Gradings
New starters will be assesed for grading at the end of their first year of regular training. Kyu gradings will be done at courses which are on the KDS Calendar either KDS Regional or National Courses. There will be a minimum two of members of the Technical Executive present.
Fitness
Since KDS emphasises mobility, co-ordination and balance with a relaxed body condition, this particular style of Karate can be practised by anyone regardless of age, build or sex. However during the warm-up, practice can involve relatively strenuous activity. If there is any doubt about your ability to perform such exercise then the instructor can tailor the warm-up and set of practices to suit your needs.
Am I too old?
This question is often asked by the more mature students out there who are amazed by the level of fitness and flexibility of the older members of our club and falsely believe that these people must have started practising Karate at an early age. No! This is not the case. No one is too old to start Karate!
What does Shotokai mean?
Shoto, which can be translated as pine waves, was the pen name of Gichin Funakoshi, the person who originally brought karate from the Okinawan Islands to mainland Japan and is acknowledged as a founder of what we term karate today. On his death in 1956, a council (kai) was formed to organise his funeral and this council was called the Shotokai. The Shotokai consisted of members from several of the leading karate clubs in Japan. This organisation has continued to further the development of karate and has affiliated clubs in many different countries.
How does KDS differ from other karate styles?
There are many karate styles to choose from and certain styles suit different people. In KDS there is great emphasis in developing the correct relaxed body condition and the ability to move, in order to avoid or anticipate attacks and also to deliver the maximum power in techniques. Perhaps the best way to see if KDS appeals to you is to come along to one of our practice and try it out.
Do you enter competitions?
KDS is a traditional martial art and does not enter competition. This is because we believe that competition is against the true spirit of martial arts and also extremely ineffective in actually teaching you how to fight. Our practice does however involve sparring, but at an appropriate level for a given individual's experience.
How long does it take to master Karate?
During the practise of KDS Karate and through the use of your body, you will discover many things about yourself. At first, this will be most noticeable in your improved physical coordination, and as the initial awkwardness of the physical exercise gradually disappears, it will leave you to perform effectively and smoothly, the movements required. You will then become more aware of the need to understand, not just the movement, but also the situation , the time and the application of the movement, with a view to eventually controlling any series of events in which you may find yourself.
We do not intend to suggest that this will be a short process, but with the guidance of your Instructor and the KDS, we hope to help you enjoy each step you take towards proficiency
We feel that the more practise is understood, the more you will want to learn. Remember, limitations to progress are only limited by your drive to learn.