SPECIAL TRAINING
Special Training
Canada Shotokan Karate conducts Canada East and Canada West special practices known as “Special Trainings” twice a year, usually in the winter and summer.
ON THIS PAGE
Understanding Special Training
Special Training is an intensive Canada Shotokan Karate practice tradition. It brings students together for concentrated training, discipline, shared effort, and the challenge of continuing what one begins.
SPECIAL TRAINING
An Intensive Practice Tradition
Canada Shotokan Karate conducts Canada East and Canada West special practices known as Special Trainings twice a year, usually in the winter and summer.
These events are among the most important training experiences for serious karate students. They are usually held over three to four days, with several practices each day, giving students the opportunity to push themselves through concentrated physical and mental practice.
Special Training has roots in the Japanese term gasshuku, a traditional idea of a group staying together for training and pushing one another to do their best.
BEGINNING STUDENTS
Participation Depends on Readiness
Beginning students may attend Special Training with the consent of the instructor. Readiness depends on physical condition and knowledge of kata, kihon, and kumite.
During longer Special Trainings, closed practices may also be held for black belts and brown belts in addition to the general practices.
FOR NEW STUDENTS
- Special Training is not the first step for a new beginner.
- Instructor consent is required.
- Physical condition is considered.
- Knowledge of basics, kata, and kumite matters.
TRAINING TOGETHER
A Shared Experience Across Ranks
Special Training gives students the opportunity to practise with a large number of members from many ranks and many dojos. The purpose is not simply to train harder, but to increase self-awareness through rigorous shared practice.
These events are often held in a large facility, such as a private boarding school, where students live, eat, and train together. Separate facilities are provided for men and women.
Special Training is treated as a serious opportunity for karate students to advance mentally and physically.
WHAT YOU BEGIN YOU MUST FINISH
A Serious Commitment
In keeping with the martial arts tradition of finishing what one begins, students may not leave Special Training before it is officially over without the permission of the chief instructor.
This rule is treated seriously within Canada Shotokan Karate. A student who breaks this rule may lose membership in CSK and may no longer be permitted to practise with a CSK dojo.
PURPOSE OF THE PRACTICE
Testing Body, Mind, and Spirit
Special Training comes from a tradition of martial artists testing their mental and physical powers through hardship, discipline, and sustained effort.
The aim is to push physical limits, strengthen mentality, and see oneself more clearly. The training is demanding because it asks students to face themselves honestly through practice.
CONDUCT
- No drinking is tolerated.
- No drug use is tolerated.
- No sexual activity is tolerated.
- Students are expected to conduct themselves seriously.
OHSHIMA SENSEI ON SPECIAL TRAINING
Facing Yourself Honestly
Ohshima Sensei emphasized that Special Training reveals a student’s spirit, willpower, and honesty. The point is not only to endure difficulty, but to become more awake to one’s own mind and effort.
Special Training asks students to keep good spirit until the end, meet difficulty directly, and see themselves clearly through practice.
Skaha Shotokan Karate - Penticton
Traditional karate training in Penticton, BC. Students are welcome from Skaha Lake, Summerland, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, across the South Okanagan, and beyond.
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