Welcome! From Sensei and Sempai Gaddis

We're excited you're here! This Student Handbook is designed to be a tool to help new members get informed about Gaddis Brothers' Classical Martial Arts and to serve as a resource of information for current members.

It all started in November 2014 when we opened our dojo (school/gym). Since our establishment it has been our goal not only to teach traditional martial arts, but also offer traditional values and personal development skills. We believe in using positive reinforcement as the most effective method of teaching, and strive to do so in what we consider a family environment. We do not want our dojo to only be a place to come train, we want it to be a place to develop new relationships and build a strong community!

We hope you enjoy this new step in your life and take full advantage of what the martial arts have to offer. Remember that progress in the martial arts is attained through your own effort and hard work. It is important to set goals for yourself as well as have realistic expectations about when you may reach them. The journey is just as important as the destination! 

- Sensei John Gaddis and Sempai James Gaddis

Our Mission and Philosophy

The Gaddis brothers, John and James, both started training in the early 1990's. John Gaddis serves as the dojo Sensei (main teacher) while James serves as the dojo Sempai (senior instructor). The Gaddis brother's learned in traditional dojo (school/gym) and have carried on the lessons taught there in their own dojo today. 

Starting training as young boys, the Gaddis brothers have trained in primarily in Japanese martial arts. Throughout their training they have come to agree that no martial art is better than any other. All martial arts relate and usually connect in fundamental and foundational principles. The Gaddis brothers refuse to specialize and believe that being a great martial artist means being a well rounded martial artist, with an open mind and as much experience as possible. 

The Gaddis brothers believe that although martial arts has a lot to do with self defense and combat, it has just as much to do with personal development and character perfection. They try to ingrain and pass on this philosophy to all the members at their dojo.

Class Structure

Expect each class to begin with formal bowing. In most classes a few minutes will be spent on meditation, important for clearing the mind, relaxing and improving concentration. After meditation and bowing, additional time is spent on warm-ups.

Although each class is a little different, you can expect to spend a balance of the class learning and training some of the following:

Karate: Basics, Forms, Sparring, Self Defense

Kobudo: Grips/Guards, Basics, Forms, Sparring

Judo/Jujitsu: Grips/Foot work, Breakfalls, Techniques - Standing Up & Ground

Proper Patch Placement

Refer to the diagram below for the proper placement of the patch on your martial arts uniform. The Zen Bei Butoku Kai International crest should be sewn on the left chest of your uniform approximately over the heart.

Attendance and Equipment

The only way to reach your goals in the martial arts is to attend your class as scheduled. Each class is a little different and features different material, therefore your attendance is very important. As you progress there will be additional classes that you may attend. 

Students who are absent are expected to contact the dojo. A make up class will be arranged for you to attend. We do this to insure your continual progress. If you will be going on vacation please notify the dojo in advance.

Required equipment includes the proper uniform for the class you are attending with the appropriate crest sewn on and the current rank you have earned. Male students should wear an athletic cup. Female should wear a shirt or sports bra underneath their uniform. Students may wear an athletic type shirt under their uniform, which must be solid white or black in color. No patterns.

School Rules

• All members must consistently demonstrate proper respect and courtesy for their fellow members and instructors at all times.

• All spectators must demonstrate respect for classes in progress. Absolutely no excessive talking above a hushed tone. Phones should should be silenced.

• All members must take pride in their personal hygiene and appearance. Uniforms must be clean and neat, nails kept short, and all jewelry, hair clips, pins, candy, gum, and other harmful items removed.

• Members must have permission from the instructor in charge to enter/exit a class in progress.

• Members must assist in keeping the school clean and neat at all times. Have pride in our shared dojo's appearance.

• Sparring, simulated self defense, throwing, falling and locking techniques are not allowed unless supervised by an instructor.

• Members may not instruct other members or non members in new material or techniques. Members must remember they are students, not instructors and the best way in insure continuity of material and quality is to leaving the teaching to those who have been certified to instruct.

The Student Creed

The Student Creed is to be learned and memorized by youth members. It is recited at the beginning of every class and expresses some primary objectives in our martial arts programs.

1. I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and to avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health.

2. I intend to develop self discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others.

3. I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and others, and never to be abusive or defensive.

4. We are a black belt school, we are motivated, we are dedicated, we are on a quest to be our best.

The Black Belt Commitment

The Black Belt Commitment is to be learned and memorized by youth members. It is recited at the end of every class to remind us of our goal of black belt excellence.

