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.
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.
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.
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.
Please read over our updated health and safety policy before Term 1 begins on 26/01/26. Thanks.
Health and Safety Policy Update 2026
Mouth guards. All students in the 8+ class will require a mouth guard for sparring. These can be purchased online or at stores like Rebel Sport and SMAI. Standard contact sport mouth guards come in a variety of prices and levels of protection. Generally, the entry level mouthguards are fine for our purposes. Note that these require fitting at home prior to use. You can purchase your own or place an order with me once classes resume.
Fingernails and toenails. Nails must be cut short for class. Long nails are a safety hazard to yourself and your training partners.
Jewelry. All jewelry must be removed before class. This includes, rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets and piercings.
Gloves. All students in the 8+ class will require their own personal sparring gloves. These can be the basic elastic mits we have been using or standard MMA style open finger gloves. You can purchase your own or place an order with me once classes resume. Shin pads are optional.
Kobudo (weapons) class will see the introduction of a new level system. Based on a student’s control and knowledge of each weapon, their level will determine the level of sparring they can do. Mouth guards will also be required for this class.
Hygiene and attire. Please ensure your clothing, sparring gear and self are clean for every class. Deodorant is recommended for teens and adults. Karate-gi (uniforms) are optional but please make sure you wear clothes that are appropriate and that you can move freely.
Injuries. Please inform me of any existing injuries before class. Any injuries sustained during class should be reported to me immediately.
Personal safety. Please follow instructions in class to ensure safety of all participants. If anyone feels unsafe during class, please let me know.
Moving forward, all students in the 8+ class will require a mouthguard and their own gloves for sparring.
Entry level, contact sport mouthguards are generally fine for our purposes. Note that these usually require fitting at home prior to use.
Gloves can be the simple elastic mits we currently use or standard MMA style gloves. Open fingers required for gripping.
Mouthguards and both types of gloves will be available to order through me at a discounted rate or you can purchase your own online or in stores such as Rebel Sport or SMAI.
Students will need to bring this safety gear to class every week to participate in sparring activities.
I’ll allow a few weeks at the beginning of term 1 to acquire these items. I’ll still have gloves to use in class for now.
Enso Karate 