Previous Questions of the week:
| Week: | Week of: | Kids question of the week | Teen/Adult question of the week |
| 1 | Dec 19, 2022 | What are the two symbols on the NCK school patch? Answer: The ferocious dragon is enveloped in a delicate rose. The dragon represents power, agility, and offensive capabilities. The rose represents the desired state of being, one of peace and tranquility. The rose surrounds the dragon to indicate this relationship, the dragon represents war contained by the peace of the rose. | List at least five Kobudo weapons Answer: bo, sai, tonfa, kama, nunchaku, tekko, tinbe-rochin, surujin, tambo, hanbo, and eku |
| 2 | Dec 26, 2022 | Name at least three types of punches Answer: Front Punch, Vertical Punch, Downward Elbow, Side Elbow, Hammer Strike, Back Fist, Roundhouse Punch, Forearm Strike, Rear Elbow, Roundhouse Elbow, Upward Elbow, Knife hand Strike, Palm Strike, Two-Finger Strike, Uppercut, Tiger’s Mouth, Tiger Claw, Chicken Wrist, Back Punch, Ridge hand Strike, Corkscrew Punch, Ear Clap, Spear hand Strike, Angle Punch, Flail Strike, Phoenix Strike, `Eagle’s Talon, Crab Claw, Bear Paw, Tiger Palm, Leopard’s Paw, Oblique Elbow, Trigger Finger Strike, Ram Strike, U-Punch, Mortal Man, Poison Thumbs, Smothering Strike | List the Dan Ranks Answer: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan, Rokudan, Shichidan, Hachidan, Kyudan, Judan |
| 3 | Jan 2, 2023 | What is a Kiai and why do we do it? Answer: A kiai is a short scream. It literally means “Join energy” When you scream kiai, you are not only “screaming”, but more importantly compressing and delivering an instant release of your stored energy. We kiai to tighten our core, show power, and startle our opponents. | What is a bunkai, what does it translate to, and why is it important? Answer: Bunkai literally means disassembly. Bunkai refers to process of analyzing kata and extracting fighting techniques from the movements of a ‘form’ (kata). |
| 4 | Jan 9, 2023 | Name at least three types of kicks Answer: Front ball kick, Side Kick Back Kick, Spinning Back Kick, Stomp, Instep Kick, Inside Crescent Kick, Outside Crescent Kick, Rising Heel Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Rising Side Blade Kick, Knee, Hook Kick, Spinning Hook Kick, Roundhouse Ball Kick , Double Jump Front Ball Kick, Flying Side Blade Kick, Smash Kick, Pin Kick, Axe Kick, Jumping Crescent Kicks, Spinning Crescent Kicks, Mule Kick | What is Koshu-Ryu Kenpo? What is Koshu-Ryu Kenpo’s relationship with NCK and who were the contributors? Answer: Kenpo was introduced to the United States by Dr. James Mitosi. Dr. Mitosi was born in Hawaii in 1916. At five years old, he returned to his forefather’s land – Japan – to study his family’s system. This system was known as Koshu-Ryu Kenpo (meaning Old Pine Tree School of the Fist Way). Koshu-Ryu Kenpo was developed from Sho Lin Chuan Fa, which is the original Chinese style changed to Japanese terminology, thus, indicating that Kenpo is Chinese in origin. Dr. Mitosi began teaching his interpretation of Koshu-Ryu Kenpo in 1942, and called his system Kenpo-Jiujitsu. Among his noted students were Professor William K. S. Chow who taught Professor Nick Cerio. |
| 5 | Jan 16, 2023 | What are the Five Principles of conduct (In order)? Answer: Effort, Etiquette, Sincerity, Character, Self-Control | What are the six main countries that have contributed to Martial Arts? Answer: India, China, Japan, Korea, Brazil, US |
| 6 | Jan 23, 2023 | Define the Terms: (What do they mean?) Answer: Kenpo – Fist Law Jiujitsu – Gentle art, a close combat system for the battlefield developed by the Japanese Uke- The training partner against whom a student performs a move Kata – means “form” in Japanese is the term used to describe specific sequences of motion that are used to practice karate technique and execution | What did the following people contribute to Martial Arts? Answer: 1. Bodhidharma/Daruma -Buddhist monk from India who found the temple in a state of disorder and the monks grossly out of shape. Resolving to improve the monks’ physical condition by teaching them the fighting arts he had learned before renouncing his princely life to become a monk- 2. Jigoro Kano– founded in Judo, or the ‘gentle way’, was1882 originally referred to as Kano Jiujitsu before it was adopted as an Olympic sport 3. Morihei Ueshiba -the founder of Aikido, or ‘the way of harmonious spirit. 4. Gichin Funakoshi– founder of Shotokan Karate or modern karate. |