As a dedicated student of the martial arts, I will live by the principles of black belt: honesty, humility, courtesy, integrity, self control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. 

What's the goal? - Black Belt Excellence!

The Dojo Kun

The Dojo Kun should be memorized by our adult members. It serves to remind us of our goal of character perfection.

Seek perfection of character,

Be faithful,

Endeavor,

Respect others,

Refrain from all violent action.

The Black Belt Club

The black belt is a symbol of excellence in the martial arts in terms of both character and technical expertise. What you have by achieving black belt is not nearly as important as what you have become. Our black club members are in pursuit of excellence in themselves. 

BBC is a members only club that offers additional and extra curricular training. To be great at anything, obsession is a necessity. Our BBC members are obsessed with bettering themselves. By attending these extra class offerings, members often progress faster, gaining new skills and abilities at a quicker rate than members who pursue just the regular curriculum.

As a traditional dojo, we are not selling progress. All that is required to join the BBC is your sincere desire to earn your black belt and pursue excellence in yourself. It is our sincere desire for every member to achieve his or her goal of black belt and we offer these special classes to help you reach your goal. Black Belt Club is open to orange belt students and up, and not surprisingly, nearly all eligible members are part of BBC. As we like to say in the dojo, BBC is the place to be!

School Formailities

Below are listed some of the major formalities and protocol used in our school. For those just beginning in the martial arts, you will find most of these requirements listed on your rank requirement forms. In our dojo, we strive to not only learn physical techniques but also the virtues of respect, courtesy, discipline and selflessness. It is our belief that these formalities are indispensable in reinforcing these virtues in all members.

• Informal Attention Stance: The left foot always pulls into the right, heels touching and toes apart. Hands lay flatly along the sides of your body. In Japanese this is called 'Musubi Dachi' and the act of coming to attention is called 'Kiotsuke'.

• Informal Standing Bow: Form the informal attention stance, the body bends at the waist about half way down from being parallel from the ground. The eyes remain focused forward. In Japanese this is called 'Tachi Rei'. The Japanese for bowing to your training partner is 'Otagi Ni Rei'.

• Low High Five and Fist Bump: This simple gesture between training partners affirms the spirit of cooperation and hard work. This gesture should be exchanged after bowing to your training partner. By slapping hands and bumping fists you are signaling to your partner it is time to work, train and drill hard!

• Formal Sitting Position: The left knee always bends first and then the right knee. The back should straight and both hands should rest on the knees. The knees are about two fist lengths apart and the feet should be resting flat on their insteps and the big toes of each foot touching. To stand up the right knee will step up first, then the left. In Japanese this is called 'Seiza'.

• Formal Bow: This bow is performed from the sitting position. The left hand touches the ground first, then the right, while the body bends at the waist. The eyes are focused on the ground. The head does not touch the ground. To sit back up the right hand returns to your right knee, then the left hand follows to the left knee. The Japanese for this bow is 'Zarei'.

• Proper Way to Enter and Exit Taijo (training floor): To enter you should stand at the edge of the taijo (matted area) turned towards the front wall in an informal attention stance and perform the informal standing bow. To exit, the procedure is the same. No shoes may be worn on the training floor.

• How to Enter Class Late: When joining class late, the member should bow onto the floor and stand off to the side of the training floor until there is an appropriate time to yell 'Sensei!' and then should bow to the instructor. The member should then politely request permission to enter class. If permitted join class quickly and without further disturbance.

• Referring to the Head Instructor and Senior Instructor: The head instructor is referred to as 'Sensei' and the senior instructor is referred to as 'Sempai'. In the dojo everyone is encourage to lead by example in this practice of courtesy and respect, parents, members and non members.

• Referring to Black Belt Holders: Members who have earned and hold the rank of black belt should be referred to as Mr. or Ms. at all times. This is in deference to their efforts and sacrifices, and out of gratitude for their assistance to all junior members of the dojo.

• Command When Sensei Enters the Taijo (training floor): Whenever the Sensei enters the matted area, all students should stand and perform an informal standing bow. The instructor in charge of the class should announce 'Sensei Ni Rei'. If there is no designated instructor in charge, this responsibility falls to the senior student on the training floor.

• Proper Way of Responding in Class: The proper response to questions or directions from the instructor should be "Hai/Yes Sir/Yes Ma'am". If the member does not understand the response should be "Sensei/Sempai/Name of Instructor, I don't understand".

• Counting in Japanese: Numbers one through ten are Ichi, Ni, San, Shi, Go, Roku, Shichi, Hachi, Ku, Ju.

