New to Karate
If you are new to karate we hope this section can go some way to answering any questions or concerns you may have before you or your child starts training in Wado-Kai Karate-Do with the Jewel Karate Club. If you still have any questions after reading this section you can email the info section of the site with any questions.
Senior Instructor
Alex Rorrison is the Jewel Karate Group Senior Instructor has been studying karate since his early teens and has been awarded the grade of 5th Dan (Black Belt) by the Scottish Karate Federation in a style of karate known as Wado Ryu.
Sensei (Instructor) Alex Rorrison has trained and competed in regional, national and international levels of karate thought out his competitive life, In the competitive arena he has held coaching and refereeing positions and has competed for Scotland and Britain in events.
Instructor @ Jewel-Karate.co.uk
What is Karate
Karate is a form martial arts developed and styled on the island of Okinawa in Japan. The martial art was a means of self defence without the use of weapons. The origins are various in Asian martial arts however prominently Chinese. The word 'KARATE' is formed from the Japanese words
Kara - Empty
Te - Hand
this shows that its practitioners a Karate-Ka (student) are not armed and use defence and counter with the use of empty hands, however it is seen as they use their hands and feet as striking weapons. There are many different styles of Karate. But the most successful and commonly practised style throughout the world is a blend of karate called Wado Ryu
Wado Karate-Do
Wado Ryu karate is principal a blend of karate and Jujutsu. A style of karate known as Okinawan Shotokan Karate as taught by sensei Gichin Funakoshi and a form of Jujutsu known as Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu have been adapted and blended by the Wado-Ryu founder sensei Hironori Ohtsuka who was the fourth Grand Master of Shinto Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu.
| Gichin Funakoshi | Hironori Ohtsuka | |
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| Shotokan Karate Do |
Wado Ryu Karate Do |
It is a style of Karate which emphasises a balanced development of speed, strength and range of techniques, taught within a system which instils confidence and self-control. The Wado Style was originated by Hironori Ohtsuka, and officially began in May 1934 when it was registered and was recognized as an independent style.
The translation of Wado Ryu from Japanese into English is not exact due to the indifference within both the languages. A translation may be seen as.
| Wa do Ryu |
Softness, Peace, Harmony, Too Soften, Too Calm, Too Harmonize & Too Add Way Style |
| Kara te Do |
Empty Hand Way |
| Wado Ryu - The way of peace and harmony Karate Do - The way of the empty hand |
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Do I have to learn Japanese to practice karate ?
No, not as a full language, however a number of terms and names of the movements are in Japanese, but the introduction to the terms and names in Japanese will be a made in a gradual process that will come easily to any person of any age. In some karate dojo's (sports Hall) and clubs the use of all Japanese terms can be taken to the maximum. However you will find that most karate clubs use English along side Japanese terms.
Will I have to learn Buddhism for karate ?
No, as with the question of Buddhism, most karate clubs only promote the ethos of Karate and the ethos of Budo. The main ethos within karate is found in many religions and organisations
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Character Sincerity Effort Etiquette Self Control |
Exert oneself in the
perfection of character Be faithful and sincere Cultivate the spirit of perseverance Be respectful and courteous Refrain from impetuous and violent behaviour |
Can any one practice karate ?
Karate can be practiced by men, women and children. Anyone who is in reasonable health can train at karate. Whilst a student of karate-do you will improve your self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem. Our clubs have a junior and senior classes which enables students to train in an environment geared to their needs and set to their level. (Anyone with health problems should consult their doctor first then approach the senior instructors about their training.)
What will the training involve ?
Most people joining any of our clubs are beginners and there is a wide range of grades held by our students in the club from beginners to National and International competitors. When classes begin we normally hold to a structured set of techniques. Your training will be set into sections.
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Stretching Kihon Waza Renraku Waza Gumite Kata Kumite Fitness Stretching |
to assist in easing the mussels and toning the body a basic set of techniques of kicks and punches a combination of basic techniques prearranged and set sparring set of formed combinations to create a 'dance' free sparring (contact is dependant on level of grade) an aid to a physical exercise program assist in easing the mussels and warm down the body |
Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced to you as basic blocking and counter-attacking, but will ultimately lead you to free-style fighting, where you will be taught to attack with, and defend against, unannounced attacks
Will I be able to take part in competitions ?
Karate is an exciting and challenging sport. Club members are actively encouraged to compete if they wish to do so. We participate in many competitions throughout the year at various levels. There are club and regional events for all ages and grades, with opportunities for selection to the national squads.
| Interclub Competitions | JKC No Fear League | |
| Federation Competitions |
Individual Club Open Championships - SKF - SKGB Championships |
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| National Competitions |
Scotland Squad (Subject to acceptance to the squads) |
What are the benefits of practising karate ?
There are many benefits to practicing karate,
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personal fitness will promote overall good health |
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promotes respect |
self defence |
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disciplines the mind and body |
promotes self-confidence |
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develops concentration |
builds confident character |
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meeting good friends |
removes stress and anger |
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attend competition as a club and as an individual |
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There is a 'Dojo Kun', or training code, which not only ensures the highest level of disciplined within our training environment, but serves as a tool for moulding behaviour, so that a true Karate-ka (student of karate) will only employ physical violence as a last resort, with obvious benefits to society.
When do I get my first belt ?
Belts are the show of grade in karate. Your first belt could be attained in only 3 months after completing a Kyu grading, then depending on age if you are a
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Junior
5years to 12years
Junior Grading System |
Cadet 12years to 18years Brown Tag System Senior Grading System |
Senior 18years + Coloured Belts System Senior Grading System |
as a student you will attend a grading (test of skill) of which a syllabus as set by the Scottish Karate-Do Federation
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Juniors |
Grading System
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Senior |
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SKF DAN Grade |
1st Dan |
Black Belt |
On successful completion of the grading you will move on to a new belt and practice a new collection on the syllabus.
How long will it take to achieve my black belt ?
Black belts or 1st Dan. May be obtained in as little time as three or four years of continuous intense training. The time will include the student completing all the Kyu grades (grading) from 8th Kyu until 1st Kyu.
Our Fifth Year Online | 2003-2008 The Jewel Karate Group | Designed By J A Aitchison