WHY CHITO-RYU KARATE?
Not all martial arts are the same!
The term Martial Arts has a broad meaning, encompassing Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu (or Gung Fu), Judo, Silat, Aikido, Jujutsu (Jiu-jitsu, Jujitsu), Muay Thai (Thai boxing), Ninjutsu, Hapkido, Tai Chi, and more. Collectively, the Japanese Martial Arts are summarised by the term Budo (Warrior Way), in the West often referred to as Fighting Arts or Martial Arts. Karate alone has many styles within it. Some of the more prominent karate styles in Australia include Chito-Ryu, Shotokan, Kyokushin, Kempo, Goju Ryu and Go Kan Ryu (GKR Karate).
So, which Martial Art should I learn?
Choosing the right Martial Art can get confusing. Irrespective of which Martial Art you as a potential student may wish to learn; whether Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu or some of the lesser known fighting systems, your decision needs to be based on the quality of the teaching staff, the facility and the curriculum content.
Chito-Ryu™ is a traditional form of Karate with an international headquarters in Japan. The founder, Dr Tsuyoshi Chitose (1898 – 1984), was a medical doctor that studied at the prestigious Tokyo University. Dr Chitose (known as O’Sensei to Chito-Ryu practitioners) came from a renowned martial arts family and was instructed by the most famous names in the Karate world at that time. In 1946, Dr Chitose developed the style based on his lifetime of Karate training and his knowledge of physiology.
Chito-Ryu retains the devastating self-defence techniques of the fighting tradition and yet is particularly beneficial for ones health. Through the training of Chito-Ryu one can build an indomitable spirit and a strong body and mind. The benefits gained through training are advantageous for all areas of life.
Karate / Martial Arts training can be the most exhilarating life changing pursuit one undertakes. On the other hand students of less authentic schools can put their heart and soul into Karate training only to discover a few years down the track (usually after meeting an instructor of some quality) that they have spent time and money learning a hollow art void of substance.
Unfortunately, the Martial Arts industry is not regulated. Whilst certain instructors may gain high coaching accreditation through TAFE courses, that does not mean they know anything about Karate. We live in a fast-paced society where all things have to be instant, and whilst the benefits of Karate training can be visible quickly, 6 months of training (no matter how intense) will NEVER make one a black belt or an instructor. Remember; any member of the public can walk into a martial arts store and buy any colour belt they like- including black.
Chito-Ryu is an authentic form of Karate-Do with a clear lineage and roots that trace back hundreds of years.
All Chito-Ryu instructors are highly qualified and internationally accredited. Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate is affiliated with the Chito-Ryu Karate-Do headquarters in Japan, under the guidance of Soke Sensei, Second Generation Soke (head of family/style) of Chito-Ryu Karate-Do.
Benefits of Chito-Ryu Karate
It is widely recognised that the Martial Arts have far reaching benefits that go beyond the self-defence aspects. Participants learning the Martial Arts worldwide attest to an overall improved lifestyle from their training.
Some of the benefits of studying Chito-Ryu Karate include: physical benefits such as improved fitness, higher energy levels, greater strength and flexibility; mental benefits including stress relief, strong focus, concentration, clarity of thought and the development of character traits such as self discipline, self control and self confidence. Additional benefits reveal themselves in everyday life in a wide variety of ways including: weight loss, back pain relief and the strength to give up smoking, improved grades at school and better time management.
Children particularly benefit from our Karate Kids classes. This program teaches children the values of perseverance and commitment, enabling them to recognise that they can achieve their goals when they are broken down into smaller pieces.
BEWARE: “Black Belt Club“
Some schools offer you the opportunity to buy into a “Black Belt Club”, or promise that your child will be a black belt in a set period of time when you purchase a package. At Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate we do not believe this is right. Every student has the same opportunity to achieve their black belt; there are no special classes exclusively for those that join a “Black Belt Club”. There is also no guarantee that you will get your black belt in a certain length of time depending on how much you pay. At Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate we strongly believe that a Black Belt must be earned if it is to have any meaning.
Not everyone wins a prize – We are not a “Black Belt Club“!
Getting up again after failing is one of the most important life skills there is. Many of humankind’s greatest achievements would not have been achieved if people had given up after one unsuccessful attempt. The resilience to keep persevering in the face of hardship is a trait that is sadly falling away as modern society has developed a mentality of trying to shelter people from disappointment.
At Gold Coast Chito-Ryu Karate we run a very fair system. If the student meets the requirements for their next level they will pass, if they do not meet the requirements then they will not pass. We do not provide belts for length of service or as part of a contract. We believe that the process of development and working hard to achieve a goal is one of the fundamental benefits of training in traditional karate, along the way there will be elation for passing and disappointment for failing. Important lessons are learnt from both these outcomes.
Failing a test does not make you a failure.
If a student fails a test, we provide the support and guidance to get them on the right track to be successful the next time. We help them understand that failing a test does not make them a failure. We help them understand that getting up and trying again is very important. When a student fails a test, we help them identify where they need to focus their efforts to improve and help them set a goal to achieve success.
Resources to Achieve
Of course, we do not want students to fail, so along with our expert tuition in class we provide a comprehensive range of resources to help students understand and develop the requirements for each level. For our Little Champions, a step-by-step illustrated manual with exactly what they need to do for each level is available.