Policy

Background
Karaté Cama was founded in 1985. Over the years, we have gained an enviable reputation within the community.

Our karatekas, whose ages range from 5 to 75, are recognized for their determination, discipline and conduct that rely heavily on respect.

We teach Chito-Ryu karate-do, which was founded by O’Sensei Chitose and spearheaded by Higashi sensei, 9^th dan, Hanshi.

The school relies on the commitment of a number of instructors and assistants who are all dedicated to our members’ development.

Higashi sensei and Germain

Our mission
Karaté Cama teaches educational karate that focuses on personal growth through Chito-Ryu karate-do. Our goal is to be actively involved in shaping a peaceful, happy and just society.

Karate for kids and teenagers
Our goal is to train young accomplished adults who believe in the future. We hope to create an environment that is conducive to the progress and improvement of every individual. We respect each person’s progress at his or her own pace and provide for a harmonious, physical, mental and emotional development while transmitting sound values.

Our karatekas have to be:
• committed and courageous
• willing to meet challenges and face adversity
• ready to excel and believe in their success

We equip our karatekas to acquire the following values, qualities and beliefs:
• honesty, respect, humility, loyalty, integrity and dignity
• punctuality, regular attendance, discipline and enthusiasm at work
• Kyozon Kyoei, Reigisaho and Wa no seishin

Our goal is to prepare the youth to be future leaders who will take responsible decisions for the future of our society.

Karate for adults
Our goal is to ensure adults are in great physical, mental and emotional health.

“A healthy mind in a healthy body”

We intend to help them relieve their daily stress through active meditation that is karate-do.

Our goal is to encourage them to be active members of society.

Our mission and goals are based on the concept of Kyozon Kyoei, which means mutual friendship for mutual prosperity.

Instructors’ mandate
The instructors serve the karatekas, to whom they transmit their passion for karate. They guide them as they progress through the various karate grades and ensure that the karatekas have the requisite standard to advance to the next level.

Our programs

Development program: 5 to 8 years old
Introduction to Chito-Ryu karate-do: White, yellow and orange belts
Black belt program: Green belt and above
School sports program (ESHG): High school students
Team Cama: Optional competition club

Our ultimate goal is to train black belt karatekas.

Germain with the dojo sempais:
Jean Quevillon, Richard Charron and Roch Laflamme

Duties of the karateka

• Promote Karaté Cama’s image of excellence
• Respect Karaté Cama’s rules and regulations
• Train regularly and be punctual at all times
• Attend all training sessions unless you have a valid reason to justify your absence
• Always do your best and participate actively and joyfully
• Improve and work towards perfecting your knowledge of the Chito-Ryu style that respects the Kaizen principle (continuous improvement)
• Be a good training partner
• Adopt a respectful, accommodating and tolerant attitude
• Have an exemplary and socially acceptable conduct
• Take part in Karaté Cama’s activities

Registration fees and payment methods
The registration fees and methods of payment are outlined during the registration period at the beginning of every season. Please contact us for more information.

Associations
Karaté Cama is a member of provincial and national Chito-Ryu karate-do associations led by Higashi sensei. We are also member of Karaté Québec and Karate Canada, which are regulated by provincial and federal governments.

Membership fees are due upon registration.

Evaluation seminar
Various evaluation seminars conducted by invitation only take place throughout the year to enable the karatekas progress to the grade sought. The seminar fees are outlined in the invitation form. To receive an invitation, the karateka must regularly attend class, demonstrate sincerity during training and comply with the following criteria: minimum time, knowledge of the content and proper technique execution.

Yudansha grading
To take part in the Yudansha (black belt) grading administered by Higashi sensei, the karateka must:

• be a fully-paid up member of Karaté Cama and provincial and national Chito-Ryu organizations
• attend a provincial evaluation seminar conducted by the provincial technical committee and receive the committee’s recommendation
• attend Karaté Cama’s summer or winter training camps
• be at least 16 years old

Karaté Cama Équipement
Karatekas can get all the equipment they need at the Karaté Cama Équipement store.

Activities
Karatekas can take part in various activities, including summer and winter training camps, the annual awards banquet and seminars.

Dojo
The dojo is the formal karate training place. Teaching at the dojo focuses on discipline and respect, with special attention to manners. The dojo has a positive environment that targets each person’s growth.

Reigisaho

• Rei means “courtesy” or “to bow”
• Gi means "to do"
• Ho means "method"
• Reigisaho can therefore be described as the etiquette, manner, decorum and protocol to be followed.

Kyozon kyoei
Kyozon kyoei means mutual friendship for mutual prosperity. This is Karaté Cama’s motto. There are no adversaries in karate-do practice, only training partners working together in pursuit of excellence.

Wa no seishin

• Wa means peace and harmony
• Seishin means spirit
• Wa no seishin can therefore be translated as the spirit of peace and harmony, which leads to mutual progress and development.

Higashi sensei constantly reminds us that it is easier to hurt people and make them unhappy than to make them happy. A person who practices budo (martial arts, to stop conflict) is constantly seeking harmony. Although a karateka may fight enemies, he also seeks friends.

Karateka’s progression
Karatekas in the development program have the 10^th kyu level at the beginner level and advance to the 6^th kyu (4 stripes) level, which allows them to join regular classes.

Karatekas in the regular program have a white belt grade at the beginner level and progress through the yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black belt levels.

Preparation
The karateka is aware that process and preparation are key to success. He takes his training seriously but does not take himself too seriously. He understands that difficulties and adversity are part of the stages that will gradually lead him to success. For him to succeed, he must win the battle during training.

Training principle
The karateka understands that the training principle is to play with the limits and to provoke difficulties to expand his comfort zone in the hope of performing well during important moments. He must demonstrate sincerity in his commitment.

Training partners
Karatekas must be good training partners and be actively involved in each other’s progress.

Kata information
In ancient karate practice, masters practiced "Hito kata san nen", which means a kata every three years. The masters were of the view that simply knowing a kata by heart and practicing it with great technique did not mean that one had a true knowledge of a kata. One also had to master the applications in order to experience the kata.

The mind had to master the technique and the body. Gestures had to reflect their personality. Mind and body had to be one.

We must remember that a kata encompasses a real combat experience and that its essence derives from self-defence. Throughout his practice, the karateka must therefore strive to discover all the possible applications of his kata.

Kata are basic techniques in a fictional combat context. The karateka develops and perfects his techniques to attain a higher level.

The kata starts and ends with the ritsurei, an expression of humility, sincerity and courtesy that embodies respect of the spirit of karate-do.