United Kingdom Karate-do Goju Kai

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Uk Karate Protector Equipment

What is Karate?

"Karate is one of the World’s most popular martial arts. Modern day Karate was developed in Okinawa, a small Island off Japan. Karate is a highly effective system of self-defence, and also an excellent form of exercise that promotes a number of life skills and values."

Karate practise is generally divided up into three components: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring).

Kihon (basics) covers various strikes, blocks, kicks, stances and movements one might need to use in self-defence. Students practise these in lines each class so that the techniques are refined and become instinctive.

Kihon, or basic practise, allows students to develop an understanding of their body and how it can be used as most effectively as a weapon, for example, how to generate maximum power with minimum effort.

Kata (forms) is often referred to as the ‘art form’ of karate. Each kata (form) is a traditional predetermined pattern of movements that promotes a number of self-defence principles. Kata practise also develops coordination, balance, agility, strength and speed.

Kumite (sparring) is where techniques and principles learnt in Kihon (basics) and Kata (forms) are applied against an opponent. Kumite can vary greatly, depending on the student’s level of experience. For example, beginners only practise pre-arranged kumite. This is where both the attacker and defender know exactly which techniques will be used and when. They do this in a slow and controlled environment.

As students develop in ability and confidence, they may choose to move onto free kumite. This is where students wear protective equipment and spar in an environment where techniques are exchanged freely.

Karate has a coloured belt (or ranking) system allowing students to set goals and measure their progress. As they progress and develop in both physical and technical ability, each component becomes more advanced, giving them a new challenge and skill to develop take on. As the student approaches their black belt, their technique, speed, coordination and stamina all become natural as a result of strong practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers that his or her study of karate has only just begun. The object of true karate practice is the perfection of oneself through the perfection of the art.

 

Karate As A Form Of Self-Defence 

As a self-defence system, karate does not so much teach a set of standard responses to a set of limited scenarios, but rather it teaches a set of principles that can be applied to any situation.

Unlike many martial arts, the size and strength of a karate practitioner is unimportant as students are taught to use their entire body when delivering strikes. Furthermore, students are trained to deliver sharp blows with various weapons of the body towards pressure-sensitive areas of an opponent.

While karate teaches a person combat skills, karate does not promote aggression. Instead it promotes awareness to avoid conflict. Combat should only be used as a last resort.

 

Health Benefits Of Karate

As a health and fitness activity, karate tones and shapes the body, increases aerobic stamina, improves muscular strength and flexibility, enhances balance, agility and co-ordination and quickens the reflexes.

Karate also improves our mental health. As it challenges the brain, it improves focus and concentration. It also develops a person’s composure and provides a deeper insight into one’s mental capabilities.

One of the advantages of karate is that students may train at their own pace so even those who have not exercised in some time can start learning and gaining from the benefits of karate.

 

Karate As A Way of Life

Karate promotes a number of values to live by, including integrity, respect, courtesy, humility, loyalty and compassion.

Karate is an individual sport. Therefore the focus is not to compete against another person or team, but rather to compete against one’s self. This ‘self focus’ accompanied with continual improvement develops self-esteem and self-confidence amongst those who practice it.

Karate also promotes self-discipline, goal setting and leadership. People who study karate can attain a high level of commitment and dedication to any chosen endeavor simply because of the skills and habits they develop.

UK KARATE Grading KATA?

The below chart illustrates the Kata to be performed to progress through the UK Karate grading system, from white belt to 4th Dan Black Belt.

 

Grade Level	Belt	Kata to be performed
10th Kyu	White	Jodan-Ichi, Chudan-Ichi, Gedan-Ichi
9th Kyu	Yellow	Kake-uke-Ichi, Gedan-Ichi (Sheiko-dutch)
8th Kyu	Orange	Geksaidai-Ichi, Jodan-Ni, Chudan-Ni
7th Kyu	Red	Geksaidai-Ni, Gedan-Ni, Kake-uke-Ni
6th Kyu	Green	Saifa, Mawashi-uke-Ichi
5th Kyu	Blue	Saifa, Seiunchin, Mawashi-uke-Ni
4th Kyu	Purple	Seiunchin, Sanseiru
3rd Kyu	Brown I	Sanchin, Tensho
2nd Kyu	Brown II	Shisochin
1st Kyu	Brown III	Shisochin
Shodan-ho	Black (Provisional)	Sepai
1st Dan	Black	Seisan
2nd Dan	Black	Kururunfa
3rd Dan	Black
4th Dan	Black

UK KARATE Philoshpy

UK Karate has a simple approach to teaching and training.

Students from all walks of life can enjoy training in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere amongst other students. Our instructors are keen to help each student develop their skills and gain from the many benefits that training in a martial art such as UK Karate has to offer.

Above all, the philosophy of UK Karate is an extension of the Founding Father’s personal philosophies on life, training, and humility. Kancho Robert Sullivan and his top instructors personify what it means to be a humble teacher and promoter of the art.

UK Karate is a way of life. For many students, it is a great social outlet where they can train in a martial art while gaining confidence and inner security. For many, it gives them a terrific vehicle for gaining much needed coordination, balance and general fitness. For others, it is a strong martial art with which they can take their training to the highest level possible, from reaching the coveted rank of Black Belt to reaching the top in the competition arena.

UK Karate prides itself on being a family club. Students as young as 5 years of age can train along side their parents, or grandparents, with some of the oldest members well into their 70’s!

Although karate training promotes self-defence and fitness, it also promotes discipline, confidence, inner security, character development and an improved feeling of well-being. In this day and age, people of all walks of life, male and female, can partake in UK Karate classes with the knowledge that they are in a room with other like minded people and an accredited instructor whose goal is to help them improve themselves both physically and mentally.

UK KARATE Code of Conduct

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS

 

POLICY STATEMENT

UK Karate has a duty of care to safeguard all students under its care. UK Karate will ensure the safety and protection of its members through adherence to the Risk Management Strategy adopted by UK Karate.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS

• Students should feel safe with other participants, club officials and instructors.
• Students must be treated in a non-discriminatory way and receive fair treatment.
• Students should respect the rights, dignity and worth of all officials and participants regardless of ability, gender or cultural background.
• Students should display control and courtesy to all involved.
• Students should ensure that their decisions and actions contribute to a safe and harassment-free environment.
• As with all physical activity students have a responsibility to ensure they consult their doctor for advice before undertaking training. This is particularly important where an injury or current medical condition is present.
• Students should remove all jewellery or watches before training.
• Students should ensure they are wearing appropriate attire and using appropriate protective equipment when training.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS AND SPECTATORS

• Parents and spectators have a responsibility to respect the rights, dignity, efforts and worth of all officials and participants regardless of ability, gender or cultural background.
• Parents and spectators have a responsibility to encourage all children to participate and/or compete according to the rules and with the boundaries of general karate etiquette.
• Parents and spectators have a responsibility to adopt appropriate behaviours in all UK Karate training locations.
• Parents and spectators must be aware that cameras and video are to be for private use only. No images of young people are to be published onto any webpage or printed material without parental consent.
• A copy of UK’s full Risk Management Strategy, including policies can be obtained by emailing childsafe@UKkarate.com