Author: Ash Prime

The purpose of practicing kata is not to perform a solo routine, but to ingrain the movements in your mind and body, and to understand the applications. With much repetition and combined with partnered application drills, the techniques of kata become instinctual and effective for self-defence.

Kata can be practiced for aesthetic, meditative or exercise purposes and these are valid reasons to do kata, but they are not the ultimate goal.

If the entire sequence of a kata is challenging to remember, simply break it into smaller sections. The whole kata is never applied in a self-defence scenario. The kata simply offers options to apply depending on the situation. Understanding each short series of movements is more important than being able to perform the entire kata as a routine.

Think of kata as an encyclopedia of self-defence. Each individual kata is a book. Each short sequence within a kata is a chapter of that book. Focus on the meaning of the chapters and eventually you will understand the book. Over time you will collect more books and your encyclopedia will expand.

Term 2 Grading

Grading application forms are due back by week 6. We are currently in week 4. 

Grading will be held in week 9, the second last week of term 2.

Harrisville – 15 June

Ipswich – 17 June

Please reach out if you have any questions. 

Grading is approaching at the end of this term. I recommend working on the required kata to ensure you are prepared. Grading is also based on effort throughout the term and general progression of individual ability.

Videos for all required kata are available on our website here:

https://ensokarate.net/videos/

Junior Grading Kata Requirements

Yellow White – Junior Kata One 

Orange White – Junior Kata One and Two

Red White – Junior Kata One, Two and Three 

Senior Grading Kata Requirements

Each colour adds a new kata. For each colour there is a solid colour belt and a black stripe belt. The black stripe requires deeper understanding of the required kata.

Yellow – Kihon Kata 

Yellow Black – Kihon Kata 

Orange – Kihon and Sanchin Kata 

Orange Black – Kihon and Sanchin Kata 

Red – Kihon, Sanchin and Tensho Kata 

Red Black – Kihon, Sanchin and Tensho Kata 

Purple – Kihon, Sanchin, Tensho and Saifa Kata 

Purple Black – Kihon, Sanchin, Tensho and Saifa Kata 

Brown – Kihon, Sanchin, Tensho, Saifa and Rohai Kata 

Brown Black – Kihon, Sanchin, Tensho, Saifa and Rohai Kata 

Black White – Kihon, Sanchin, Tensho, Saifa, Rohai and Kusanku Kata 

Black – Kihon, Sanchin, Tensho, Saifa, Rohai and Kusanku Kata

黙想
Mokuso
Silence Thought

At the beginning and end of class we sit in seiza, kneeling and take a moment to breathe, calming the mind and body. You will hear me say “mokuso”.

This serves several purposes. At the beginning of class this helps us to prepare for training, focusing the mind and letting go of external influences, things that may have happened in the day, worries and so on. Focusing on the training ahead.

At the end of class this helps us to calm the mind and body which can be tense and excited from training. Deep breaths help to calm the nervous system and slow the heart rate, returning to a peaceful state.

Practice of meditation also teaches us how to remain calm in stressful situations, whether that be general life or a physical self-defence encounter. Under pressure, we need to be able to relax to perform at our best. While we only do a very short meditation in class, it is beneficial. I encourage all to try more regular and longer practice of meditation at other times as well. It’s quite simple in theory. Just sit upright in a comfortable position, relax your body and feel your breath. You may like to close your eyes or just look at something not too distracting. That’s it. When you notice you are thinking (you will be) try again to just feel your breath or notice your heartbeat. Continue as long as feels comfortable or even a little more. Thoughts will always continue, but we can try not to become attached to them, letting them flow on by. Frequent practice teaches the body how to find calm in any moment, so the more you practice, the easier it will be to use in a practical way throughout your life.

Why not have a go right now? Just for a moment.

New videos have been added to the YouTube channel for Junior Kata One, Two and Three. See link below.

https://youtube.com/@ensokarate?si=lKln0xi5uDr3Dk4B

Welcome back! Great start to term 2 this week.
A few things to mention…

We will have a grading at the end of this term for those keen to earn their first or next belt. Both junior and senior classes will have this opportunity. This will not include any black belt grading. Throughout the term we will work on grading requirements for all levels.

Reminder that gloves and mouth guards are a requirement for 9+ class. If you do not yet have your own, please acquire these as soon as possible.

I will place a gear order at the end of week 2. If you need to order uniform, gloves or mouth guard, please let me know.

Please ensure term fees are up to date or let me know if you need to pay over time.

Any questions, please feel free to message me.

That’s all for now.

Wake up, Karate Smurf!

Term 2 starts today.

Greetings all.
I hope everyone has enjoyed the break.

Classes resume for term 2 on Monday 20 April. Timetable and fees remain the same as term 1.

I’ll place a gear order in the coming weeks for gloves and mouth guards (both required for all 9+ members) and uniforms (optional).

See you soon.

Greetings all.
With just this Saturday’s class left, we come to the end of term 1. Thank you to all who have joined us for the past 10 weeks. The new junior class at Harrisville has been well received and will continue next term. Great effort from everyone across all classes.

Term 2 starts Monday April 20 at Harrisville Dojo and Wednesday April 22 at Ipswich Dojo.

Is Kobudo even useful?

In Queensland it’s illegal to carry any sort of implement for the purpose of self-defence. That’s why unarmed arts like Karate are important. Kobudo practice can still be of value. It develops dexterity, hand-eye coordination, spacial awareness, grip strength and more. It also gives us an understanding of how various shaped implements can be used. This is advantageous should we be faced with an armed adversary. Knowing the range and movements of these tools can help us defend against them. We also develop the ability to use any found object for defence: a stick, a book, regular tools, your karate belt, keys, etc. 

Kobudo is also just fun and that’s enough reason to do something.

The kama (sickle) in particular can even be used for a spot of gardening. It was originally a farming tool after all.