• How to Get an Instructors Attention: If the member has a question that is relevant to the class, they may yell "Sensei" or the instructors name to get the attention of the instructor. A member may also raise their hand and wait for the instructors acknowledgment.

• Proper Way to Fix a Uniform During Class: The member should until the end of an exercise to fix their uniform. The member should turn to the rear and adjust their uniform and turn back quickly.

• How to Line Up: In our dojo we line up from right to left by rank, which refers to the belt level held by each individual. Next is by time training, which means that is two members hold the same rank, the one who has had that rank longer lines up first. Lastly is by age, which means that if members hold the same rank and were promoted to that rank at the same time, whoever is older will line up first.

• Beginning Class and Ending Class Commands: Once the class is lined up the senior student will yell 'Moksoh' (meditation) and allow a few moments for the class to meditate. Next they will announce 'Yame' (stop) so that the class may open their eyes. The next command is 'Shomen Ni Rei', the sensei or instructor will turn around to face the front wall and all members will perform the form sitting bow. After turning back to face the class, the sensei or instructor will wait for the senior student to issue the next command, which is 'Sensei Ni Rei'. All members will perform another formal sitting bow. To end the class, the commands change slightly. The class ends with meditation, again the commands are 'Moksoh' and 'Yame'. After meditation is over, the senior student will issue the command 'Sensei Ni Rei' first, then after bowing issue the next command 'Shomen Ni Rei'.

• Presentation Form: Members may be called upon to demonstrate or perform something for evaluation by the Sensei or Instructor. Sometimes groups maybe called up together. It is important that all students do this the same way and to ensure for uniformity and safety.

1. In your name is called, you should run around the back of the line to the middle of the training floor and stand in attention. Once in attention the member should yell 'Sensei' and bow to the instructor. If more than one person is called, everyone should wait until the whole group is assembled and lined up from right to left by rank before yelling 'Sensei' and bowing.

2. You will be asked to demonstrate or perform. After which the Sensei or instructor will ask you to rejoin the line.

3. To join the line, first bow to the Sensei or instructor and then turn to your left and run around to the end of the line and round the back of the until you return to your spot.

Rank Certificate Reception

Every time a student receives a rank belt they will soon after receive a rank certificate. it is very important keep all of these certificates in a safe place. Since they are signed and recorded documents they are more important than the rank belt itself.

1.  Sensei or the instructor will stand at the front of the training floor holding your rank certificate. Once your name is called, you should run around the back of the line and stand at attention in front of the sensei or instructor. It is required that you leave enough space between yourself and the instructor to take three steps forward.

2. Once standing in attention, yell 'Sensei' and perform a standing bow.

3. The Sensei or instructor will then present the certificate and read it aloud, once the reading is done, they will hand the certificate to you. To take the certificate, take three steps forward, grab the certificate with both hands and bow. Stay in the bow position and take three steps backwards.

4. Turn to your right, towards the senior of the class, and look over the certificate. You are formally acknowledging the certificate. If there is a mistake on the document, inform the instructor after class.

5. Once you have acknowledged the certificate turn back to the sensei or instructor and bow, turn to your left, and run back around the back of the line to your spot.

Tying Your Belt

In the martial arts the wearing of belts is a way of showing the amount of time and energy one has put into their training. it is important to always take good care of your belt. In Japanese, your belt is your 'Obi'. Your belt should never be washed or purposely dropped on the floor, if your belt comes off during training it is acceptable to move it to the side of the taijo, training floor, and finish the exercise. It is also important to know how to properly tie your belt. A striped belt is used in these photos to make it easier to see.

The Zen Bei Butoku Kai International

The original Butoku-kai, founded between 780 to 806 AD, by Kanmu, the 50th Emperor of Japan, was established to provide instruction in all martial arts to the classical warrior caste. The 1868 restoration of Imperial Rule, the Meiji Restoration, caused a collapse of the feudal system. To preserve the history, traditions, and philosophies of the ancient martial arts some masters joined together to create the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Great Japan Martial Virtues Association) in 1895, with the five martial virtues of respect, compassion, gratitude, integrity, and honor as the core of the organization. In building the Butokuden in Kyoto (1899) and establishing the Budo Semmon Gakku (martial arts speciality school) or Busen (1911) as it was called, it increased the proficiency of its masters for generations to come. The Dai Nippon Butoku Kai was forced to close in 1945 by General Douglas MacArthur during the American Occupation of Japan. However, it was reopened in 1952 allowing for the creation of branches all over the world.

