Karate-do Training

We observe traditional dojo courtesy within our practice which includes for example beginning and completing our training with two kneeling bows - one to the front and one to the class. This maintains the correct karate training culture in the dojo and will help your karate as you progress to higher technical level.

Basics techniques are the foundation of effective karate training and daily practise is recommended. Kihon consists of stationary basics and moving basics and covers blocking, punching, striking and kicking but most importantly correct body movement.

Historically karate was taught using kata rather than separate basics. We have ten core kata - Pin'an 1 -5, Kushanku, Naihanchi, Seishan, Chinto and Niseishi. These are the kata which JKF Wadokai has standardised for practice. 

These are perhaps the signature techniques of Wadokai karate-do. Ten pair techniques which teach distance, timing and body movement. These form the basis of the practice for free sparring. 

Free sparring allows karate-ka to freely exchange techniques in a controlled manner. Done correctly, it can be an enjoyable and physically demanding practice testing speed, reaction, timing, balance etc.

Original Wadoryu karate inherited some techniques from jujutsu (mainly Yoshinryu line) and old style kendo (Jikishinkageryu) which the founder had practised in his youth. These included tantodori omote kata - seven basic pair techniques dealing with a knife attack and idori kata - sitting techniques which are trained from the traditional seiza kneeling position. 

The founder also created a number of shinken shirahadori kata (also called tachidori - sword defence) which he used for exhibition (embu) to display the essence of Wadoryu techniques. Various aspects such as distance, timing, body evasion and control can be seen in these forms. These techniques are thought to be his own development rather than originating directly from jujutsu.

Kumite no Ura (also known as Kumite Gata) are a further series of empty hand kumite drills which Otsuka created and used for embu in his later years. Otsuka made a lot of variations to these and did not lay down a formal set for training. Compared to the kihon gumite, these forms make more use of close range techniques to control and unbalance the opponent, but do not always contain decisive finishing techniques. They may have been intended more for embu than for regular training. 

We do not include these kumite sets in our regular class but we train these techniques during additional weekend sessions when we have more time to go into the details.

As with any technical sport, karate requires regular training to learn the skills required to practice to a reasonable level. For new starters, please be aware that as a minimum, we recommend attending two class sessions each week when possible.