No – allowances are made for beginners, and with regular training you will become fitter, even if you have physical restrictions.
As a beginner, you will be training with all grades right up to 4th and 5th Dan black belts. Obviously you wouldn’t be expected to be able to keep up with a 5th Dan, however, you will be expected to try your best at all times.
No.
Unlike some styles of martial arts, goju ryu has no requirement to kick up to head height. Goju ryu kicks are designed to be affective at all heights.
Goju Ryu is one of the most rounded styles of martial arts.
You will learn elements of defence, both long and close range; kicks, blocks and punches; control techniques such as locks, holds and manipulation of pressure points; take downs; sparring and grappling (wrestling).
You will learn to use all parts of your body as both a defensive and offensive weapon, from fingers to feet, AND most importantly, you will learn the consequences of your actions!
The professionalism and dedication of the instructors is beyond compare, as is the good will and respect that this club holds amongst the martial arts world.
New students are always welcomed, encouraged and given comprehensive and full instruction from day one.
All learning is in a controlled, safe, friendly and enjoyable environment. Unruly or bullying behaviour is not tolerated within the WKA, or the wider GKI association.
The karate belt grading system is a way to measure a student’s progress, skill level, and understanding of karate techniques and philosophy. A new student wears a white belt and progressess through various coloured belts before reaching black belt levels. Each colour signifies a specific rank, or “kyu” . There are 10 Kyu levels beginning with 10th Kyu (White belt) down to 1st Kyu (Brown belt with 2 black bands)
Once a practitioner achieves a black belt, they enter the “dan” ranks, which represent advanced levels of mastery. Dan ranks begin at 1st dan (shodan) and increase as the practitioner demonstrates greater expertise and understanding. Promotions at this level often require years of practice, technical proficiency, teaching ability, and contributions to the art.
Testing for new belts usually involves demonstrating kihon (fundamentals), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring), along with knowledge of karate principles and etiquette.
For junior students, “mon” grades may be awarded to provide intermediate levels of progression before reaching full kyu grade. This system helps to keep younger practitioners motivated by offering more frequent opportunities for achievement as they develop their skills and understanding.
More about belt orderNo.
Unlike some less professional martial arts clubs, the GKI does not guarantee a black belt within a specified time.
Students are assessed throughout the year with gradings being held, on average, twice a year. With regular and concerted training, students will progress through the grading system at a rate suitable to their ability.
Students will be graded in-club up to 1st Kyu (3rd level brown belt). In order to ensure consistent standards throughout the international GKI association, all black belt gradings are held at an international gasshuku (training) event. These are 4 day long events held twice yearly – in the winter, hosted in the UK, and in the summer, hosted internationally by an affiliated dojo. These gasshukus are opened to all and every student from white belt upwards, not just for grading black belts.
More about gradingCorrect Dojo etiquette and discipline is essential to good karate. It ensures a safe and fun environment in which to learn and promotes good conduct in and respect for all students regardless of age, sex or ability. It is important that each student sets an example to new members of the Dojo. New students will be encouraged and, if necessary, corrected by senior students who are seen to practise such conduct. A student who cannot understand any part of this code of conduct should seek advice from an instructor or senior student
More about dojo etiquetteAll training sessions begin and end with MOKUSO (meditation).
Mokuso –
‘moku’ – silent/still
‘so’ – thoughts/thinking
The purpose of the opening Mokuso is to relax and clear the mind and to allow any cares or anger to drain away before commencing training. Closing Mokuso is to allow for reflection on what has been taught and to calm the mind and body prior to leaving the Dojo.
During Mokuso breathing should be controlled (in through the nose, out through the mouth, exhaling air from deep within the abdomen).
More about mokuso and the opening ceremony“Gasshuku” is a Japanese word that roughly translates to “Training Camp”.
The GKI usually hold two gasshukus a year: a winter one, held in the UK; and a summer one, held anywhere where there is a GKI club – recently Sweden, Belgium and Portugal and, in 2013, in Weymouth.
Summer gasshukus are generally held over 4 days, training for half of each day. Winter gasshukus tends to be over fewer, but longer days of training.
Everyone, from white belt upwards, is welcome and encouraged to take part in the gasshukus. They are a great opportunity to meet and train with students and instructors from all over Europe, and to be trained by Shihan Arnold de Beer and/or Shihan James Rousseau, both 8th dans and the highest instructors in the GKI association.
More about Gasshukus
