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NEWPORT ISLE OF WIGHT SHOTOKAN KARATE   »  TRAINING

FEATURES, BENEFITS & TRAINING

GRADING'S

DOJO ETIQUETTE

TERMINOLOGY

SHOTOKAN KATA’S

LINKS

INSTRUCTOR’S

On this page you will find all the information you will need for your training

RANKS AND GRADINGS

A karate student's progress in the art of Shotokan karate is represented by their rank which in turn is represented by a coloured belt.  Beginners are classified as upgraded (white belt) but after a minimum period of training (usually 3 months) may take a grading. Upon successfully completing a grading a student is promoted to the next rank and will wear the appropriate coloured belt. Beginner ranks range from 9th kyu up to 1st kyu then the advanced grades range from 1st Dan up to 10th Dan.

Juniors have a mon-grade system which means they will grade twice for each kyu grade this is shown by a half coloured belt

GRADINGS  

Beginners should be training twice a week for three months before they can take their 9th kyu grading, with three month intervals between gradings up to 1st kyu, (In exceptional cases, a student may double-grade) six months between 1st kyu and 1st dan, two years between 1st and 2nd dan, three years between 2nd and 3rd dan, four years between 3rd and 4th dan and five years between 4th and 5th dan.

GRADING (exam) consists of basic techniques (punching, striking, kicking and blocking) and combinations of any techniques. They will also have to perform the Kata (set moves) for their relative grade, advance grades may have to perform 2 or 3 kata's with Bunkai (application of the moves) They will then have to pair up with a partner and perform their Kumite (fighting) relative to their grade. (see training).

Listed below are the belt colours for their relative grade.

DOJO ETIQUETTE

Karate training is based largely on the development of discipline and respect. Observing Etiquette is a fundamental expression of the respect that is due to the instructor’s and your fellow students.

• Bow when you enter and leave the Dojo.
• If you arrive late you must kneel at the side of the class, and join in only when the Sensei gives the appropriate signal.
• Address your instructors as ‘Sensei’ when you are in the Dojo.
• ‘OSS’ is a sign of respect and is used in the following situations.      

                When bowing at the start and finish of the class

                When given instructions or advice by your instructor.

                When bowing to your partner/opponent.

                Any other appropriate situation during training.

• Show respect for higher grades.
• Always line up quickly and in grade order.
• Keep finger and toe nails clean and short.
• Keep your Gi clean and in good repair.
• Remove jewellery and watches before training.
• Any open wounds must be taped up before you commence training.
• Do not eat, drink or chew gum in the Dojo.
• Members must not use their karate skills in any offensive way outside the Dojo.
• Outdoor shoes must not be worn in the Dojo.
• Turn your back if you have to adjust your Gi or tie your belt.
• Mobile phones must be switched off.
• Train at least twice a week where possible.
• Renew your S.E.K.U licence annually before it expires   

TRAINING AT NEWPORT ISLE OF WIGHT KARATE

FEATURES & BENEFITS

Students of Shotokan Karate learn punching, blocking, kicking techniques and self defence moves along with respect and control. Benefits such as feeling fitter, being more flexible, and increasing self-confidence and discipline.

TRAINING

A typical session will include a 10 minute warm-up and stretching session then some or all of the following three fundamental elements of Karate.

KIHON (BASIC TECHNIQUES)

Basic techniques include various different punching, striking, kicking and blocking techniques either performed on their own or in combination.

KATA (FORMS)

Kata (set forms) Are a sequences of techniques which in some way resemble a fight against multiple invisible opponents. For the first few grades students are expected to learn one Kata per rank starting with the simplest combination of punching and blocking to complex sequences involving all sorts of punching, striking, kicking, blocking, throwing, jumping and self defence techniques.

KUMITE (SPARRING)

To begin with students learn simple sparring techniques, Sanbon Kumite (3 step) Gohon Kumite (5 step). Intermediates students then practise Kihon Ippon Kumite (1 step), Advanced students practise Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (Semi-Free), Then becoming more complex and evolving into Jiyu & Randori Kumite (free fighting). But in a controlled non contact environment.

Strenuous sessions will usually conclude with a warm-down.

BASIC JAPANESE KARATE TERMINOLOGY