What to Know Before You Start:
Karate is a martial art that teaches self defence and promotes both physical and mental health.
Karate helps people to lead a healthy lifestyle, build confidence and develop personally. Practicing karate is challenging, social and fun.
When you first join the dojo, you should wear loose fitting clothing, such a track pants and a t-shirt. If you decide to continue practicing, you will need to purchase a karate gi (uniform) and obi (belt).
Training Style
All training sessions begin with jumbi-undo (preparatory exercises). It is important to warm up and stretch the various muscle groups throughout the body before rigorous training commences, as this also helps to strengthen our kata.
Next we move on to hojo-undo (supplementary exercises), which can include the use of training equipment such as chishi, makiwara, kogoken, nigirigame, etc (see the videos below filmed by David Oddy of Syracuse Jundokan, USA) and body conditioning. This requires much more effort and gets the blood moving to oxygenate the body.
Training then continues with either kihon (basics exercises), kata (set patterns) or kumite (fighting exercises including kata bunkai).
Finally, we end the training session by returning to jumbi-undo to cool down.
Start Practicing Today
Whether you are a beginner or experienced, we invite you to join us. Our ‘Dojos’ section has more information about locations, times, and the teachers.
If you would like any further information, please contact us.