| What happens in a class? |
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No two classes are exactly the same! There is such an abundance of techniques to learn that no classes can be identical. But they do have big similarities.
We have classes designed just for kids (up to age 9), just for adults/teens and also for all ages. This last class caters for our many parent/child students who want to train in the same session. All classes start with a general warm up as one large group. We then bow in and often start our basic techniques as a technical warm up. The classes are often then split into smaller groups based on age and/or grade and training becomes more specific. We can do this as we have many qualified instructors. Each class ends with a formal bow. During your training you will learn karate techniques (stances, punches, blocks, kicks), kata (pre-arranged sequences), kumite (fighting skills) and self defence applications. You will train on safety mats and make use of training aids such as kick bags, focus mits, blocking sticks and plyometric aids. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount and all our instructors are accredited with the Australian Sports Commission and also hold first aid qualifications.
At the beginning and end of each class the students line up in grade order facing the instructors. At the command the instructors and students kneel (seiza). A student will then be asked to state the following: Beginning: “Sensei, rei” (all bow, symbolising mutual respect, Sensei rising first) “Sempai, rei” (students bow to the teacher/s) End: Sensei, domo arigato gosaimashita, rei” (all bow) Repeat for Sempai (students bow to the teachers)(meaning “teacher/s, thank you very much for the lesson”) |