Tetsu Karate-Do Formats
Tetsu Karate-Do
Our view on Karate - The wordy bit!
Karate is not only a physical discipline but also a journey of character building, where the progress of a student is marked by the adoption of core values such as respect, discipline, humility, integrity, courage, perseverance, and self-discipline. These principles are not just confined to the dojo; they are life lessons that help individuals grow and contribute positively to their communities. This is shown within our Guiding principles
The Focus
There are four main elements to Karate Training: Kihon, Kata, Kumite, and Bunkai
基本
Kihon
Kihon, which translates to "basics" or "fundamentals" in Japanese, is the cornerstone of martial arts training, particularly in Karate.
It encompasses the foundational techniques essential for all advanced learning, including stances, punches, kicks, and blocks. Mastery of kihon is crucial as it not only hones the physical skills but also instils the right spirit and attitude necessary for martial arts.
型
Kata
Kata refers to a detailed, choreographed pattern of movements practiced either solo or in pairs.
It's a way to memorize and perfect the movements being executed symbolizing a structured practice to achieve finesse and expertise.
組手
Kumite
Originating from the Japanese term for "grappling hands," kumite can range from basic one-step sparring for beginners to more complex forms like free sparring for advanced practitioners.
It's not about physical prowess but about honing one's technique, speed, and control.
It's a discipline where martial artists can test their skills in a controlled environment, emphasizing respect and technique over brute strength.
分解
Bunkai
Bunkai, is the process of dissecting techniques, traditionally Kata, to understand and extract practical fighting techniques.
It's a detailed analysis where each movement in a kata is broken down to reveal self-defence applications, known as Oyo.
Practitioners perform bunkai with partners, simulating attacks and defences to grasp the real-world utility of kata movements.
This practice is essential for martial artists to adapt techniques to various combat scenarios, enhancing their understanding and effectiveness in self-defence.
How we format training
Brief
Tetsu Karate-Do take inspiration from different styles of Martial arts to create a rounded experience. Within Traditional Karate settings, there is a lot of 'grade chasing' and students aiming to get a certain belt to show their prowess and authority over others. Granted, this is not all students, but with an increase in Tournament focus worldwise, it seems as though it is having an increasing prevalence. We believe that there is a better way for students to feel their progress, and remain firm in the belief that the journey should be individual, rather than comparable with the student next to them, or their class instructor ("Oubaitori").
In this way, Tetsu Karate-Do have removed belts from training at the foundation stages, which enables students to train in more comfortable clothing, allowing for more realistic partner work, whilst maintaining the uniformity of the club.
Levels, Not Grades
Tetsu Karate-Do use a Level system, rather than grades. This sets us apart from a lot of other Karate clubs, as we do not require students to wear a Gi (traditional uniform) as they can be both expensive and uncomfortable.
Students in Tetsu Karate-Do train in T-shirt and tracksuit Bottoms, and wear trainers if appropriate, which allows for more comfort when training and is more accessible to students with sensory needs, for example, without them feeling as though they are 'different' from other students because they are in a T-shirt and their classmates are in a Gi.
Initiate Level
What is it?
Initiate level is where every new member starts.
How will I know who is Initiate level?
Initiate level students will start training in a white club T-shirt and Black tracksuit bottoms.
What will I learn?
Initiate level students will learn the basic blocking, striking, and kicking techniques, as well as some stances and kata formations. Initiate level students will also begin to learn Kata Heian Shodan
How do I advance?
Within Initiate Level, there are three Ranks and students will be expected to demonstrate a different level of understanding of technique and skill ability for each. Once all three ranks are achieved, Students will progress to their next level
Intermediate Level
What is it?
Intermediate level is the next stage from Initiate, where students have demonstrated a good level of skill in the Initiate techniques
How will I know who is Intermediate level?
Intermediate level students will start training in a Grey club T-shirt and Black tracksuit bottoms.
What will I learn?
At Intermediate level, students will learn more complex techniques and a new Kata, Bassai Dai. Students will also be expected to continue to develop the techniques they learned at Initiate level and expand on self defence techniques, adding a further level of complexity
How do I advance?
Within Intermediate Level, there are three Ranks and students will be expected to demonstrate a different level of understanding of technique and skill ability for each. Once all three ranks are achieved, Students will progress to their next level.
In addition to the students individual progress, students will be expected to support others of a lower level to aid their own progress.
Advanced Level
What is it?
At Advanced level, Students will have mastered most of the Initiate level techniques and show a sound understanding of intermediate level techniques, Kata and Self-Defence.
How will I know who is Advanced level?
Advanced level students will start training in a Red club T-shirt and Black tracksuit bottoms.
What will I learn?
At Advanced level, students will learn more complex techniques and a new Kata, Empi. Students will also be expected to continue to develop the techniques they learned at Initiate and Intermediate level and expand on self defence techniques, adding a further level of complexity
How do I advance?
Within Advanced Level, there are three Ranks and students will be expected to demonstrate a different level of understanding of technique and skill ability for each. Once all three ranks are achieved, Students will progress to their next level.
In addition to the students individual progress, students will be expected to support others of a lower level to aid their own progress.
Senior Level
What is it?
At Senior level, Students will have mastered, or be on their way to achieve mastery over, all of the Initiate and Intermediate level techniques and show a sound understanding of Advanced level techniques, Kata and Self-Defence.
How will I know who is Senior level?
Advanced level students will start training in a Black club T-shirt and Black tracksuit bottoms, within public classes. Senior level students will be provided with additional classes, tailored towards their level, and will be expected to wear a Gi (uniform) for this.
What will I learn?
At Senior level, students will continue to adapt and develop learnt techniques, and develop Bunkai (application) for kata. Students will also be expected to continue to develop the techniques they learned at Initiate, Intermediate, and Advanced level and expand on self defence techniques, adding a further level of complexity
How do I advance?
Within Advanced Level, there are three Ranks and students will be expected to demonstrate a different level of understanding of technique and skill ability for each. Once all three ranks are achieved, Students will progress to their next level.
In addition to the students individual progress, students will be expected to support others of a lower level to aid their own progress and may be asked to support instructors in classes.
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