| 7 | Jan 30, 2023 | Which religious group was said to have founded karate and what country did they come from? Answer: A Buddhist monk from India, by the name of Bodhidharma, or Daruma, found the Shaolin Temple in China in a state of disorder and the monks grossly out of shape. Legend states that he retired to a cave for several years to meditate before resolving to improve the monks’ physical condition by teaching them the fighting arts he had learned before renouncing his princely life to become a monk. | What were the first three styles of karate Professor Cerio earned his Shodan in and what two arts did he study prior to kenpo? Answer: Professor Cerio earned his Shodan in: 1. Karazenpo Go Shinjitsu under George Pesare 2. Kara-Ho Kenpo under William Chun and his instructor, William K. S. Chow 3. Hakko-ryu Jiujitsu under Larry Garron and James Benko Prior to studying Kenpo Professor Cerio studied Judo and Tae Kwon Do He was a boxer in the Air Force which led him to Judo. |
| 8 | Feb 20, 2023 | Why do we bow and when are some times that we bow in class? Answer: The bow is a salute and also a sign of peace. It is used as a sign of respect when greeting our instructor. It is also used at the opening and closing of a class, before practicing a form, and before sparring with an opponent. “Bowing is an expression of gratitude and respect. In effect, you are thanking your opponent for giving you the opportunity to improve your technique.” -Jigoro Kano | List two countries and two families that were responsible for the spread of Jiujitsu. (Hint: one was a student of Jigoro Kano) Answer: Japan and Brazil under Mitsuyo Maeda (Japan) and the Gracie family (Brazil). Maeda was a student of Jigoro Kano who then taught the Gracie family. |
| 9 | February 27, 2023 | Name Four Stances (or positions) we use in karate Answer: Horse, Front, Forward, Cat, Side Horse, Back Stance, Forward Stance, Crane Stance, Neutral, Twist, Lady Horse, Empty, Bow position | Define the terms: Karateka Soke Randori Shihan Sifu Answer: Karateka: A practitioner or expert in karate Soke: Singular leader of a school or martial arts. Head of a school, system (or family) Randori: Free style practice Shihan: Shi means teacher or master and han means model or pattern. An “expert teacher” |
| 10 | March 6, 2023 | What are the names for the four blocks in our blocking forms? (Hint: What names do we use to remember the blocks) Answer: Ice Cream Scoop, Shut the Door, Put on a Hat, and Buckle Up | In a broad sense, what are the types of blocks in Kenpo? Answer: Trapping and Redirecting |
| 11 | Match 13, 2023 | What is the order of the belt ranks in our system? (solid colors only) Answer: White, Yellow, Orange, purple, blue, green, brown, black | 1. What is the origin of the belt rank system? 2. Who is given credit for incorporating the belt rank system? 3. What martial arts system did this person from question two found? 4. How does Kyu and Dan roughly translate to English? 5. What is the Japanese word for belt? Answer: 1. The belt rank system originated with the Japanese game Go. A strategy game that uses black and white stones. 2. Jigoro Kano is given credit for incorporating the belt rank system. 3. Jigoro Kano founded Judo. 4. Kyu roughly translates to a grade or rank. Dan roughly translates to step and is equated to degree. In the game go, kyu ranks were considered students, and Dan ranks were considered masters 5. The Japanese word for belt is Obi. |
| 12 | March 20, 2023 | 1. What is the first kata (form) we learn (after the blocking form 1 and 2)? 2. Why is it important to practice karate outside of class? 3. When we move in our forms, what is the stepping motion with our feet called? 4. Why is it important to keep your heel down when you kick with the other foot? Answers: 1. Pinan 1 2. To get better, have more control and not hurt anyone 3. Half-mooning 4. To maintain balance | 1. What does Pinan (or Heian) mean? 2. Who was Anko Itosu, and what did he contribute to martial arts? 3. Who was a notable student of Itosu related to our lineage? 4. What style of martial arts did this student found? Answers: 1. Peaceful and Safe 2. He developed the Pinan kata to be taught to children 3. Gichin Funakoshi 4. Gichin Funakoshi founded Shotokan Karate (Additional correct answers were accepted for questions 3 and 4) |
