Offering authentic training for adults and children in traditional

Okinawa Kenpo Karate & Kobudo 110 Bratton Drive - Unit 101 Garner, NC 27529 Phone: 919-628-0630 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.vckdojo.com 1

Our goal at Vic Coffin Karate of Garner is to provide quality instruction in Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo. Students learn discipline through authentic, traditional training that gives them valuable awareness and preparation in the art of self-defense. We have a unique approach to teaching karate and fitness. We encourage all students to be the absolute best they can be through consistent effort and training. The result of training under these principles goes far beyond kicking and punching. The karate curriculum at Vic Coffin Karate of Garner: 

Body Conditioning - calisthenics including resistance training, cardio training, and stretching that is directly related to karate by reinforcing appropriate strength in correct body positioning

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Fundamentals - stances, blocks, kicks, hand techniques

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Kata - a system of individual training exercises

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Tuite - self-defense techniques

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Kata Study - examines the relationship of kata to tuite

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Kumite Techniques - multiple step choreographed fighting drills that teach positioning and technique

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Kumite - organized, closely supervised fighting sessions where all participants are padded

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Kobudo - weapons training using traditional Okinawan weapons, such as bo, sai, and tunfa 2

The effectiveness of martial arts intervention on scholastic performance is well documented and supported by academic research from all over the country. The Provincial Center of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health provides proof of the value of martial arts instruction in their 2006 grant report, “Mindfulness Based Martial Arts Program for Students with Learning Disabilities.” The report states that after the twelve week program, parents reported a significant decrease in their children’s cognitive difficulties, thought problems, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Likewise, the children themselves reported a significant increase in effectiveness and positive self-esteem. A plethora of similar research clearly demonstrates the utility of an integrated martial arts curriculum in terms of increasing student achievement, overall functionality, and general well-being. Vic Coffin Karate of Garner is designed to use the mental aspects of the martial arts, such as self-discipline, focus, deferred gratification, and perseverance, to push students toward academic, physical, and social excellence. It is our belief that karate touches all aspects of a practitioner’s life. To learn karate is to learn to practice continual improvement in every facet of life.

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We strive to maintain a family atmosphere at Vic Coffin Karate of Garner. That foundation begins with our staff, who have maintained close relationships since high school, and extends to include our own students, as well as the good friends and training partners we have at our parent dojo in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Renshi JP Brown A magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University and sixth degree black belt under Hanshi Vic Coffin, Renshi Brown has trained in karate since 1993 and served as head instructor at karate schools at NC State University and Raleigh Parks and Recreation. He has had success winning several state and national competitions for his proficiency in kata and weapons, and is an active competitor in both local and regional triathlons. Renshi Brown also enjoys cycling and participates in numerous yearly cycling events as part of his karate training.

Sensei Amy Burke A magna cum laude graduate of East Carolina University and certified North Carolina educator with over nine years of educational experience, Sensei Burke is a second degree black belt under Hanshi Vic Coffin. Sensei Burke is the lead instructor in the after-school and summer programs at Vic Coffin Karate of Garner and assists Renshi Brown with karate classes. Sensei Burke also regularly participates in annual triathlons and cycling events.

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Sensei Patrick Burke Sensei Burke is a graduate of East Carolina University. Sensei Burke assists with karate classes and is a second degree black belt under Hanshi Vic Coffin.

Mrs. Jessica Brown Mrs. Brown is a graduate of Peace College. She is currently a green belt under Renshi Brown. Mrs. Brown is the office manager for the dojo.

Ms. Jessica Vockroth Ms. Vockroth is a graduate of Guilford College and assists with the children’s programs. She is currently a brown belt under Hanshi Vic Coffin.

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Hanshi Vic Coffin

Hanshi Vic Coffin is a former United States Marine Corps Sergeant and a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He began practicing Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo directly under Grandmaster Seikichi Odo while he was in the Marine Corps and has continued to train in the discipline since that time. Hanshi Coffin began teaching karate in 1971 and has over 30 years experience as an instructor of karate and kobudo. He has been a successful competitor on the karate circuit for many years, winning numerous regional, national and international titles for his expertise in kata, kobudo, and kumite. Hanshi Coffin’s outstanding knowledge of Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo and his profound commitment to his students make him an exceptional instructor. We are honored to be his students. Please visit http://www.viccoffinkarate.com to learn more about Hanshi Coffin and his school, Kesshin Kan.

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Dojo Policies Practicing Karate 

Instructors’ permission is required before engaging in any type of training.

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The use of karate is restricted. Students are expected to practice/perform karate only in the following circumstances: 

In the dojo during class or promotions

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At demonstrations or tournaments with an instructor present

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At home with a parent’s permission

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EXCEPTION: It is understood that if a student is in danger the situation may warrant the prudent use of karate in selfdefense.

Manner and Conduct 

Be respectful of instructors and fellow students at all times.

