| A Typical Lesson |
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Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese Martial Art. As such the Dojo (training hall) and fellow karateka (Karate practitioners) are at all times treated with respect. Karateka bow inwards to the room on entering and leaving the Dojo. As a mark of mutual respect the Sensei (teacher) and students also bow to each other at the commencement and end of each lesson.
At the commencement of each lesson there is a period of warming up & stretching, designed to include all major areas, joints and muscle groups of the body. Each lesson is usually split into three parts - KIHON, KATA & KUMITE.
KIHON (Basics) comprises of basic single techniques of blocks and strikes with the arms and leg/foot blocks and kicks. As a Karateka (Karate Student) develops their skills and moves up through their Kyu grades (belts) towards Shodan - 1st Dan Black Belt, the KIHON become more complicated with combinations of techniques, also the student develops their breathing, stances and kime (maximum muscle tension for a very short time).
KATA (Pre-Set Forms) are a pre-arranged series of defensive & offensive techniques, performed against one or more imaginary opponents. As a student moves up through their KYU Grades towards Black Belt, the KATA required to be learnt for each grade becomes more complicated, involving greater numbers of combinations of techniques. Each KATA begins and ends with a Rei (Bow) and whilst being mindful of the true Bunkai (meaning and understanding) of the techniques & rythm / flow of the KATA itself must be performed with kime (focus) and control. Throughout the KATA it is imperative to remain in a state of Zanshin (Mental Preparedness). A KATA is performed along the Embusen (Performance line) which sets the overall pattern of movements unique to that specific KATA. In the case of all KATA, the Karateka (Karate Student), provided that he adheres to the Embusen and is consistent in his / her techniques, movements & stances, should finish the KATA in the same location as where he / she began.
KUMITE (Sparring / Fighting) is the practice of Karate tecniques and movements with a partner. Beginners & Intermediate Students practice in particular Sambon (three step), Gohon (five step) and Kihon (one step) Kumite, with a partner. This is a very controlled and safe form of Kumite in which the attacks are declared before being made. It developes self confidence and an ability to match an attack with an appropriate block. For more advanced Karate Students this leads on to Jiyu Ippon (semi free, one step sparring) and Jiyu Kumite (Free Sparring). Since KUMITE involves working with a moving opponent it provides the opportunity for the Karateka to learn how to harmonize and react to an opponent by matching their movements, breathing, strength and techniques. An essential point with all forms of Kumite is that the techniques are controlled so that they are focussed just short of contact.
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| Video of club activities etc. |
The first Club video has now been included. This was taken during the Holland 2012 Easter course. To view press here |
| 2012 Dates for SEKU Karate Events now in Events section |
For Karate events and activities please look under "Events" and for the Club social activities please look under "Other Activities". |
Latest News
- 8th "Holland" - Easter Karate course. 4th to 9th April 2012 - 25 April 2012
- Junior section club competition. Friday 30th March 2012 - 19 April 2012
- Kumar the junior section bear returns to training. - 27 February 2012
- Junior Bowling Trip - Saturday 11th February 2012 - 12 February 2012
- Black and Brown belt course on the Isle of Wight. Sunday 5th February 2012 - 12 February 2012
- Happy Birthday Jaminoor - 05 February 2012
- Congratulations to Liam on the attainment of his 2nd Dan - Sunday 5th February 2012 - 05 February 2012
- Club New Year Meal - Saturday 14th January 2012 - 03 February 2012