Author: Ash Prime

The Enso Karate Kata Matrix

I’m always looking for new ways to help students achieve their goals. Personally, I find visual guides very helpful for getting a clear picture of information. 

I have created this kata matrix as a checklist for grading kata requirements. Students can easily refer to this guide and tick off the kata they know to ensure they meet their next grading goal. 

For each belt level, all circles need to be ticked off. For black stripe belts, the applications for the highest kata must also be known. 

Over the next few weeks I will be using this guide during class to make note of who will be ready for grading at the end of term 3. Those who I see are ready will receive invitations to test.

There’s no rush to grade. If you don’t know your kata yet, it’s best to hold off until you are very confident with all requirements. 

“There are no styles of karate-do, just varying interpretations of its principles.” Mabuni Kenwa. One of my favourite Karate quotes. There’s always so much discussion and emphasis on “styles” online. Is this style good? What’s the best style for this or that? Has anyone heard of this style?… It wasn’t just Mabuni who had this opinion. They all (the “old masters”) just practiced Karate in a way that suited them. Yes, this could be called their own style, but they didn’t intend to create a style to be exactly copied and named. I’m sure most Karateka are aware of the events surrounding the naming of styles. Humans are still very tribal and love labels so it does make sense that people get into the idea of styles. Personally I don’t subscribe to any particular style of Karate. Initially I trained in a Shito-Ryu dojo. Moving on from there I tried another Shito-Ryu dojo that was very different. Even the same style was different. Is there a better example of style being irrelevant? Since then I let go of style names and just practice Karate. You may see elements that some would call Goju-Ryu or something resembling Kyokushin…. To me it’s all just Karate. If you like naming a style, that’s fine of course, but also consider expanding your practice beyond the confines of said style. My school is named Enso Karate. While I would not label what I do as a style, the name selection was intentional. An enso represents a concept. When the mind is free to let the body create. There should be a freedom in your exploration of Karate. There is no one way to do anything. Be open. 

Hi all.
We are now in week 3.
Thanks to all who are continuing with us. It’s great to see the ongoing commitment. Your support keeps Enso Karate classes going.

Please ensure training fees are up to date or contact me to arrange payment over time.

Thanks.

The junior class will have the opportunity to grade towards the end of this term.
This will see the introduction of the new junior belts.
Each level will be a white belt with a coloured stripe (yellow, orange, red etc).
We also have an option for certificate only grading if they don’t want a belt.
Grading is always optional but it can be a great way to motivate students to practice as it’s always rewarding to receive a new belt and/or certificate.
Their first grading will be very simple. A test of their stances and basic techniques.

We all love push-ups right? Sure we do.
They’re great for your body and you can do them anywhere, any time. They do take some practice in the beginning though.

Here’s a video with some tips as well as regressions (easier versions) and progressions (harder versions) that you can try to see what level is right for you to work on.

I recommend keeping track of your push-up training. Keep a notebook or notes app handy to record your numbers. It’s good to see your progress over time.

Try to do regular push-up practice.
One option is to do one set of as many as you can, every day.
Alternatively, three times a week do three sets with a minute or two rest between them.

Some people find it difficult to be motivated to practice. Building a habit that is just part of your daily routine can really help. Think of the things you just do every day. A set of push-ups takes less time than brushing your teeth! You can set a reminder to go off at a certain time each day. 9am. Push-ups! Go! Maybe you prefer afternoon. Whatever works for you. Improving at anything is a choice. It’s up to you do decide that you want to improve and take the necessary steps.

Do some push-ups!

(Unlisted video. You’ll need this link)

https://youtu.be/gmu3KkYpZvI?si=1NPrgaboIOawXKl4

Great start to term 3 this week. Good effort all around. 

A few new members which is always great to see. Welcome. 

At the end of term 3 there will be an opportunity to grade for those who are prepared. If you are keen to test for your next belt, be sure to refer to the grading booklet for your requirements. Those that I see are ready will be invited to test. If you have any questions please let me know.

Personal push-up challenge. 

Challenge yourself to a daily practice push-ups. One set of as many as you can. Setting a reminder can help. Doesn’t take long, just jump down a do what you can. Within a week you will see improvement. Keep note of how many you do each time so you can see the improvement. You may like to add more sets but one set is a good start. I’ll make a video soon about push-up progressions, looking at building up to full push-ups and going beyond. 

That’s all for now. See you next week. 

Karate-gi uniform order.

If anyone would like to order a uniform, please message me by Thursday 5pm so I can place the order on Friday. I need to know height and choice of black or white.
$40 each.

If there’s anything else you’re after such as gloves, pads, weapons, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.

Term 3 starts today. Here’s the class timetable for this term. 

Monday

Harrisville

4:30 – 5:30pm, age 8 – adult

Harrisville Scool of Arts, corner of Queen and Hall Streets, Harrisville.

Wednesday

Ipswich

9:30-10am, age 4-8

10.00 – 11.00am, age 8 – adult

Ipswich Girl Guides Hut, 2B Griffith Rd, Ipswich.

Saturday

Ipswich

2-3pm, age 13+ teens and adults

Ipswich Girl Guides Hut, 2B Griffith Rd, Ipswich.

I encourage higher grade students to try and come to our new Saturday class as well as their weekday class. The addition of an extra training session greatly increases your rate of improvement. 

I’d like everyone to reflect on why you train Karate (or why you send your kids to Karate). There are many valid reasons for participating, but to get the most out of it you should have a clear idea of what you want from it. Is it for self-defence, exercise, social connection, confidence or just fun? Something else? Why you train can impact how you train. So please have a think about this and we might all have a chat in class. 

See you soon.

Term 3 starts on Monday! 👊🏼🥋

See you soon!

Monday

Harrisville

4:30-5-30pm age 8+

Wednesday

Ipswich

9:30-10am age 4-8

10-11am age 8+

Saturday

Ipswich

2-3pm age 13+

Term 3 Fees

With the addition of the Saturday teen/adult class and the junior class, here are the updated term fees. Single class remains the same. For those who would like to attend a second training session per week, the second class is discounted 50%.

Term 3 starts July 14. Please ensure fees are paid by the end of week 2 or let me know if you need to pay over time.