KARATE CLASSES

JUNIOR SHOTOKAN KARATE

Junior Karate classes taught at the Budokwai are specifically aimed at children aged 6-12 years. Those aged 12+ are encouraged to attend the Senior Beginner class which welcomes children of 12+ and those younger if they are of a higher grade.

 

Junior Karate classes are taught by our experienced instructors and are specially designed to guide children through the first three grades of karate- 9th Kyu (Orange Belt), 8th Kyu (Red Belt) and 7th Kyu (Yellow belt), predominately through the practise of kata. Once children achieve higher grades than these they are welcome to attend the senior classes with the other children of higher grades. For a full list of the grades and information on the grading process see the Karate Gradings Section.

Beginners are invited to join anytime, and are carefully taught and guided so they learn and achieve at their own pace in a fun and enjoyable environment.

A typical class structure consists of the following:

• Basics- The practise of basic techniques- punching, kicking, blocking and stances.
• Kata -A series of set movements in a specific shape/form. Each grade has a specific kata of which is an integral part of the grading system.
• Kumite- Practising with a partner. For our Junior Karate section, this will be simple and rehearsed in order to get children used to the structure. Basic self defence will be incorporated for all grades.

DOJO ETIQUETTE

Bow when entering and leaving the dojo
Address any instructor as “Sensei” whilst in the dojo
“Oss” is a sign of respect and is generally used in Karate particularly in the following situations;
a) Upon receiving any advice or instruction from the instructor the student normally answers “oss”
b) When bowing to a partner; and
c) In any other appropriate situation ( for example during classes)
Nobody may leave the class without first obtaining permission from the instructor before the class begins.
Any student arriving late must take up a kneeling position at the front of the Dojo and await permission from the instructor before joining the class. On receiving permission, bow and then join the class.
Gi’s (karate suits) must be kept clean and in good condition.
Fingers and toenails must be kept short and clean.
Jewellery must not be worn during training. If you cannot remove a ring then wrap tape around it.
Students must not use their skills in any offensive way outside the Dojo.
Students should attempt to train twice a week, plus practise at home.

BEGINNERS SHOTOKAN KARATE

At the Budokwai classes for beginners in Karate are taught twice weekly. If you have never done Karate before the Budokwai is a perfect place to learn. Our instructors are highly qualified and are there to guide you from complete novice to advanced. Shotokan karate is incredibly structured, and with this students will be able to develop at their own pace through the different grades.

All of our classes follow a set structure to which students follow, and a Shotokan karate lesson consists of three parts;

• Basics - the practise of basic techniques- punching, kicking, blocking and stances. Your knowledge of this will continually increase over time and as you move up the grade system.
• Kata - A series of set moves in a specific shape/form. Each grade has a specific kata which is an integral part of the grading system.
• Kumite - Practising with a partner. For lower grades this will be simple and rehearsed, and as a student becomes more experiences free sparring is gradually introduced. Basic self defence will also be incorporated for all grades.

HOW A CLASS STARTS AND FINISHES

At the start of every lesson students should form multiple lines facing the instructor, with the highest grade standing on the right hand side, and the lowest grade on the left.

1. The instructor will stand in front of the class with their back to students, and the highest grade in the class will announce “shomen-Ni-Rei”- everyone bows (feet together hands by side)
2. The instructor turns around to face the class; highest grade announces “Sensei-Ni-Rei”. Everyone bows saying “oss” at the same time.
3. The highest grade announces “Otagai-Ni-Rei”. Everyone bows saying “oss” at the same time.

The lesson will finish in the same way, however before the first bow the highest grade or instructor will call out the “Dojo Code” which all students will repeat.

DOJO ETIQUETTE

Bow when entering and leaving the dojo
Address any instructor as “Sensei” whilst in the dojo
“Oss” is a sign of respect and is generally used in Karate particularly in the following situations;
a) Upon receiving any advice or instruction from the instructor the student normally answers “oss”
b) When bowing to a partner; and
c) In any other appropriate situation ( for example during classes)
Nobody may leave the class without first obtaining permission from the instructor before the class begins.
Any student arriving late must take up a kneeling position at the front of the Dojo and await permission from the instructor before joining the class. On receiving permission, bow and then join the class.
Gi’s (karate suits) must be kept clean and in good condition.
Fingers and toenails must be kept short and clean.
Jewellery must not be worn during training. If you cannot remove a ring then wrap tape around it.
Students must not use their skills in any offensive way outside the Dojo.
Students should attempt to train twice a week, plus practise at home.

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED CLASSES

The Budokwai holds classes four times a week that are available for all students of intermediate and advanced level. To be considered of intermediate level you must be at least a 7th kyu.

All of our classes follow a set structure to which students follow, and a Shotokan karate lesson consists of three parts;

• Basics - the practise of basic techniques; punching, kicking, blocking and stances. Your knowledge of this will continually increase over time and as you move up the grade system.
• Kata - A series of set moves in a specific shape/form. Each grade has a specific kata.
• Kumite - Practising with a partner. For lower grades this will be simple and rehearsed, and as a student becomes more experiences free sparring is gradually introduced. Basic self defence will also be incorporated for all grades.

DOJO ETIQUETTE

1. Bow when entering and leaving the dojo
2. Address any instructor as “Sensei” whilst in the dojo
3. “Oss” is a sign of respect and is generally used in Karate particularly in the following situations;
          a) Upon receiving any advice or instruction from the instructor the student normally answers “oss”
          b) When bowing to a partner; and
          c) In any other appropriate situation ( for example during classes)
4. Nobody may leave the class without first obtaining permission from the instructor before the class begins.
5. Any student arriving late must take up a kneeling position at the front of the Dojo and await permission from the instructor before joining the class. On receiving permission, bow and then join the class.
6. Gi’s (karate suits) must be kept clean and in good condition.
7. Fingers and toenails must be kept short and clean.
8. Jewellery must not be worn during training. If you cannot remove a ring then wrap tape around it.
9. Students must not use their skills in any offensive way outside the Dojo.
10. Students should attempt to train twice a week, plus practise at home.