F.A.Q’s

F.A.Q s
Q1. How old do I have to be to train at your club?

A1. We don’t take children under the age of 5 years due to the children’s age, Physique and concentration time span. Coaching children is a heavy responsibility, but it can be a very enjoyable one. We take into account the child’s physical and mental changes and support them at every stage of their development, helping them to reach their personal peak of fitness and skill for their age. By putting effort, progression and team spirit before winning, we encourage discipline, fair mindedness and sportsman like behaviour. We base some of their instruction around play with short bursts of actual training to help keep it light hearted and fun. Anyone over the age of 5 years can train.

Q2. Do I need to be fit before I start training?

A2. Generally, anyone who is in reasonable health can train. Adults over 40 years are advised to have a medical check up prior to starting training. You will get gradually stronger and fitter through our training programme, we don’t set unreasonable targets and you are allowed to come on at your own pace (not at someone else’s). It is possible to work around some health issues, at present we have one student who has had open heart surgery, so, if that person can do it, so can you! It is your responsibility to notify the club secretaries and the Instructor/s of any health issues you may have that may affect your training.

Q3. What do I need to wear?

A3. Something comfortable and loose fitting, preferably jogging bottoms and a white Tee shirt. After a few sessions  you may decide to train on a more regular basis, once you have registered with us we will give you your Gi (training uniform) and white Belt, this will also make you feel more a part of the club. It is advised that such items as watches/ rings/earrings/ hairpins or any other sharp object etc is removed before training starts, if you wish to keep earrings on, then they must be covered with a plaster. (For your personal safety).

Q4. How much are the lessons and how long do they last?

A4. YOUR FIRST LESSON IS FREE. From then on Junior Classes are £4.00 and lasts one hour, Senior Classes are £5.00 and last 1.5 hours.

Q5. How safe is Wadoryu at Shuhari Wadoryu Karate Club?

A5. Very safe, but, as with any Martial Art, it is a fighting / Contact Sport and there is an element of danger, but we reduce the risks as much as possible, i.e.  When we are sparring (Fighting on the mats) where possible we only put you with partners that are roughly the same age/ grade and weight as yourself. We practice touch Karate the emphasis being that if you can touch your partner in sparring and pairs work (Mai/ correct distancing) its easy enough to follow through if you needed the application on the street. We see no point in injuring ourselves or others in training sessions. When we do go through with techniques we use heavy bags or hand held pads. For those who wish to train a little bit harder and heavier we have body armour.

Q6. Why do I need a Licence?

A6. If you decide to train seriously with us you will need to be covered by insurance (every member has to have insurance which is renewable every year with the Governing Body) currently the fee for adults is £26.00 per annum and for juniors it is £20.00 per annum. We are insured through Shizendo Kai our Governing Body which issues you with a unique number which goes’ on your Licence slip, this in turn gives you your Individual Registration number, this in turn is carried over onto all your grading certificates which makes all your certificates unique to you. Your Licence slip is then placed in the back of your licence / Grading Book then every time you take a grading your Book is updated. Without the above you will not be allowed to train / Grade or take part in any of the club events / Competitions at home or abroad.

Q7. What are Gradings?

A7. Gradings are a way of monitoring your progress in the Martial Arts. Juniors have their own Grading Syllabus working from 12th Mon to 1st Mon (Internationally Recognised Junior Grade) then onto the Junior Black Belt. Seniors have their own Grading Syllabus starting at 9th Kyu working up to 1st Kyu, then onto Senior Black Belt, from here you will then move onto what we call Dan Grades going from 1st Dan up to 10th Dan. A student can expect to take approximately 4.5 to 5 years form Beginner to Black Belt (1st Dan) depending on how often he or she trains.

Q8. How often do I need to train?

A8. You can train as little or as often as you like (we recognise people have lives to live, jobs to do and other social activities) and as such we don’t impose any pressure or constraints on people. But, if you are serious about your training and you want to progress up the Grading ladder and improve yourself mentally, physically and ultimately spiritually then we advise you will need to train at least 2 times per week, 3 times a week if you want to see any real progress and it will need to be on a regular basis.

Q9. What is Karate?

A9. Karate means Empty Hand, so it means to fight with empty hands (no weapons).Karate is a Martial Art of Okinawan origin and is a mix of various styles and mixes from China, Okinawa and Japan. Karate was introduced into the Japanese mainlands from Okinawa in the early 1900’s.

Q10. What style do you Practice?

A10. We practice Wadoryu Karate which means “WAY OF PEACE AND HARMONY”, it is a style for self Defence, and this can be seen by the fact that every first move in the Katas we do is a block / cover. The style we do is short, sharp and to the point, minimum movement, maximum effect. It was founded by the late Master Hironori Ohtsuka Meijin and it was registered as an independent style in 1934.

Wadoryu is a mixture of Shuri-te Karate, Shindo Yoshin-ryu and Karate Jutsu. (Modern name Shotokan) and Aikido. Wadoryu is a fast style that does’ not rely on strength (hence women can practice this style quite easily) but relies on speed, technique and utilising your opponents power and strength against him or herself. There is nothing flowery about Wadoryu; it is fast, powerful and to the point.

Q11. What are the Benefits of Practicing Wadoryu?

A11.

You will Learn Self Discipline.

Gain Self Confidence and Awareness.

Build up your fitness, Physical Strength / Stamina and Coordination.

Learn a Practical and Effective Self Defence.

Learn Self Control.

Learn an All Round Exciting and Dynamic Art.

Suitable for Boys and Girls, Men and Women.

Develop a Strong Character.

It Teaches Courtesy, Politeness and Respect for others and yourself.

It helps you learn to focus, (Not just on your Martial Arts, but in your daily lives as well).

Sense of Achievement and Pride in Yourself.

You will enjoy a friendly Club and atmosphere.

And NO POLITICS!

Q12. Is Wadoryu Suitable for Women?

A12. Absolutely! In Wadoryu you do not use physical strength, but speed and technique, so Wadoryu is ideal for women and children.

Q13.What if I train at another club or do another style of Martial Art can I still train at your club?

A13. Quite simply yes, we have no problems with that, there’s something to be learnt both ways. We have an open policy at our club that anyone from any other club or style can come and train with us, you will be most welcome. If you wish to become a full member of our club and you have grades from another style or even the same style, we would need to see verification from you i.e., your last grading / Licence Book and Certificates if you have them, once verified, you will be allowed to wear the belt of that grade. If you can’t supply that information for whatever reason, no problem, we will reassess you to see what level you are up to and grade you accordingly with a new Licence / Grading Book.

Q14. Can I enter Tournaments’?

A14. Yes, there are various Kata and Kumite Competitions up and down the Country at various times of the year, again you would need to see the club notice board or speak to the club secretaries for details.  

Q15. Do I have to enter Competitions?

A15. No! You decide what you want out of your training; you can do as little or as much as you like regarding Competitions. If it’s Competition you want in either Kata or Kumite we will support you in that.

Q16. Can we train as a family or large group?

A16. Yes; we already have parents and their children training at our club, we give varying discounts depending on the size of the family or group. You will need to enquire with the club secretaries on discounts (you will also need to call into the club for this information).