attitude and commitment. The ultimate goal of martial arts practice is to cultivate excellence in physical ability, clarity in mind and enrichment in spirit. Through the practice of martial arts, one seeks refinement of character with integrity, humility and respect, while developing an attitude of compassion and peace.

Introduction

In the advent of national crisis, individual citizens would generally want to be in a state of preparedness. In addition to the basic needs for survival, personal health and safety are of prime importance. Not only would one strive to strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, heighten awareness, but also to increase spirit and improve attitude. At Aoinagi Karate-do, we offer an opportunity to train the body towards technical distinction, to enhance mental well-being and alertness, and to develop a character with honor and integrity. At the same time, we strive to preserve traditional karate-do for at least two generations.

Aoinagi Karate-do was established in 1972 by the late Sensei Raymond Castilonia in Redlands, California. Sensei Castilonia dedicated over 45 years of his life to martial arts and trained under noted karate masters including Sensei Del Saito, Sensei James Miyaji and Sensei Richard Kim. At Aoinagi Karate-do, we practice the Shito-ryu style of karate, one of four major Japanese karate styles. Shito-ryu was accredited by the Dai Nippon Butokukai, the foremost Martial Arts Organization of Japan. The founder of Shito-ryu karate was the Okinawan karate master Kenwa Mabuni who established the style in Osaka, Japan in 1929. The style combined the traditional Okinawan Shuri-te and Naha-te giving rise to a style that is predominately Shorin-ryu (hard style) blending with Shorei-ryu (soft style). Our motto is, "Self development through self defense".

Aoinagi Karate-do is a member of the Traditional Karate-do Organization (TKO) presided over by Hanshi Del Saito. The headquarter of the TKO is in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Format of Training Sessions

Karate classes in the dojo combine children and adult for practice, but separated by level of proficiency. Children and juniors from 5-18 years of age are accepted. For the adults there is no age limits. A typical class will be 50 minutes to 1:15 hour. A white gi (traditional karate uniform) and belt are required for training in the dojo.

A typical training session begins with warm-ups followed by Kihon Waza (basic exercises) which consist of standing basics, moving basics and combination basics. The basic exercises involving both the upper and lower body, are the fundamental karate techniques which forms the functional units of Kata (pre-arranged forms) and Kumite (sparring). The training lessons focus on either Kata or Kumite practice or both. Self defense practice is an essential component of the training. New materials are taught while old materials are reviewed and practiced. Generally the lesson or block of lessons is centered on a theme. Interspersed between physical training, martial arts principles, discipline, etiquette as well as commitment to karate are discussed. For the children, the lesson is supplemented with appropriate activities or exercises to capture attention and interest of the children. The class typically ends with cool down and stretching exercises. At regular intervals, traditional weapons (Bo, Sai and Tonfa) are incorporated as an adjunct to karate.

In every training session, intense physical training is emphasized together with instilling proper attitude of respect, humility and compassion. We practice and refine the art hoping that we will never use it in combat. Instead we endeavor through this art to develop tolerance, patience, diligence and an up-right state of mind.

Belt Rank

At Aoinagi Karate-do, the belt colors used are white, orange, blue, purple, green, brown and black. The belt color indicates the standing of the student in the martial arts. The students are continually monitored by the instructor on progress and achievement of specific skills necessary for the next belt rank. Belt test are regularly administered when the student is ready for advancement. Students are promoted based on their commitment to karate, demonstrating intensity in regular practice, achieving technical proficiency and displaying proper attitude. Advancement at higher ranks also includes service to the dojo and to the organization. In general, a student who trains regularly and consistently with intensity, and demonstrates commitment to improve could achieve the black belt rank in 4-5 years.

Dojo Activities

The martial arts dojo (training hall) is a place for austere training of both the body and the mind. It is the responsibilities of the student to maintain the dojo in a clean, simple and rustic environment. Students spend dedicated hours in the dojo for rigorous physical training while striving for improvement in ethical conduct. At regular intervals, external expert martial arts instructors are invited to conduct special clinics to enrich the experience of the students.

Chief Instructor

Sensei Ceci (Cecilia) Cheung, fifth degree black belt (Godan), is the chief instructor of the dojo. Sensei Cheung has been practicing Shito-ryu Karate for over 25 years, and has been teaching karate for more than 15 years. She studied martial arts under the late Sensei Raymond Castilonia, founder of Aoinagi Karate-do. Currently Sensei Cheung is the student of Hanshi Del Saito. She has led many Gasshuku(s) and outdoor trainings as well as lectured on diverse martial arts topics. She has also led mountaineering expeditions in the United States and abroad as an adjunct to martial arts training. Professional, she is a Professor at the Oregon Health and Sciences University. Her focus in teaching is on physical proficiency as a prerequisite to character development.

Contact Information

Sensei Ceci Cheung, Godan
Aoinagi Karate-do
Dojo address: 701 N. Columbus Avenue, Medford, OR, 97501
Phone: 971-219-9996
Web site: www.aoinagi.org

Karate Classes

Beginning class: Mondays and Thursdays, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Intermediate class: Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm