RIDGEWAY SHOTOKAN KARATE CLUB

The Ridgeway Shotokan Karate Club (RSKC) is associated to the Keibu Kan, which is part of the Japan Shotokan Karate Association (JSKA), welcomes students from 7 years upwards, of any level of fitness.

The RSKC respects and follows all Policies of the Keibu Kan.

This Guide has been put together with some frequently asked questions answered, and other information about Shotokan Karate.

What is Karate ?
Simply, a system of self defence using body parts instead of weapons, developed and refined in Okinawa and Japan. The word Karate is formed from two words, Kara (meaning empty), and Te (meaning hand). People who do karate are called Karateka.

So what is Shotokan karate ?
There are many styles of karate today, we practice Shotokan, known for its long deep stances, use of power through hip rotation.

Shotokan is the style that originated on Okinawa by Master Gishin Funakoshi, was taken to Japan in 1922, from there it was extensively developed by Master Nakayama and very few changes have occurred since then. Shotokan has spread to become the most practiced karate style in the world.

Who can do karate ?
Anyone who is in reasonable health can do karate, it will improve fitness, self awareness, confidence, self esteem, teaches discipline and improve manners. At RSKC we have students that are growing in confidence and overcoming personal issues.

Benefits of karate ?
Some are listed above, others include, commitment, dedication, strong character, there are many more personal reasons to learn karate.

Does it cost a lot ?
The simple answer is No, we have a policy of allowing the first lesson free, then a further 3 lessons to decide if karate is for you, after that you must decide to join or not, Fees are as follows,

Membership £10 annually

License and Insurance £20 annually

Lessons are £3.50 each or pay at the beginning of the month at a reduced rate.

Gi (karate suit)   from £15 upwards.

Not a lot compared to other activities.

Other costs are gradings, courses.

All costs above are subject to change.

What does training involve ?
There are 3 elements to karate training,

Kihon:            basic techniques

Kata:               preset moves also know as forms

Kumite:          sparring

Each element has its own criteria as set out to a grading syllabus, copies available on request.

Who teaches me this ?
The RSKC has Nationally qualified instructors who teach the syllabus as well as other karate techniques. The instructor is known as Sensei (teacher). All RSKC instructors hold Advanced Criminal Records check, 1st aider, hold ref and judging qualifications.

Do I have to do competitions ?
We at RSKC do not force students to compete, but there are annual competitions that you can compete at if you want to. At the 2008 JSKA world championship we had 2 x medallists and at 2010 World Championship in Portugal we brought home 5 medals.

Why are there so many coloured belts ?
Students can take a Grading after the set criteria are met, this is laid down in the RSKC syllabus for all levels. The grading is conducted in front of Senior instructors from outside the RSKC, and grades awarded (known as kyu), the lowest grade is 10th kyu up to the highest ,1st kyu, followed by Black belt. The same applies for black belts (Dan) grades with Shodan being the lowest. All belt colours are set out within your license, and as a separate page below.

Lets move on to the "Dojo", training hall.

Rules (Dojo Etiquette)
At the RSKC we prefer all children to come to the Dojo in their Gi (child protection Policy), Adults to change in the rooms provided.

Remove all outer clothing, footwear, and "Bow" before entering the Dojo, place all items on benches provided and prepare for training. You must also "Bow" when training with a partner and on leaving the Dojo.

Be aware of all Fire escape routes, location of 1st Aid box, Risk assessments in place, toilet facilities.

When called to line up the lowest grade is at the far left of the Dojo, all other grades line up in order, no talking, chewing, playing around. The instructor will bring the class to order, follow all instruction given, listen to what is going on, if you are unsure, copy the student to your right.

Additional information,

Keep finger and toe nails short, and clean

Tie long hair back

Do not be late for training

Remove all jewellery, rings, necklaces etc

Ensure your Gi is clean, belt (Obi) tied

Warm up as instructed to reduce risk of injury

Respect Dojo Etiquette, it is part of the learning process

Other information
Gishin Funakoshi is the Father of karate.

Kiai is the shout or yell during karate.

Karate is self defence only.

There are 27 Shotokan Kata within our system.

Wearing a Black Belt does not mean you are a master.

Think about this,

MAKE PROGRESS, NOT EXCUSES

KARATE GRADING
When you are confirmed as being ready and eligible to grade the following will happen, you pay the Fee and hand in your license to Sensei a week prior to the grading. The Fee is for the grading test and belt.

You arrive in time for the Grading, respond with "Oss" when your name is called, warm up, practice, remember the grading instructions laid out by Keibu Kan.

When called to the floor be positive, do what you are asked to do, show commitment and spirit, you are ready, so do it.

Gradings are held every 3 months, details on the RSKC web pages under calendar.

KYU GRADE AND BELT COLOUR

OBI/BELT	COLOUR
10 TH KYU	WHITE+ 1 RED STRIPE
9 TH KYU	WHITE+ 2 RED STRIPES
8 TH KYU	RED
7 TH KYU	YELLOW
6 TH KYU	ORANGE
5 TH KYU	GREEN
4 TH KYU	BLUE
3 RD KYU	BROWN
2 ND KYU	BROWN + 1 WHITE STRIPE
1 ST KYU	BROWN + 2 WHITE STRIPE
SHODAN	BLACK

Junior students have extra grades called Pre-Grades, these are awarded when a student demonstrates technique but not at a high enough level, effectively a half grade.

Photos, videos are allowed at both the grading and awards ceremony.