Shotokan Karate Training
• Introduction
• The three elements of Shotokan
• Grading
• Training
Introduction
At WSKC training will be structured to the karateka's ability. Beginners will be taught the fundamental Kihon techniques from their first lesson at the club. Having attained a degree of proficiency with the basic Kihon techniques, beginners will be taught their first kata. A beginner's progression from first lesson to first kata will generally cover a timescale of around 7-8 weeks. Learning will advance from first principles in a steady progressive ‘step by step' format ensuring students fully understand each technique with respect to body mechanics and application.
Put simply, body mechanics is how a human's joints and muscles move and interconnect whilst performing a particular karate technique and, WSKC place maximum emphasis on ensuring correct natural movement of the body so as not to cause any damage to joints etc. This is particularly important for the younger karateka whose bones are still in the soft growing/formation stages of development. Natural movement allows a karateka to generate maximum power from their body.
Training takes place twice each week and karateka are encouraged to regularly attend both classes.
However, karateka who can only train once each week will still be welcome at WSKC.
Classes are split, with beginners and intermediates (9th-6th Kyu) training for the first hour and, senior karateka (5th Kyu and above) training for the second hour. Senior karateka may attend both sessions (at no extra cost) to benefit from extra training but the first class will always be geared towards our beginners and intermediates.
For further information please visit these pages Home or Training costs or Beginner's classes
The three elements of Shotokan
• Kihon ~ Basics
• Kata ~ Forms
• Kumite ~ Fighting
Kihon
The foundation of Shotokan Karate comprising:-
Dachi ~ Stances
Uke-Waza ~ Blocking techniques
Tsuki-Waza ~ Punching techniques
Keri-Waza ~ Kicking techniques
All Kihon techniques will be taught in a structured ‘step by step' manner (See training below).
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Kata
Comprise Kihon techniques put together in a set sequence to produce defence and counter attacks against imaginary opponents. As a karateka progresses in his or her training, they will be taught different kata that become more complex at each stage of learning. However, many Shotokan kata have some element of commonality, this may be movements from lower grade kata found in the more advanced kata, or the basic pattern of the kata either of which will aid the karateka's learning process.
Kata are the aerobics of karate.
There are 26 ‘Core' Kata in IJKA Shotokan karate. For further information please visit our Kata page.
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Kumite
The sparring (fighting) element of Shotokan. The majority of beginner's starting karate will have no sparring experience. Karateka will learn the art of kumite in a progressive manner using the following training routines:-
Gohon kumite ~ five step sparring
Kihon ippon kumite ~ one attack basic sparring
Jiyu ippon kumite ~ one attack semi-free style sparring
The above three routines will build a karateka's confidence and skills in attack, defence, distancing and awareness. This will then lead into Jiyu kumite (Free style sparring).
Kihon is the basis of Kata and Kumite, therefore the three elements of Shotokan are not separate entities but are wholly dependent upon each other.
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Grading
An examination to assess a karateka's progress in the art of Shotokan.
Gradings are held regularly and a karateka's proficiency in each of the three Shotokan elements, Kihon, Kata and Kumite will be tested during a grading. The degree of proficiency expected will be dependant upon which level of learning a karateka has reached. For example, a beginner experiencing their first grading will be assessed on proficiency of the basic Kihon and Kumite techniques along with the required kata for 9th Kyu, Heian Shodan.
The timescale for a beginner starting Shotokan training and reaching the required standard for their first grading will depend on the individual's ability and attendance record but will never be less than 12 weeks.
A prerequisite for grading eligibility is to train regularly twice each week and, it is the club Sensei who decides when a student should be entered for a grading.
Karateka who are only able to train once each week will find their progress slower than those training twice each week and, as a consequence, the time taken to reach a required grading standard will increase.
Karateka will be assessed by senior IJKA Sensei and on occasions Kato Shihan, at Kyu gradings (junior/intermediate karate examinations) held in a WSKC dojo.
Kyu gradings are also held during courses taking place at the IJKA Honbu Dojo or other IJKA Dojos and, WSKC karateka attending these courses who are eligible to grade, will be assessed by Kato Shihan.
Dan gradings usually take place at the IJKA Honbu Dojo in Whitchurch, Shropshire and, Kato Shihan will always be the examiner.
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Training
With quality instruction Shotokan can be a lifelong pursuit and, karateka will notice improvements in their health, fitness, mobility and flexibility. Medical and sports science have proven that these factors slow down the bodies ageing process.
WSKC's structured ‘step by step' teaching places maximum emphasis on ensuring correct natural movement of the body so as not to cause any damage to joints etc.
This is particularly important for the younger karateka whose bones are still in the soft growing/formation stages of development.
As a karateka's training advances, Kihon techniques will be put together to form combinations, Kumite will become progressively more challenging and Kata more complex. Typically, 3-4 years of regular training will be required for a beginner to progress to the black belt level of Shodan (1st Dan).
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