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Who will teach me?

The instructor for Loughton Wado-Kai Karate Club is Sensei Jason Walton (4th Dan, Black Belt). Our instructors are qualified first aiders, fully insured and hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate (formerly CRB). The senior instructor for the association (England Wado-Kai) is Sensei Barry Wilkinson (8th Dan, Black Belt).

 

What will I learn?

We teach traditional Wado-Kai Karate in a safe, friendly and respectful environment. Our training syllabus (from England Wado-Kai) is structured and progressive to allow you to develop in easy steps. The teaching focuses on the following main areas:

 

Basic (Kihon) foundation techniques, such as punching, kicking and blocks. Combination techniques, combining basic techniques together. This will follow with Pair work (Ippon, Ohyo and Kihon), putting the foundation techniques into practice.

 

Kata (Form) A predetermined sequences of movements.

 

Free fighting/sparring (Ji Yu Kumite), only started once you have learnt the necessary techniques and control.

 

What should I wear?

When you start karate you will need to wear loose clothing so that you are able to move around freely. Suitable clothing would consist of jogging/ tracksuit trousers, and a T-shirt. It is important that whatever you choose to wear is both comfortable and suitable for physical activity. When you are confident that you want to continue with karate training you can purchase yourself a ‘gi’ (Pronounced ‘Gee’), which is the cotton jacket and trousers worn in karate. With the gi, you would wear a white belt until you are ready to grade.

 

How fit do I have to be?

Most people are unfit when they start karate and often it’s the reason why they take it up in the first place. Your fitness (or lack of!) will not prevent you from enjoying and developing in karate.

 

Our syllabus is constructed so that the most physically demanding techniques are introduced in a phased manner. Your fitness will develop as you train more and this in turn helps you to progress through the belt (grade) system.

 

Wado-Kai is a softer style of karate which focuses on technique and less on physical strength, making it ideal for all fitness levels.

 

As with all sports it is recommended that you consult you GP first if you have any concerns about your current level of fitness/health.

 

Am I too old?

You are never too old to start Karate; there are many older karate-ka (one who practices karate) including some Japanese masters who practice well in to their 80’s and 90’s. We believe in adjusting the way that you practice karate to suit your body so you're not expected to perform like a 21 year old athlete if you're in your fifties.

Is karate suitable for children?

Karate is one of the best activities a child can practice, with the degree of discipline, respect and etiquette taught in the class the child will learn to accept more responsibilities, become more aware and confident. Add to this fitness and the ability to be able to stand up for themselves, you can see why so many parents enrol their children in karate classes. Girls & Boys from 6 years of age are accepted.

 

What are the coloured belts all about?

Progression in karate is a personal journey, but at the early stages you can expect to grade approximately every 6 months.

 

The belts are a method of displaying the level of proficiency a student has reached. A new belt is awarded for passing the grades which comprise of a karate syllabus, which differs for each grade.

 

Our belt ranks are split into Kyu and Mon grades. Adults go through the Kyu grade system only, whilst Junior & Cadets must go through the Kyu and Mon grade system. The Mon grade system for younger students allows them to attain a sense of achievement whilst still developing the required skills to reach the next full level (Kyu).

 

Attendance does not automatically mean progression - regular hard work and practice is more important than getting the next grade.

 

9th Grade (Red) - Juniors Only (Ages 6-11)

 

8th Mon (Yellow with White Stripe) - Juniors & Cadets

8th Kyu (Yellow) - Juniors, Cadets & Adults

 

7th Mon (Orange with White Stripe) - Juniors & Cadets

7th Kyu (Orange) - Juniors, Cadets & Adults

 

6th Mon (Green with White Stripe) - Juniors & Cadets

6th Kyu (Green) - Juniors, Cadets & Adults

 

5th Mon (Blue with White Stripe) - Juniors & Cadets

5th Kyu (Blue) - Juniors, Cadets & Adults

 

4th Mon (Purple with White Stripe) - Juniors & Cadets

4th Kyu (Purple) - Juniors, Cadets & Adults

 

3rd Mon (Brown with White Stripe) - Juniors & Cadets

3rd Kyu (Brown) - Juniors, Cadets & Adults

 

2nd Mon (Brown with White Stripe) - Juniors & Cadets

2nd Kyu (Brown) - Juniors, Cadets & Adults

 

1st Kyu (Brown with Black Stripe) - Cadets & Adults

 

1st Dan (Black) - Cadets & Adults

2nd Dan (Black) - Adults

3rd Dan (Black) - Adults

Download EWKR Grading Syllabus

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