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Black belt instructors are formally addressed as “Sensei.”

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Be courteous and helpful to other members of the dojo.

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Bow on and off the training floor.

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Ask permission before using and touching any equipment or weapons.

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Return all equipment to its proper location after use.

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Keep the dojo clean and care for the equipment.

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Always use your manners. 7

Dojo Rules 

No shoes are allowed on the matted training floor.

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All students are required to wear a clean uniform to class.

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Students are required to wear a shirt under their gis.

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Students with shoulder length hair or longer are required to wear their hair pulled back.

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Students should not wear jewelry or watches during class.

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All students should keep fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed.

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Chewing gum is prohibited in the dojo.

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Students are not allowed to lean on the walls or equipment.

Kumite Rules 

The following safety equipment is required when participating in kumite: gloves, foot pads, headgear and mouth guard. Female students are asked to wear chest protection.

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Only light contact is permitted.

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Students may NOT strike to the following areas when participating in kumite: head, spine, groin, and knee.

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Promotions As students train and attend class, they learn the skills required for the next level or rank. We expect all students to do their best during class, but we do not expect them to be perfect. Sensei recognizes students who give their best and work hard. Each individual is rated on his or her own merit. Hard work and consistency are the keys to earning rank. Students are also expected to attend class on a regular basis. Attendance is taken at every class, and students are expected to attend at least 70% of the classes offered. Students are graded on their ability, attendance, behavior, attitude and grades (for school-age students only). Before promotions, all school-age students will be given forms to be filled out by their parents/guardians and teachers. Students who do not return those forms will not be promoted. Students are required (with parental consent) to bring progress reports and report cards to class. Parents are encouraged to inform a member of our staff if students are not behaving at home or school. It is our belief that karate does not end when you leave the dojo; students should incorporate what they learn in class into every part of their lives. Approximately every 6-8 weeks, a promotion ceremony will be held at the dojo. Students are being tested during every class they attend. If a student trains hard and learns the required kata, kobudo, and techniques, they will be permitted to move to the next rank. Students who do not take their training seriously or who only work during the classes leading up to promotion may not be invited to attend promotions. Sensei will be happy to privately address the concerns of students who are not invited to attend promotions. Sensei may promote students during unscheduled promotions, if the student is performing exceptionally well. All promotions are entirely at Sensei’s discretion. 9

The promotions ceremony is a celebration of the students’ hard work and accomplishments. Students are likely to be asked to perform the kata and/or other techniques they have learned. Sensei will not ask students to perform something they are not required to know. Promotions are intended to give students the opportunity to shine and demonstrate what they have learned. Students will be notified in writing if they will be advancing to a higher rank prior to each promotion. Very often students are nervous on the day of promotions and may make mistakes. Please be patient with yourself and others. Remember - no one is perfect. Testing for rank is not required during promotions; student who are invited to attend promotions have already demonstrated the skills needed for their next rank. The day of promotions, students should arrive 30 minutes early to help prepare the dojo. This includes cleaning the dojo, warming up, and setting up any equipment or seating needed. New obis, stripes, and certificates will be given out during the promotions ceremony. It is traditional for students to bring a thank you gift for Sensei to promotions. Students do not need to purchase a gift. However, it is customary for students to formally thank Sensei in some tangible way for their rank and training. After promotions, students should stay and help clean the dojo as a sign of respect.

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Rank Order Beginner Ranks  White Belt  White belt with one stripe  Orange Belt  Orange belt with one stripe  Yellow Belt  Yellow belt with one stripe  Blue Belt  Blue belt with one stripe Intermediate Ranks  Purple Belt  Purple belt with one stripe  Green Belt  Green belt with one stripe  Green belt with two stripes Pre-Black Belt Ranks 

Brown Belt  Brown belt with one stripe  Brown belt with two stripes  Brown belt with three stripes

Additional stripes may be added for students who need additional time in rank due to age, abilities, attendance, or other criteria as Sensei deems necessary.

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Black Belt

Students eligible for black belt will be promoted by Sensei JP and Sensei Coffin. Students will be promoted to probationary black belt for not less than one year before they will earn the full rank of black belt. The rank of black belt requires an understanding of karate and the ability to perform consistently. Student promoted to black belt are expected to take on the responsibility associated with the rank of black belt. There is a fee for promotion to black belt ranks, and students will be informed what the fee is and when it is due prior to their black belt promotions.

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Beginner Ranks General Requirements      

Awareness of Dojo Policies Good standing with the dojo Class attendance (70%+) Consistent effort during class Positive attitude and self-discipline Positive behavior

All ranks are awarded at Sensei’s discretion. White Belt 

Join Vic Coffin Karate of Garner!