Dr. Richard Kim, Hanshi, was one of the last from this long heritage of masters. As a Busen graduate with over seventy years of experience, he was considered a master of masters. O'Sensei (great teacher), as he was called, studied with the great masters, including Kaneko, Kentsu, Arakaki, Tachibana, Lai, Yuan, and Yoshida who was Kim's teacher of Daito Ryu Aikijiujitsu and who he considered to be his primary teacher. His experience continued mastery of many martial arts including Karate, Judo, Tai Chi, Pakua, Kobudo and even had a professional boxing career.

Kim was an international representative of the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai until his resignation in the 1990's, establishing branches in the United States, Canada, Germany, and France. In 1959 he moved from Japan to San Francisco and later to Sacramento where he settled permanently. Kim was an author many times over and columnist. Kim founded the Zen Bei Butoku Kai which is dedicated to preserving the traditions of martial arts. With the passing of O'Sensei Kim in November 2001, his students continue to uphold his standards by carrying on the mission of the Zen Bei Butoku Kai. One of these students is Sensei John Gaddis teacher, Sensei Dean Romanelli (Detroit), who is in turn a student of Sensei Brian Ricci (Boston), who is the current president of the Zen Bei Butoku Kai International and was O'Sensei Kim's senior most student.

The Zen Bei Butoku Kai International Crest

Our organization is embodied by a crest that clearly signifies us, our instructors, our hopes and dreams for the future of the martial arts, and most importantly the legacy and lineage of the Butoku Kai.

The History of Karate & Philosophy

The term 'martial art' is widely used to refer to various systematized fighting arts that have evolved over thousands of years. Practiced by millions today, these martial arts, both empty hand and weapon arts, each offer a system and view of self defense uniquely its own. Although each may differ, none can be said to be the best. All share at their core basic fundamental scientific principals of physics, anatomy, physiology and mechanical advantage. Perhaps if anything, they can be said to compliment one another.

The development of the martial arts is surrounded with traditions of secrecy and lack of written records. However, it is accepted that in the sixth century AD and Indian monk, Dharuma (Bodhidrama, Tamo), traveled to China to lecture on Buddhism. Arriving at the Shoalin Monastery, he taught the monks their breathing exercises to develop strength, stamina and spirit and taught self defense movements to help the monks defend themselves from bandits. These exercises are thought to have come from the I-Ching Sutra, written by Huang Ti, also known as the Yellow Emperor. Dharuma's method for self defense became known as Shorinji Kempo (Shoalin Fist Way) in Japanese. Eventually his art reached Okinawa through trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. In Okinawa this martial art developed into Okinawa Te or simply Te (Hand) and had three main styles: Shuri Te, Naha Te and Tomari Te. This martial art of Okinawa Te was the forerunner of Karate.

 Much of the philosophy of today's martial arts can be linked to Funakoshi Gichin (1868-1957), the recognized founder of modern Karate. His 1917 demonstration of Karate in the Butokuden and 1921 demonstration in the Shuri Castle of Okinawa for Emperor Hirohito led to the formal introduction of Karate to mainland Japan in 1922. Karate then later spread worldwide. It was also Funakoshi who formally changed the name of the martial art from Tode or Tang-te (China Hand) to Karate (Empty Hand) in 1936. the word Karate was first used by Hanashiro Chomo but it was Funakoshi who made the change formal. Funakoshi's greatness was in the philosophy he lived, taught and left for the world. He believed in the common decency one human owes to another. He emphasized attitude over physical ability, as well as preached and practiced an essential humility. In the first of his twenty precepts he said, "Do not forget, Karate begins and ends with respect". The world has not seen another like him. His martial art style became known as Shotokan, which was named after his dojo, built in 1936. Shotokan became one of the four main styles of Karate in Japan. The others were Goju Ryu, Wado Ryu, and Shito Ryu. Funakoshi teachers were Yatsatsune Azato and the great Yatsatsune Itosu, who was credited with introducing Karate into the public education system of Okinawan (1902). He also is credited with creating what are called the Pinan/Heian kata in 1902-1907 for use in the school system.

The History of Shorinji Ryu Karate

At our dojo the system of Karate is Shorinji Ryu, translating as Shaolin Temple Method. It is a blend of internal and external martial arts and weaponry. Although today there are various styles and systems, we follow the Zen Bei Butoku Kai International System. That is, emphasizing and blending all the training together for a complete system.

