Studying the art of Karate means many things to each individual. What often starts out as just a bit of fun, can become a journey of physical and mental self-development. Under the guidance of our trained Sensei, traditional techniques perfected by generations of Japanese masters can help improve your overall fitness, body strength, speed and agility. Core to the Wado Ryu style is development of principle virtues such as respect, self-control and discipline that ultimately lead to a better understanding of ourselves and our full potential.
Karate is used to great effect across the world to promote a positive lifestyle and is a powerful development tool for adults and children. At Kiryoku we offer regular structured training aimed at all levels of student and make no discrimination on sex, colour, class or creed. We promote acceptance and respect for all our members.
Weekly training classes
Dojo: Robinson Leisure Centre
Time: Saturday 12:15 - 13:15
Class: All grades and ages
Price: Senior £4.00, Junior £3.10
Dojo: Robinson Leisure Centre - Squash courts
Time: Sunday 15:00 - 16:00
Class: All grades and ages
Price: Senior £2.50, Junior £2.00
Beginners are always welcome, but we request that all new junior students be a minumim of 7 years old. Many children find it beneficial to have parents take part, and the Robinson Centre currently offers family discount pricing for training classes on Saturday.
Student grading
Student progress at Kiryoku is recognised with a series of coloured belts. Each belt is issued upon successful completion of a grading test. Belt colour gives students a clear means of progressing through the ranks, and provides a useful guide on how overall technique is improving.
Students are initially ranked in Kyu grades beginning at 10th Kyu (white belt) and will be encouraged to ascend all the Kyu ranks and work towards achieving black belt (1st Dan). At this level karateka are considered 'expert' beginners and are ready to begin the long journey of ascending the Dan rankings. All Dan grades (1st to 10th) are represented with a black belt.
Gradings are used to test a student's knowledge of the three core karate disciplines - Kihon, Kata and Kumite. Details of the individual techniques required for Kyu grades are as follows:
- 10th Kyu - White (awarded on membership)
- 9th Kyu - Red (juniors only)
- 8th Kyu - Yellow
- 7th Kyu - Orange
- 6th Kyu - Green
- 5th Kyu - Blue
- 4th Kyu - Purple
- 3rd Kyu - Brown
- 2nd Kyu - Brown (with 1 black stripe)
- 1st Kyu - Brown (with 2 black stripes)
For further information on Dan grading, please see the official syllabus maintained by Sensei Suzuki 8th Dan Hanshi on
Ko-Bu-Kan.com.