White Belt (with one stripe) 

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch

Orange Belt  

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch Naihanchi Shodan

Orange Belt (with one stripe)   

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan (with leader) 13

Yellow Belt Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch  Naihanchi Shodan  Naihanchi Nidan  

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) - (with leader) Kesshin Kata (bo) - (with leader)

Yellow Belt (with one stripe)    

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu (with leader)

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Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo)

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Intermediate Ranks General Requirements        

Awareness and familiarity of Dojo Policies Good standing with the dojo Class attendance (70%+) Consistent effort during class Positive attitude and self-discipline Positive behavior Effectiveness in helping with beginning ranks Community Service

All ranks are awarded at Sensei’s discretion. Blue Belt    

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu

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Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi (with leader)

Blue Belt (with one stripe)     

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku (with leader)

  

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi 15

Purple Belt     

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku

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Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1) (with leader)

Purple Belt (with one stripe)     

Kesshin Kata  lower, middle, upper block; punch  lower, middle, upper block, front kick; punch Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku

   

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1)

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Green Belt      

Kesshin Kata (all variations) Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku Pinan Shodan (with leader)

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Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1)

Green Belt (with one stripe)       

Kesshin Kata (all variations) Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku Pinan Shodan Naihanchi Sandan (with leader)

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Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1)

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Green Belt (with two stripes)       

Kesshin Kata (all variations) Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku Pinan Shodan Naihanchi Sandan

     

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1) Kesshin Kata (sai) (with leader) Choun No Kun (Bo 2) (with leader)

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Pre-Black Belt Ranks General Requirements        

Thorough knowledge of Dojo Policies Good standing with the dojo Class attendance (70%+) Consistent and exemplary effort during class Positive attitude and self-discipline Positive behavior Effectiveness and experience in helping with beginning and intermediate ranks Community Service

All ranks are awarded at Sensei’s discretion.

Brown Belt        

Kesshin Kata (all variations) Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku Naihanchi Sandan Pinan Shodan Seisan (with leader)

      

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1) Kesshin Kata (sai) Choun No Kun (Bo 2) Choto Kyan No Sai (Sai 2) (with leader)

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Brown Belt (with one stripe)         

Kesshin Kata (all variations) Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku Naihanchi Sandan Seisan Pinan Shodan Pinan Nidan (with leader)

      

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Inchi Shihonuke (Bo 1) Kesshin Kata (sai) Choun No Kun (Bo 2) Choto Kyan No Sai (Sai 2)

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Brown Belt (with two stripes)            

Kesshin Kata (all variations) Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku Naihanchi Sandan Seisan Pinan Shodan Pinan Nidan Pinan Sandan (with leader) Pinan Yondan (with leader) Pinan Godan (with leader)

      

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1) Kesshin Kata (sai) Choun No Kun (Bo 2) Choto Kyan No Sai (Sai 2)

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Brown Belt (with three stripes)            

Kesshin Kata (all variations) Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Wansu Anaku Naihanchi Sandan Seisan Pinan Shodan Pinan Nidan Pinan Sandan Pinan Yondan Pinan Godan

      

Kesshin Kata (tunfa) Kesshin Kata (bo) Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Shihonuke (Bo 1) Kesshin Kata (sai) Choun No Kun (Bo 2) Choto Kyan No Sai (Sai 2)

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Kata List Open Hand Kata

Kobudo

Naihanchi Shodan Naihanchi Nidan Naihanchi Sandan Wansu Seisan Anaku Pinan Shodan Pinan Nidan Pinan Sandan Pinan Yondan Pinan Godan Gojushiho Ichi Gojushiho Ni Passai Niseishi Kusanku Chinto Sanchin

Bo Shihonuke (Bo 1) Choun No Kun (Bo 2) Sueyoshi No Kun Ichi (Bo 3) Tsuken Akacho Nunte (Bo 4) Sueyoshi No Kun Ni (Bo 5) Tsuken Akacho Eaku Bo (Bo 6) Shima Igiri Bo Ichi (Bo 7) Shima Igiri Bo Ni (Bo 8) Sakugawa No Kun Ichi (Bo 9) Sakugawa No Kun Ni (Bo 10) Tokumine No Kun Ichi (Bo 11) Tokumine No Kun Ni (Bo 12) Ko Bo (Bo 13) Tunfa Matayoshi No Tunfa Ichi Matayoshi No Tunfa Ni Sai Nakamura No Sai Choto Kyan No Sai Matayoshi No Sai Odo No Sai Kama Matyoshi No Kama Ichi Maytoshi No Kama Ni Nunchaku Matayoshi No Nunchaku 23

Dojo Kun (Training Code) Seek Perfection of Character Hitotsu! Jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto. (to strive for the perfection of character) Be Faithful Hitotsu! Makato no michi o mamoru koto. (to protect/defend the paths of truth) Endeavor to Excel Hitotsu! Doryoku no seishin o yashinau koto. (to foster the spirit of effort) Respect Others Hitotsu! Reigi o omonsuru koto. (to honor the principles of courtesy)

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