Uniform and Equipment for Class

Our recommendations for uniforms and equipment are not restrictive. The only mandatory items are mouthguard (male and female students) and groin cup (for male and female students). Currently, we suggest purchasing from the following sources:

Mouthguard and groin cup
Karatedepot.com has a an entire section for these items and more (see the "Protection" category on the left side of their website when it loads).
Dick's Sporting Goods (the Niles store)
The lowest cost (pictured at left) is sufficient. However, for the most comfort, you might consider a higher priced item.


Uniform
We encourage individuality in our classes. That is, if you prefer a particular colored uniform—or style—you are free to choose it. However, we recommend black or white color mediumweight or heavyweight Karate uniforms. A thicker weave—Judo/Jujitsu style top—is optional. Thicker weave tops will not rip as easy as other tops during throwing and grappling practice. Some students own both a mediumweight Karate uniform and a thicker weave Judo/Jujitsu top.

Sparring Gear
With the exception of mouthguards and groin cup, we keep all the basic sparring gear you might need to use in class. However, if you prefer to use your own gear—worn only by you—then Karatedepot has the sparring gear you need.

Class Forms and Records
Every student is required to have an Attendance Card. This is available from instructors. It will allow you to have full accounting of your attendance and techniques required for promotion tests. It is important to keep the Attendance Card and other documents in sheet protectors in a binder. You will need it because of the wear-and-tear that comes with physical training. You will be given other worksheets and handouts throughout your stay with us and it is critical that you use a binder to stay organized.

Other documents required are available for download:
1. Par-Q Form.
2. Manual.
3. Basic Training Homework Form.

Chon-Ji by Jhoon Rhee

Books and Videos
The Founder of the Evanston Dojo of Gen-Ki Karate and Kung-Fu, Sensei Zachary Bradley was a student of traditional Taekwondo for many, many years. He passed that tradition on to his students with the forms/kata/hyung explained in Master Jhoon Rhee's series of Taekwondo books. These books will enhance your martial arts education for our particular method of fighting. There are some minute differences in how we apply some of the moves. Other than that, what we teach and what is in the books are identical. Highly recommended for serious students!

Also available at Barnes & Noble

For regular immersion in the wide world of martial arts, we also recommend subscribing to Black Belt Magazine. This publication showcases various martial arts and practitioners from around the world. Each issue is quite educational. Click the free trial issue button at the top right corner of the website when it loads.

We also highly recommend videos from the Junsado style formulated by Master Sang H. Kim. Focusing on self-defense and fitness, these excellent videos will augment what you learn in class. Master Kim is an excellent instructor from the Taekwondo and Hapkido traditions, with a great appreciation for all other martial arts. His company, Turtle Press, publishes books and videos from all styles of martial arts.

Class Week-in-Review April 27, 2014

One of the best front stances from our newer students!

For Forms Week, the students learned about the importance of prearranged combat (Forms/Kata/Hyung/Poomsae). On Monday we reviewed Chon-Ji Hyung. This is one of the most important parts of martial arts training because it emphasizes balance, coordination and controlled power. You can view each step conducted by the famous Tae Kwon Do master John Chung's students online.

On Wednesday we worked on helping individual students improve their forms. Ramza shared what he has learned in Master Sang H. Kim's Joong Bong Combat (Junsado Short Stick), teaching higher ranked students the basics and first form.

Saturday was a big day for refining what the students already know. Everyone knew their forms and we all performed our best. We critiqued each other and learned how to edify as well as deconstruct how we performed. Congratulations to Maryam for performing Dan Gun Hyung with great skill. She earned the privilege to learn a weapons form with Ramza.

Class Week-in-Review April 20, 2014

Sifu Leonard working with students

Self-defense week got a great start with review of basic self-defense from a point-blank gun attack and hold-up. We slightly modified some techniques based on Aikijujitsu stylist Bob Laronga. Nabila offered very effective variations based on Aikido techniques taught by the late Sensei Robert Koga.

On Wednesday we introduced defense techniques from a club attack. Sifu Leonard and Sensei Aaron were on-hand to help us learn how to enter the attack and what to do after evading an attack.

Saturday welcomed review of basic "fight avoidance" and "fencing" techniques. That is, how to avoid physical conflict. This included simple footwork for creating space with your "fence" or arms/bike/object, along with stepping in at an angle when someone suspicious approaches you. Verbal techniques, such as "Stop" when someone gets into the "red alert" zone were covered.

We also had a new student. As always, we encourage visitors and prospective students to sit in and try a class. There is no obligation.

Class Week-in-Review April 13, 2014

Monday was the start of our second round with a new schedule (the second week of the month focuses on sparring drills). Sensei James, Enriqueta and Eric led the class in a quick review from last month and some details for "taking" techniques. The aggressive nature of competitive sparring requires one to initiate attack in a good spirit, with focus and solid technique. With partners, we used both lead- and chambered-hand taking and back-fist attacks. The evening concluded with 1-minute sparring practice. Everyone performed with great attitudes and ferocity.

Wednesday was more of Monday with the addition of a switch-stance in-place footwork. A couple quick 1-minute sparring rounds at the end allowed the students to put their new powers to the test.

Saturday was a fantastic class with 100% participation with our new basic training homework assignment. That meant that we could skip push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises so we could spend more time with sparring techniques and practice. Congratulations to all of our hard working students. Keep up the great work!

Sparring drills and footwork were reviewed. We need a lot of work in moving and moving light, with speed. Practice at home. Keep trying. You can do it.

Next week is self-defense. Don't miss it.

Class Week-in-Review April 4, 2014

On Monday, Eric and Sensei James taught gun defense fundamentals, which included gun functions and moving ones body out of the line of fire.

On Wednesday, Sensei Aaron joined us to help us improve what we learned on Monday, including how to mentally prepare for victory when attacked and doing a full take-down. We also covered defending against a two-handed grip of the weapon.

Saturday was basic hand-to-hand self defense for punch attacks. Nabila led the students and Ramza assisted. Students also received their new homework assignments. Maryam showed the most improvement with speed and strength with her blocks. Good job, Maryam!

It's time to get fit at home with basic training. We hope when students are training for strength and endurance at home, we can spend more time in class learning new techniques and mastering the basic ones.

If you missed class, be sure to download and print the assignment sheet below. Follow the instructions and remember to bring it back to class so we can check your progress. You can print it out. For our younger students, we suggest a parent supervise its completion.

Next week will be sparring techniques and drills. Bring your mouthguards and groin cup.

Basic Training Alpha by Gen-Ki Karate Dojo in Evanston