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Your Karate Journey

Protective equipment

An important part of karate training is the practical application of techniques learnt in class in simulated self-defence scenarios. Although we are a non-contact club, and all simulations are conducted in a safe and supervised environment, students are required to wear protective equipment as an added level of safety. Safety equipment can be ordered in class through your instructor. Note: Protective equipment will not be required until after the student reaches their first grade (yellow belt).
Basic class terminology

In our karate classes, we incorporate a blend of English and traditional Japanese terminology. Here are some of the frequently used Japanese words you can expect to hear in your first class.

Kancho (pronounced karn-cho) – Indicating the head of the karate style

Sensei (pronounced sen-say) – Referring to the instructor or teacher

Sempai (pronounced sem-pie) – Indicating the assistant instructor

Dojo (pronounced doh-jo) – The training hall

Hai (pronounced hi) –Meaning ‘Yes’

Rei (pronounced ray) – Indicating a bow to show respect

Hajime (pronounced ha-ji-may) – Instruction to ‘Begin’ or ‘Start’

Yame (pronounced yah-may) – Signifying ‘Finish’
Grading/progression with GKR Karate

Like all karate clubs, GKR has a grading system that allows all students to proceed through levels, or grades, signifying their growth and development. While students don’t need to go through the grading system to train with us, it is a great way to recognise progress and the achievement of learning new skills.

The grading process and progression through the various belt levels teaches students that what may seem like an overwhelming task or goal in the beginning, when broken down into smaller tasks, is quite achievable. Each new grade level reached is one step closer to earning your Black Belt

To read more about grading and progression with GKR Karate, click here.

What to expect: The first weeks

Students

Within the first few weeks of training, you will start to feel more comfortable in class as you get to know your instructors, your classmates, the training environment, and the techniques being practised. You will understand some of the basic Japanese terminology used in class and grow familiar enough with the basic movements to train with more intensity if you wish. You may also notice an improvement in your base level of fitness and flexibility. Don’t be concerned if your muscles feel a little sore after your first few classes, as karate training is a full-body exercise that takes time to adjust to. Remember, you are building muscle memory and physical strength every time you go to class.

Parents:

After a few weeks, your child’s confidence, coordination, and focus will show improvement as their level of skill increases through repetition of techniques. Instructors focus on the broader gross motor skills initially, as these build a framework to later master the finer movements. We encourage you to focus on any improvements in your child’s attention, coordination or agility, no matter how small you perceive them to be. Every improvement is a step in the right direction and it’s the small steps that will take them one day to black belt!
What to expect: The first few months

Students

In the first few months of training, you can expect to learn basic blocks, strikes, stances and kicks and have learnt the pattern for 1st kata (a series of moves using a basic block, strike and movement). You will also have an understanding of how to apply karate techniques in basic self-defence situations. The Japanese terminology used in class will be more familiar and you might even be able to count to 10 in Japanese. You will be stronger; fitter; more confident; and you will have made some new friends by now too…you might have even graded to your first full belt….Yellow belt!

With each class, you will notice improvements in your coordination and muscle memory. Take the time to remember your first class and appreciate how far you have come.

Parents:

After a few months of consistent karate training, students will be able to apply techniques they have used in class to hypothetical self-defence situations. Learning the foundations of karate movement is vitally important for the beginner, and this is enhanced by them starting to learn combinations of techniques in set patterns known as ‘kata’ (pronounced ‘Karta’).

The first kata students will learn is called Taigyoku-Shodan and it contains a basic strike, block, and stance combined with movement. Aside from learning and practising these patterns during class, they can also be practised at home using our online kata instructional videos. These will be part of the grading syllabus from Yellow Belt onwards and the videos can be purchased here.
GKR Online Karate and Fitness Academy

The GKR Online Karate and Fitness Academy offers students a syllabus-oriented and on-demand training video library featuring a diverse range of karate technique tutorials, fitness drills, class formats, workshops, and train-along videos. These cater to all skill levels from white belt all the way to black belt. With over 240 videos currently available, this resource offers members the ability to expand their knowledge and accelerate their progress by giving them the additional tools to supplement their dojo training. Click here to visit the GKR Online Karate and Fitness Academy.

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