Karate / Self-Defense

Karate / Self-Defense
EXSA 073X
Vincent Nistico
503-370-6420

This graded course is a comprehensive introduction to Traditional Japanese Karate (style is Shotokan). Karate is a lifelong activity that improves all aspects of physical fitness, promotes cognitive development and emotional stability. Karate also enhances self-image and self-control while teaching the value of discipline and personal defense strategies.

Course Objectives

General
Students will become familiar wih class structure, terminology, some history and traditions, proper warm-up and stretching procedures.
Body Mechanics
Students will learn how to recognize and create a solid stance, generate effective power, maintain proper body connection and execute specific techniques including punches, strikes, blocks, and kicks.
Timing Concepts
Students will learn when to execute a technique to achieve the most effective result.
Emotional Stability
Students will learn how to maintain a rational, reasoning state of mind despite fatigue, fear or anger.

Class Structure

Students are expected on time. Classes are well organized and serious. A typical class may include: formal greeting, physical warm-up, review of previous material, demonstration and instruction of new material, practice, more practice, stretching and cool-down, formal closing. Sincere effort is expected from students at all times.

Grading Procedures

Active participation is the key to this class! Students are encouraged to read the Activity Course Polices & Regulations [link above].

GRADING POLICY

Task	Points
Daily Journal [due the class before the final]	5.5
Worksheet #1 [take home 60 min. exercise]	2.5
Worksheet #2 [take home 60 min. exercise]	2.5
Midterm Performance	2.5
Final Written Exam [in class]	2.5
Final Performance	3.5
Full Class Participation [27 classes x 3 points each] (i.e. watching does not count)	81.0
TOTAL	100.0

Students are encouraged to review the Activity Course Policies and Regulations.

Upon course completion, students are eligible to test for belt rank through the American Amateur Karate Federation. This optional test is available for a fee, and is done independently of the class structure.

Resources
www.nwkarate.com
Karate - The Art of Empty Hand Fighting. Hidetaka Nishiyama & Brown, Tuttle.
Dynamic Karate. Masatoshi Nakayama, Kodansha.
Karate-Do Kyohan. Gichin Funakoshi, Kodansha.