SKR welcomes junior and adult beginners from 5 - 65 years.

Our syllabus is designed so that no previous level of fitness is required to join in.

This page has been designed around the most frequently asked questions from beginners. All this information and more is in the SKR beginners guide which is given to you by the club instructor (Sensei) on enrolement.

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What is a dojo?

‘Dojo’ is the Japanese word used for ‘training hall’.  Its literal translation is ‘place of the way’.

 Dojo Etiquette

• Always try to arrive in good time for the lesson.

• When you enter or leave the dojo (training hall) you should bow

• It is also customary to bow to the Sensei and your seniors upon first seeing them as either you enter or they enter the dojo.

• Always address the instructor as “Sensei” whilst in the dojo, never by name.

• If you arrive late for class you should:

Change quickly and quietly – without disrupting the rest of the class

Warm up outside the class (failure to warm up because you are late can lead to injury)

On entering the dojo, kneel so the Instructor can see you and wait for the signal to join in

When the Sensei gives you the signal to join the class, bow and move quickly to your place in line.

• “Oss” is a Japanese word used in the dojo as a sign of respect to the Sensei or fellow students. “Oss” is also used to confirm understanding.

• Karate Gi’s should be kept clean, washed, pressed and in good condition.

• On entering the dojo, you should be properly dressed in your Karate-Gi – with belt (obi) already tied.

• Students (Karate-Ka) should act with appropriate respect and discipline in the dojo, and should refrain from socializing.

• Make sure you are clean – especially feet! Finger and toenails must be kept short to prevent injury. Long hair should be tied back, so that it does not obscure vision.

• All jewellery/watches should be removed prior to training – if jewellery cannot be removed, it should be covered with surgical tape or plaster.

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What is a Sensei?

A Sensei is traditionally an instructor of 3^rd Dan or above. Senior instructors are known as Shihan and these are 6^th Dan and above.

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Inside the Dojo

Why do we bow?

The bow is a sign of respect towards the Sensei, the club and its history and to fellow students

Lining Up

At the start of each lesson, students line-up in grade order. The most senior student starts the line at the right hand end of the Dojo, and the other grades line up in between with the beginners at the other end of the Dojo.

Senior Students

Senior students are sometimes referred to as ‘Sempai’. They may be asked by the karate instructor to assist during a lesson.

Japanese Terms commonly heard in the Dojo

Oss    (oss)                              

“Oss” is a Japanese word used in the dojo as a sign of respect to the Sensei or fellow students. “Oss” is also used to confirm understanding.

Gi   (ghee)                

(karate) Suit

Obi   (oh-bee)

Belt

Rei    (ray)

Bow

Sensei  (sen-say)

Teacher

Sempai   (sem-pie)

Senior Grade

Hajime  (ha-jim-ay)                  

Begin

Yamae   (yam-ay)

Finish

Mawate   (mha-wot-ay)

Turn

Enyoi   (en-noy)       

Relax

Kiai     (key-eye)

Expression of spirit (shout)

Jodan   (joe-dan)

Upper area of body

Chudan  (chew-dan)

Middle area of body

Gedan   (ghee-dan)

Lower area of body

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What happens inside a karate class?

 The lesson begins with a line-up and kneeling Rei (bow) to the Sensei (instructor). This is followed by a warm-up session to avoid injury or strain and develop flexibility.

 As part of the syllabus for each Kyu (level), the Karate-Ka (karate student) will practice the following techniques in a karate class:   

Kihon – ‘Basics’

Consisting of blocks, punches, strikes, kicks, stances and positions.

          Kata – ‘Forms’

        A sequence of moves designed to defend against several ‘imaginary’ attackers

          Kumite – ‘Sparring’

There are several levels of sparring used in the syllabus, ranging from basic  sparring (Kihon Kumite), to semi-freestyle (Jiyu Ippon Kumite) and freestyle sparring (Jiyu Kumite).

 As part of the development of good technique, the students will learn about correct breathing techniques, muscle tension, targeting, distance and control. This is practiced individually, with a partner or against targeting paddles or focus mitts.

 At the end of the lesson, the students return to the line, kneel and perform Mokuso  (breathing exercises to relax the body and empty the mind). A kneeling Rei (bow) is given to the Sensei.  On the Sensei’s instruction, the students then stand and Rei (bow) in turn to the Sensei from the end of the line (highest grade to lowest grade).

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The Karate Grading

 What you can expect

At the Karate grading you will be expected to demonstrate to the EKO grading examiner the Kihon, Kata and Kumite syllabus for the belt you are attempting.

 There is a normal grading requirement of 20 lessons for adults and 10 lessons for juniors.

 When they are held

SKR gradings are held every three months, in March, June, September and December. Typically they are held on the 1^st or 2^nd Sunday morning of the month. Your club instructor will be able to confirm the dates for you.

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The belt System

 Kyu Levels

The belt system works from white belt (beginner) to black belt.