I’ll be making a few short videos for home practice. First one is a six move combination. Suitable for all levels, just go at your own pace, adding one move at a time when you feel comfortable. You can do just one or two moves or work up to the whole sequence. Higher levels should look to increase speed and power in each technique.
Enjoy.
This week in class we have done some work on Tensho kata and its applications. Tensho means rotating palms. This kata focuses on circular/turning, open hand movements aimed at keeping contact with the opponent to feel their movements, defending and redirecting attacks and controlling the opponent with less direct force along with countering in the most direct line from any position. Repetition of the solo kata will develop the required motions for the partner work. Tensho is a requirement for red belt, but all can practice at any time. Practice slowly, coordinating breath with movement.
Now in our 8th year, Enso Karate has reached 40 actively training members across our two dojo!
Martial arts school memberships are known to fluctuate. People come and go. Some stay for a while, some for years. While we have maintained a fairly stable core group, this is the largest we’ve ever been. In part due to the introduction of the junior classes, which have been very well received, but all classes have seen new members join this year. This pleases me greatly. It has been my goal to make Karate accessible and inclusive since day one and this shows that it’s working. I greatly appreciate everyone who is a part of Enso Karate. Thank you all.
6 Kata in 6 Minutes
Video shown at 4x speed and then normal speed.
One can do a full run through of our entire kata curriculum in just six minutes (provided you have put time in to learning them, as you should). This is a great way to do a daily practice. Alternatively, pick one kata to practice several times.
Practice begins by getting up and doing one thing. Once you get started, it’s easy to continue. Practice doesn’t have to be an hour long. A few minutes is beneficial. A few more is better. You just have to start.
Get up. Practice.
Across both Ipswich and Harrisville Dojos we now have several students approaching black belt. This is a good time to think about what it takes to achieve black belt, not the specific requirements but the individual attitude to training.
Improving any skill such as drawing, learning a language, playing an instrument, any sport or Karate takes a commitment to practice. This is a choice. No one can make you do this (well maybe parents can force kids to practice but this doesn’t always get the intended result). You have to decide that you want to improve and take the required steps. You have to want to improve enough that you will put the effort in to building a habit or routine of practice in order to reach your goal. Maybe you’re not quite in a place where you want it badly enough and that’s ok. There are many things we do just for fun. Karate can be one of them. Even then, getting better at something generally makes it more fun. There does come a point in Karate where you may have to decide if you want to train for your black belt. This absolutely requires choosing to improve. There are requirements to achieve black belt that cannot be met without dedicated practice and intentional effort. It’s not an automatic hand-out. It must be earned. Basic techniques, kata knowledge and application, general strength and fitness, strategy and awareness all need to be addressed to achieve black belt and these things take time to improve. If you genuinely want to earn your black belt, make the choice to improve now. I can remember back when I had been training for a few years and decided that yes, I would earn my black belt. From that point on I practiced every single day, sometimes just a few minutes, until I achieved black belt. I made the choice. I built a habit of practice. It worked. I really do recommend daily practice of some sort. Short, frequent practice can be more effective than infrequent, long practice. Once you get into a routine of practice, it’s easy to work on the things you’re good at. The real challenge is working on the things you find hard. Maybe it’s strength training or cardio. Maybe you have to put more effort into kata practice. We have to balance our skills and attributes to be a well rounded Karateka. There will always be things you specialize in but don’t neglect the other areas.
In short, if you want to be a black belt, practice. A lot.
Here’s a general guide to things you can do to practice at home. If you would like something more specific let me know.
Please get your gear orders in this week if you need anything from me. I’ll place the order later in the week. Gloves and mouthguard are required for 8+ class.
New Enso Karate shirt designs available on Redbubble.
There is currently seven Enso Karate designs available with more to come.
Each design is available on a wide range of shirt styles, including active wear, tank tops, hoodies and more. You can also choose from many shirt colours (note that some colours won’t show the text well on certain designs). Check out all the options.
Sizes for kids and adults.
Shirts are printed on demand by Redbubble when you place your order on the website. They usually arrive within a week.
There’s also some tote bags and stickers.
Over time I’ll add a few more designs and product options.
Here the link…
https://www.redbubble.com/people/Enso-Karate/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown
Welcome back everyone.
A great start to term 1 with so many returning for another year a lot of new faces joining us.
I hope everyone who tried their first class enjoyed themselves. If you have any questions feel free to message me.
Don’t forget we have another 8+ class on Saturday afternoons 2-3pm.
Reminder that mouthguards and gloves are a requirement for all 8+ class members. I’ll have uniform and gear order forms available at class.
Pictured are two students from our kobudo (traditional weapons) class practicing sansetsukon (three section staff). Students on red belt and above are invited to join kobudo class which follows regular karate classes.
Classes resume for term 1 today (26/01/26). 4pm at Harrisville Dojo for our new junior class. All regular classes to follow.
Dojo Kun:
Respect, Effort, Courage, Kindness.
Term 1, 2026 starts next week, Monday 26 January.
Enso Karate 