| 13 | March 27, 2023 | Name three self defense techniques Answers: Checking the Storm, Buckling Branch, Menacing Twirl, Bending Tree, Battering Ram, Hammering Vice, Fleeting Snake, Circling Arm Bar, Rotating Destruction, Rotating Destruction B. | 1. Which traditional self-defense techniques use a side kick? 2. Which traditional self-defense techniques use a back kick? 3. Which traditional self-defense techniques use an arm bar? 4. Which traditional self-defense techniques use an uppercut? Answers: 1. Buckling Branch, Mountain Cat, Raging Bull 2. Menacing Twirl 3. Circling Arm Bar, Rotating Destruction, Rotation Ram, Ripping Panther 4. Circling Sword, Tiger’s mouth, Driving Ram |
| 14 | April 11, 2023 | Why do we never wash out belts or place them on the floor? Answers: Placing the belt on the ground is disrespectful. Washing the belt could change the belt’s color. New students are issued a white belt that darkens with training until it becomes black. “You have to earn your dirt!” -Shihan Leon | What are the three components of the belt ceremony mantra (or the symbolism the triangle in the belt knot makes)? Answers: CLEAR mind, STRONG body, and TRANQUIL spirit |
| 15 | April 17, 2023 | What is the proper way to fall safely in class? What do we do with our heads? What do we do with our arms? Answers: Tuck your head, cross your arms, Make sure your head doesn’t hit the floor and slap out. | What are the six tenants in the code of Bushido? Answers: 1. Justice 2. Courage 3. Benevolence 4. Veracity 5. Honor 6. Loyalty |
| 16 | May 8, 2023 | Name five animals we study for our techniques Answers: Dragon, Leopard, Tiger, Crane, and Snake | 1. What is the difference between Kenpo and Kempo? 2. What Style of Kung Fu did professor Cerio study? 3. What year did Professor Cerio found NCK? 4. What is the Golden Leopard Style of Kenpo? Answers: 1. There is not difference in the style. In the Japanese language the “p” sound after the “n” sound changes the pronunciation to “m.” Writing Japanese sounds in the English language causes confusion. The style should be written Kenpo but pronounced Kempo. 2. Sil Lum (or Shaolin) Kung Fu 3. 1974 4. Kung fu and Kenpo diverged, and Professor Cerio brought Chinese and Japanese styles back together in Golden Leopard style. Stances are low. For example, leopard stance compared to dragon stance. Every block can be a strike. |
| 17 | May 15, 2023 | 1. What do we bow to when entering and leaving the dojo? 2. Why do we bow when entering and leaving the dojo? Answers: We pay respect to the flag of our country by saluting in the fashion of a bow. As part of the student’s integrity, (s)he should demonstrate respect for his/her country and flag. Upon entering and leaving the workout room we also bow {to the flag}. This symbolizes our contemplation of what we are about to do. | 1. What do the terms ko-ryu and gendai-ryu mean with respect to Jiujitsu? 2. What is another name for bo? 3. What is another name for kama? 4. Define Kihon Answers: 1. By the end of the 19th c. CE, when modern martial arts were formalized, there were already more than two thousand traditional styles of Jiujitsu, known as ko-ryu. Those created after this time are known as gendai-ryu, or modern styles. 2. Kon 3. gama 4. basics |
| 18 | May 22, 2023 | 1. Why do we compete in tournaments? 2. Why do you think we line up in belt order a the start and end of class? Answer: 1. Tournament competition is considered a necessary ingredient in your training. If you train and never ever compete, it is like learning to play baseball, but never having a game. If you are training simply to learn self-defense, then competition is not necessary, and neither is rank. 2. Students line up according to rank or time in grade, highest rank to instructor’s left. Lining up helps the students learn discipline and respect for seniors it also helps the students and instructors mark progress. | 1. What are the required components of a kyu (under rank) belt test? Answer: 1. Order of Testing Basic hand techniques – group together Basic foot techniques – group together Blocking forms – group together Kata – individually or in small groups Weapons – individually or in small groups Self-defense – with uke Sparring – optional Kata Combinations |
