Welcome Spring 2008

We are looking forward to a new year of training and activities. For those who have been with us, lets resolve to challenge ourselves, train hard and in earnest.

To those who are curious or train with us in Shotokan Karate, we invite you to browse around our site. We train four times a week (see Calendar) in various locations. You're welcome to stop by and observe (see Location), but remember to respect the rules and not disturb the practice.

History

Established in 1969, the C.S.U.N. Karate Club is a student run dojo that teaches traditional Shotokan Karate. Our goal is to strive for perfection in the art of karate by focusing on the triad of Shotokan: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring). Besides our regular training, we have proudly represented CSUN in various karate tournaments.

We offer the highest quality instruction in the art of Shotokan Karate-do and welcome all levels of students from beginning to advanced. We are directly affiliated with the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (S.K.I.F.). Our heritage continues to bring life and fulfillment to our karate training. Our classes are traditional, highly disciplined, challenging, and authentic! All instruction is given by qualified black belt instructors under the direct supervision of our head Sensei: Hiroyasu Fujishima. To the greater benefit of all of our students, most classes are lead directly by Fujishima Sensei.

A world of opportunity for improved mental and physical health can be gained from a quality karate club such as ours. Karate training opens the doorway to building greater self-confidence. The benefit of self-defense is obvious, but it is only a small part of what can be gained. Karate builds stamina, strength, flexibility, and coordination. People can also learn and develop calmness, greater alertness, patience, and self-discipline.

Dojo Rules & Etiquette

• Arrive at least 5 minutes before class
• Wear the white gi (uniform) if you intend to train
• Shoes, socks, or other forms of footwear are not permitted on the dojo floor
• Safely put away any jewelry before training
• Maintain good hygiene. Finger nails and toe nails should be clipped
• Discard chewing gums and similar items before coming for practice
• Bow before entering or leaving the dojo
• Bow when addressing higher belts or when you're being addressed
• Refrain from profanity or loud talking in the dojo
• Show common respect and courtesy to other dojo members
• If you show up for training, prepare to be there for the entire duration of the session. It is disrespectful to walk out while training is still in session
• Direct all training related questions to the black belts and/or Fujishima Sensei. Only they are qualified to teach
• If you arrive late, bow and sit down in meditation at the entrance of the dojo. You will join the training only when signalled by Sensei to do so
• Train with spirit and conviction
• Don't forget to ACTUALLY enjoy your training

Karate is an art that requires patience and discipline. Remember that even the great Masters continued to better themselves throughout their lives. Do not feel discouraged if you can not perform a move or a technique correctly. You will most certainly improve with time. Take advantage of all our meeting times and train at your best of abilities. Do not hesistate to raise your hand and ask questions if you need help or clarification.

Hiroyasu Fujishima, Hanshi

Fujishima Sensei's karate career began in Sapporo, Japan in 1956. During his college years, he studied karate at Takushoku University, which is Japan's leading collegiate karate training center.

His karate qualifications include:

• Hanshi (SKIF)
• Hachi-Dan (8th Degree), SKIF
• Hachi-Dan (8th Degree), Hobukan International Federation
• International recognition as a certified class "A" instructor, examiner and referee
• Served as a technical advisor to the motion picture industry
• Taught self-defense to the Los Angeles Police Department

Fujishima Sensei is a professor at California State University, Northridge (C.S.U.N.), where he teaches karate as part of the university curriculum. The classes he teaches are:

• Karate I (KIN 130A)
• Karate II (KIN 130B)
• Taekwondo (KIN 131A)
• Personal Defense (KIN 151A)

He is the highest ranking black belt in the Americas within the Shotokan Karate-do International Federation (S.K.I.F.).

In May of 2002 he recieved the title of "Hanshi" from the Japanese government. This is the highest title awarded for a lifetime dedicated to excellence in the martial arts. It denotes an exemplary person; a model to be followed. He is only the twenty sixth person to recieve this award in history.

The aggregation of 50 years of karate excellence has only humbled Fujishima Sensei further. He insists on teaching everyone, regardless of age, belt, or rank, and imparts his wisdom and knowledge without judgement or pretense.

"Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect Practice makes Perfect." - Hanshi Fujishima

On Fridays and Saturdays, we train in Room B1 of Redwood Hall (formerly the Kinesiology Building) of the CSUN campus. Training on Mondays and Wednesdays (currently) are being held in different meeting rooms in the USU (see 'Calendar' for specifics). See the links below for larger views of the locations.

Map of Room B1, Redwood Hall

Training Schedule, Spring 2008 (subject to change)

All training until the end of the semester will be held in Room B1 of Redwood Hall.

Day	Time	Skill Level	Location
Monday	8.00pm - 9.30pm	All	Room B1
Wednesday	8.00pm - 9.30pm	All	Room B1
Friday	7.00pm - 8.30pm	All	Room B1
Saturday	12.00pm - 1.30pm	All	Room B1

Upcoming Events

Next belt testing for current Karate club members
When: June 21st, 2008
Where: TBD

Seminar with (Kancho) Hirokazu Kanazawa
When: June 28th and 29th, 2008
Where: San Jose, CA (facility location TBD)

• In the News

  Karate in the Sundial
  

• CSUN Links

  CSUN Aikido Club
  Associated Students Recreations
  Kinesiology Department
  University Student Union

• Karate sites

  S.K.I.F. USA
  Long Island Shotokan
  Seishin Shotokan Karate
  Pictures from Kancho Kanazawa's 7/30/2007 Seminar in Sunnyvale, CA

• Contact

  karate.club at csun dot edu
  (818) 366 9336

Click on a thumbnail for a larger view