Well what a Start
Welcome to all of our new members and of course all of you are new. This is our first ever club
newsletter, so it is a great feeling writing this one. Following a year touring the world to hone our
karate and kobudo (weapon) skills we were very keen to start our new kids karate dojo.
Unfortunately with our own children aged 18 to 29 we took all our leaflets into the schools the
day before they broke up for Easter! Great market research, but, thanks to a couple of the schools
they still managed to get the leaflets out to some of the students who actually turned up. Not to
be deterred we carried on and following the break we have got the beginning of a great kids club
forming. So thank you all for just walking through the door, which is always the hardest bit.
Events
Although we are a new dojo we already have a few dates to mention as follows: -
Sunday May 21st 2006
This is the GKI’s national annual competition. All grades are welcome, even beginners, or just
come along to watch as the event is held locally at St Crispins Leisure Centre, London Road,
Wokingham. Anybody wishing to compete please see Sensei Andre or Sensei Daphne for your
name to be submitted, but don’t forget you will need a licence and all protective equipment before
the day.
Saturday June 8th 2006
The Grove school in Frimley has asked us to do a demonstration in their school fete. We feel
sure by then all you students will want to show off all the new skills you have learnt in the next
two months.
Sunday June 9th 2006
Dr Tony Moore who runs the Frimley Community Centre has also given us a 15 minute slot on
the same weekend to demonstrate our skills at the Frimley Green Carnival.
Senseis Andre and Daphne in Okinawa demonstrating karate for the Jundokan.
Price Reduction
Following the formation of the club and confirmation of our instructors’ positions within the club
we have been able to increase our discount on some of the equipment for sale. By all means shop
around for your equipment and please let us know if we are drastically out on these prices, but,
we can assure you that the small profit made from selling these items will go back towards
increasing the equipment used within the dojo and will benefit all the children.
Licensing
We suggest that after one months training and with a few lessons behind your child that you apply
for the GKI licence book and annual licence. This allows a student to compete and grade within
the association. The licence in conjunction with Karate England, our governing body, will also
give the student insurance cover and allow them to compete in any Karate England open
tournament. We suggest that all applications for licensing are returned to us so that we can record
and deal with your application. The licence form will be updated to reflect this change shortly
and will save you postage.
Grading
We intend to have three to four gradings a year depending on available dates to recognise and
promote the efforts of our students. The grading will take place within the dojo up to 1st Kyu and
follow the GKI standard. Shodan (1st Dan) black belts and above are always taken at a GKI
Gasshuku (course) held twice yearly in front of a grading panel, although this will be a good few
years away for all you beginners. To grade you will need a current licence and the proper attire.
A minimum 18 attendances is required before a grading will even be considered. An examination
fee of under £10.00 (varies on age, under/over 14) is payable on the day which includes
certification.
