About

What is Karate?

Karate is a martial art and a system of self-defence that originated in Okinawa, an island south of mainland Japan, during the 1600s. The roots of karate stem from even older systems imported form China.

The NSKC train under the Shotokan style of karate. It is one of the most traditional and widely practised forms of Karate in the world today. Shotokan puts heavy focus on kihon (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparing) to develop a range of powerful dynamic techniques.

Karate was introduced to the Japanese public at the turn of the 20^th Century by Gichin Funakoshi. He regarded it not only as an effective martial art but also a means of developing the mind and building character. Funakoshi refined karate and established the Shotokan dojo (training hall) in 1936 deriving the name ‘Shoto’ – the pen name he used when writing poetry. During the air raids of WW2 the Shotokan dojo was destroyed and the growth of karate came to a halt. After the war, followers of Funakoshi’s way re-grouped and in 1949 they formed the Japan Karate Association (JKA) with Funakoshi Gichin as supreme master. The JKA has refined the Shotokan style even further creating a related but unique style all of its own.

What is the JKA?

It is an organisation based in Japan, its mission is the promotion of karate and its benefits and values throughout the world. Its headquarters are in Japan but members span over 100 countries.

JKA England is a nationwide organisation for the development, teaching and promotion of authentic karate in England.

What is the NSKC?

The Newark Shotokan Karate Club is based in Newark, Nottinghamshire and its origins go back some 55 years. It is Newark’s oldest martial arts club. It has always trained with and promoted the traditional style of Shotokan Karate and is a member of the JKA England.

Over the years the club has produced over 20 national champions, numerous regional champions and 10 members have represented their country by competing around the world for the national squad.

What is expected of me if I start training?

The first thing to do is not to worry about what you see, hear and do the first time you train. There is so much to learn and most students find their initial training a little daunting. That is how it should be. However, you will eventually overcome any feelings on self-conscientiousness.

You should also forget any ideas of Karate you have from watching television and films.

There is a strong code of etiquette which breeds respect and you will be expected to follow this code.

You will need to be committed to training as this is a physical sport where practice forms an important part of learning.

There is no initial financial commitment and your first 4 lessons are free. This allows you to see whether or not Karate is for you, with no obligation. If, after this time, you wish to continue you will need to apply for a licence, pay a club membership fee and order a Gi (Karate suit). You will also have to pay for all subsequent lessons.

How old do you have to be to train?

There are no specific limits to age, gender or ability. If a child is capable of retaining focus while training then their age is immaterial. Equally so, an adult of advanced years can train and they will only be limited by their physical ability.

How do I know how well I am doing?

Encouragement and feedback will be given by the instructors during training but in recognition of advancement there is a grading system in place. Periodically, and dependent upon your own pace of development, examinations take place during which you will show your level of acquired skill and dependent upon that level you will be award a grade. The grade is represented by a coloured belt and your JKA licence is updated.

All beginners start as white belts. Following successful gradings, students work through a series of ‘Kyu’ grades represented by different coloured belts. The sequence runs from 9^th Kyu through to 1^st Kyu and the colours run, Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Purple and White Stripe, Brown, Brown and White stripe and finally Brown and 2 White stripes.

The next grade is that of Black Belt or ‘Dan’ grade. All Dan grades are registered in Japan with the JKA.