Norwich

Karate Do Shotokai is an ideal martial art for kids.

Fun, fast and safe activities are emphasised for the junior group so young people can learn traditional karate through building body confidence, concentration and self-discipline.

Instructors

• DSB (previously CRB) checked
• Qualified in 1st Aid
• Fully insured
• Full members of Sports Coach UK
• Have trained for many years under the guidance of Master Harada Sensei MBE and the KDS technical executive

What makes us different?

KDS is a traditional martial art. This means we focus on traditional skills and understanding. We do not enter competition. We believe that competition is against the true spirit of martial arts. This is not to say that we do not physically challenge each other in training, but consider that as competition often has strict rules and regulations many techniques and skills cannot be demonstrated.

As junior members mature and their skill level increase they will be physically challenged to enable their karate to develop. This progress is well monitored and kids are given building blocks which help them to progress as individuals. We recognise that everyone is different.

Our form of karate relies on developing body confidence and understanding how the body can develop strength, flexibility and move efficiently. We welcome questions and always try to explain why a technique works so kids know how the physical side of karate makes sense and they can put this understanding into their own training.

The club is a non-profit making organisation. All fees go back into the club for the benefit of its members. The club has a monthly membership subscription which covers all insurance and grading and an attractive starting package.

The KDS grading system

For both adults and juniors the KDS belt system moves from white to black through the following colours.

• Beginner = White Belt
• 6th Kyu = Red Belt
• 5th Kyu = Yellow Belt
• 4th Kyu = Orange Belt
• 3rd Kyu = Green Belt
• 2nd Kyu = Blue Belt
• 1st Kyu = Brown Belt
• 1st Dan = Black Belt
• 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Dan = Black Belt

We have 5th Dan as our highest grade because traditionally this was the highest level which was awarded by Gichin Funakoshi the founder of Karate. Master Harada has held the rank of 5th Dan which was personally awarded to him by Gichin Funakoshi in 1956. Sometime you hear of people being 6th, 7th and even 8th Dans! These are honorary type awards given by different organizations to their experienced practitioners but are unimportant in grading terms and an 8th Dan from one organisation is not necessarily better than a 2nd Dan in another, this is why we stick with the traditional system.

Within this system the junior grading has specific criteria which means that a junior black belt is not the same as an adult black belt. Junior black belts are 1st Dan, but will be graded through the adult system when they are 18. When juniors become experienced practitioners or start to reach the age of 15 or 16 when they are physically maturing they will be invited to join some sessions with the adult group when the junior instructors are training. This experience helps their karate to develop and assists in the transition to adult practice.

Karate KiDS practice at 18.30 – 19.30 at the Willow Centre, Cringleford