There are other styles of Shorinji but most are not related to our system. The term Shorinji denotes our origin to the Shoalin Temple. Shorinji Ryu, as we practice, is a synthesis of multiple Karate, boxing, throwing, grappling martial arts. Our Shorinji Ryu lineage traces back to the great Yabu Kentsu.

Kata is the heart of Karate and the core of our system. Through the generations, Karate has been handed down through kata. Even with the separation and distinction of styles, the Zen Bei Butoku Kai International continues to teach all the traditional kata and weaponry. With one of the largest repertoire for the martial arts, the Zen Bei Butoku Kai continues to create professional martial artists with high levels of excellence. Shorinji Ryu practices the traditional kata maintaining a self defense approach, the the modern sport orientation. Most of our traditional Karate kata come from the Shorin and Shorei style, which developed out of the Okinawan Te styles.

The History of Zen Bei Butoku Kai Kobudo

Kobudo involves the usage of eight weapons mostly derived from ancient farming, fishing and village tools of Okinawa. The primary three that we use are Bo, Sai, Tonfa. Similar to the history of Karate, the history of Kobudo is quite obscured. It has been estimated that the martial art developed between 1300 AD to 1600 AD. It is also known that Matsu Higa and Aburaya Yamaki were the first to formalize the techniques and forms of the martial art. 

It was Taira Shinken who was considered the father of modern Kobudo as he came to Japan in the 1940's and had films made of his kata. It was through Shinken that we have much of the knowledge we have today.

Much of our kobudo also comes through the Daito Ryu system as taught by Kotaro Yoshida to O'Sensei Richard Kim. Because of the variety of sources for our system, we call our martial art Butoku Kai Kobudo.

The History of Kosen Judo

Unlike Karate, Judo is a fairly modern martial art and can easily trace its founding. Judo had its origin in the ancient Japanese art of jujutsu, a system of hand-to-hand combat. The samurai of feudal Japan are credited for developing jujutsu. There was a need for a grappling art effective against opponents wearing armor.

By the end of the Tokugawa period (samurai rule), the ancient martial arts of Japan (Bujutsu) created for the warrior class began to lose importance as the martial ways (Budo) created for the commoner gained ascendancy. Budo was not simply a collection of fighting techniques but also a spiritual discipline, a way of life. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 (return to Imperial Rule), there was transition from Bujutsu to Budo. Kyujutsu became Kyudo, Iai-jutsu became Iaido, Aiki-jutsu became Aikido, and Jujutsu became Judo. 

Dr. Jigoro Kano, founder of modern Judo, was born in the town of Mikage in the Hyogo Prefecture, on October 28, 1860. Shihan Kano never viewed the martial arts as a means to display physical prowess or superiority. As a pacifist, he studied them to find a way to live in peace with other human beings. In his youth Kano studied Jujutsu under a number of different masters. Sensei Teinosuke Yagi was his first teacher, but at the age of 18 he entered the dojo of Tenshin-Shinyo Sensei Hachinosuke Fukuda. To Kano, only techniques that kept practitioners from spending much physical and mental energy should be incorporated into the system. One should use the energy of one's opponent to defeat his or her aggression. He called the resulting body of knowledge Judo. To propagate his art Kano founded the Kodokan (the "school to learn the way") at the Eishoji Temple in 1882.

Kano built his system around three major sets of techniques: throwing (nage waza), groundwork (katame waza) and striking (atemi waza). The throwing techniques, drawn from the Kito ryu, were further divided into standing (tachi waza) and sacrifice (sutemi waza) techniques. Standing techniques included hand (te waza), hip (koshi waza) and foot (ashi waza) throws. Sacrifice techniques include full sacrifice (ma sutemi waza) and side sacrifice (yoko sutemi waza) throws. Judo's groundwork and striking techniques were drawn more heavily from the martially oriented Tenshin-Shinyo ryu. Groundwork is organized into holds (osaekomi waza), strangulations (shime waza) and joint locks (kansetsu waza). Judo's striking techniques included upper (ude ate) and lower limb blows (ashi ate).

Kosen judo is a variation of the Kodokan judo competitive ruleset that was developed and flourished at the kōtō senmon gakkō technical colleges in Japan in the first half of the twentieth century. Kosen judo's rules allow for greater emphasis of ne-waza than typically takes place in competitive judo and it is sometimes regarded as a distinct style of judo.

Judo eventually spread throughout the world and was included in the Olympic Games in 1964. Judo benefits from a central organization and world wide affinity for its sports and competition aspects.