Karatedo

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Kata, the Japanese word for "form", is a set of formal excercises comprised of movement which are organised into sequences of offensive and defensive technicques. A Kata must be viewed as a complete set of moves with continuous flow from one move to another.

Kata has been the main training tool for karateka, its purpose to develop good posture, body strength and flexibility, Karatedo technique with breathing, power and focus, concentration and strong will. Kata teaches the theory of Karatedo through movement.

Kumite is a pre-arranged fighting form, performed by two or more people. Kumite, like kata, has been practised for many years.

Students practice kumite to develop technique, endurance, tining, balance, rhythm and distance. The proper performance of kumite depends on the execution of individual skills and the smooth interaction of the participants.

Shiai, or combat, is by definition a contest of fighting skill between two combatants. In shiai, participants attempt to execute scoring techniques to designated vital targets with enough power to disable their opponents. 

At Shuyokan we follow the Koshiki set of rules which requires both head and body gear  as the blows are executed with force.

Karatedo students must use shiai as part of their study and training, It is the crucible, "the raison d'être" for Karatedo. Shiai is the testing ground for a student's knowledge and commitment to training.

Nage Waza practiced as part of the Karatedo curriculum is a subset of Ju -Jitsu. The student will learn how to fall or get thrown without injury. This is known as Ukemi (break fall techniques)

The ju-jitsu techiques taught at Shuyokan consist of the following principles.

1. Strike to stun your opponent (Atemi waza)
2. Throw your opponent down (Nage Waza)
3. Finish the throwning form by either striking, choking, or immobilising your opponent

Goshin Jutsu is Japanese for Self-Defense. Intermediate students in the Karatedo program will learn self-defense principles against a single and multiple attackers. Defensive techniques with consist of the following scenarios:

1. Two hand frontal chokes
2. Lapel grabs
3. Wrist grasps
4. Over the arms bear hugs
5. Under the arms bear hugs
6. Hair Pulls
7. Chokes from behind
8. Head locks

Intermediate students will begin their study in knife defense (Tanto Jutsu).

Avanced students (black belts) will also begin the study of Okinawan weapons including the Bo, Sai, and Bokken