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Basics
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These are the kicks, blocks and punches that
are fundamental to any attacking martial art. These techniques are practiced
in 'lines' where the students repeat the techniques under the watchful eye
of an instructor in order to gain the required level of confidence and
proficiency with each block, kick and punch. Once the student has mastered
these individual techniques they are taught to put them together in
combinations. These techniques, and certain set combinations, are examined
in each of the gradings needed to gain new belts.
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Zuki Waza (punching techniques)
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Uchi Waza (indirect techniques)
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Keri Waza (kicking techniques)
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Tachi (stances)
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Uke Waza (blocks)
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Kata
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A kata is a set pattern of moves that a
student learns and practices. These moves are designed loosely about the
concept of being attacked by multiple aggressors from several directions
although they are performed alone. In our style we learn Ten No kata
followed by the five Pinan katas before going on to learn 'advanced' katas,
by the time they have their black belt a student will know at least 11 kata
to an examinable standard. Kata, meaning form, are used to teach grace,
balance, and style as well as the actual moves involved within them. The
list of Wado Ryu Katas is given below:
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Ten No Kata
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Kushanku |
Rohai
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Pinan Nidan
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Naihanshi |
Jion
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Pinan Shodan
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Chinto
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Jitte
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Pinan Sandan |
Seishan |
Niseishi |
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Pinan Yodan
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Wanshu |
Suparinpe
(the lost kata)
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Pinan Godan
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Bassai
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Blocks
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As well as kata our style teaches several groups of patterns done in pairs and known collectively as 'blocks'. These include:
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Inner and Outer Blocks
(uchi uke and soto uke respectively) |
4 Head Blocks |
8 Ohyo Gumite
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6 Kick Blocks |
10 Kihon Gumite
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In all these techniques,
partners follow a set series of moves with one as the attacker and one as
the defender. The object of the blocking techniques (three step sparring) is
to teach focus and distance allowing the student to aim and control their
moves more effectively. The Ohyo Gumite techniques were developed as
techniques to be used in competition, whereas the Kihon Gumite are designed
to illustrate the basic principles of Wado Ryu Karate and as such can be
much more challenging than the blocks and Ohyo's. Along with kata these
blocks make up the majority of the examination material for the more senior
gradings. |
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Sparring
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The objective of any martial art is to learn how to defend oneself effectively. To this end a proportion of most training
sessions is devoted to sparring (also known as kumite) although those who do not feel ready to fight are never forced into it and are usually free to
practice their kata or basics. Most students wear light hand and feet pads during sparring although this is mostly to protect the hands and feet as only
very light contact is allowed, especially to the face. As well as its use in self defence sparring is also practice for the competitions that are often
attended by the club.
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Fitness and Flexibility
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An essential element of any sport is physical
fitness and karate is a very effective way to tone and condition the body
generally. Most sessions will contain an element of fitness work including
some sit ups and press ups and stretching practice is dealt with very
seriously. In order to effectively carry out some kicks a lot of flexibility
is needed in the legs. This can only be built up over a number of years
through effective and careful stretching excercises performed on a regular
basis.
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Introduction
Basics