| 19 | June 12, 2025 | 1. Describe how we stand in bow position? 2. In Self-defense, If an Uke is an attacker, what is the Tori? Answers: 1. Heels together, eyes forward on a dot, right hand in a fist, left hand flat (symbolizing war and peace), elbows up and not resting on your body. No talking. 2. The Defender | Define the terms in English: 1. Lin Wan Kune 2. O Goshi 3. O Soto Gari 4. Seo Nage 5. De Ashi Harai Answers: 1. Intercepting Fist or Continuous returning fist 2. Major hip throw 3. Major Outer Reap 4. Shoulder Throw 5. Foot Sweep |
| 20 | June 19, 2023 | 1. Where is it ok to practice karate? 2. Where is it NOT ok to practice karate? Answers? According to the rules of our studio, practice is important to get better at our skills. We should practice in an area that is safe and use control. We should be aware of our surroundings so we do not break anything or hurt ourselves. It is good to have mats in case we fall. We should not practice when it is not safe, just to show off or to bully people. | 1. Why we we wear black Gi in Kenpo? 2. What do the “Fists of Lohan” refer to” 3. What does Shotokan translate to roughly in English? 4. What does Koshu-Ryu Translate to in English? 5. Who is the master associated with questions 3 &4? Answers: 1. There are many stories about why American Kenpo practitioners adopted black gi. Most common is to recognize the art is a hybrid martial art and not a pure traditional style. 2. Bodhidharma taught a system of 18 techniques, one for each of the companions of the Buddha, or Lohan, and called the system he taught them Shi Pa Lohan Sho, or the 18 Fists of Lohan. The original Shaolin Temple was also named for the pine forest that surrounds it. 3. Shotokan means pine wave house or hall. Shoto means the the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them. 4. Koshu-Ryu Kenpo means Old Pine Tree School of the Fist Way associated with Dr. James Mitosi. 5. 3-Gichin Funakoshi and 4-Dr. James Mitosi |
| 21 | June 26, 2023 | 1. Who is the founder of our system of karate? 2. What style is our karate? (Hint: it is an animal and a color) Answers: 1. Nick Cerio 2. Golden Leopard | 1. What four characteristics distinguish Nick Cerio’s Kenpo from other forms of weaponless combat? 2. What five techniques categorize Nick Cerio’s Kenpo? Answers: 1a. speed 1b. power 1c. economy of motion 1d. intricate hand movements 2a. Openhand Strikes 2b. Punches 2c. Kicks 2d.Throws and Takedowns 2e. Joint Locks and Body Manipulation |
Question of the Week Round 1 Wrap Up
Congratulations to Sofia Bertino and Nijal Popat-Morales for wining Round 1 of the Question of the week Challenge. Stay Tuned for Round 2 that will be from July 2023-December 2023. Nijal earned a bo for and Sofia earned a fan for scoring over 1000 points in the six month period. Well done ladies!!
Leaderboards Week 21
Under Rank Leaderboard
| Name | Rank | Dojo | Points | Place |
| Liam L. | Orange | Plainville | 1675 | 1st |
| Gabriel L. | Purple | Plainville | 1650 | 1st |
| Hunter R. | Blue | Plainville | 1500 | |
| Eliza R. | Blue | Plainville | 1500 | |
| Johnny C. | Yellow | Bellingham | 900 | |
| Mason M. | Yellow | Plainville | 300 | |
| Garrett A. | Yellow | Plainville | 100 | |
| Elsa S. | Orange | Bellingham | 100 | |
| Ricky C. | Orange | Plainville | 100 | |
| Marco S. | Blue | Plainville | 100 | |
| William B. | White | Plainville | 50 | |
| Bryson T. | Orange | Plainville | 50 | |
| CJ S. | White | Bellingham | 25 |
Upper Rank Leaderboard
| Name | Rank | Dojo | Points | Place |
| Nijal P.M. | Black | Sutton | 1475 | 1st |
| Sofia B. | Brown | Plainville | 1075 | |
| Catarina S. | Black | Sutton | 150 | |
| Katelyn M. | Black | Plainville | 100 | |
| Kyoshi | Black | Plainville | 100 | |