Class Structure
We run our classes every Wednesday at 3:30PM.
Students from ages 5 to 13 are most welcome at our dojo.
What should you expect?
Warm-Up
Each class begins with a comprehensive warm-up to prepare both the body and mind for training.
This includes dynamic stretching, light cardio, and joint mobility exercises to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Kyokushin emphasises building endurance and strength, so warm-ups also incorporate basic strength training movements such as push-ups, squats, and core work to enhance conditioning.
Basic Moving Techniques
(Kihon & Kihon Ido)
After the warm-up, students focus on kihon (basic techniques) and kihon ido (basic techniques in motion).
This section involves practicing fundamental stances, punches, blocks, and kicks, moving across the dojo to build proper form, balance, and precision.
In Kyokushin, strong basics are essential for advanced techniques, so this is an important part of every class, instilling muscle memory and discipline.
Self-Defense
(Goshin Jutsu)
Following kihon, the class transitions into self-defense drills.
These exercises teach practical techniques, including defending against common attacks such as grabs, strikes, and holds.
Kyokushin’s full-contact philosophy is reflected in these drills, which focus on using body weight and power effectively defend against opponents.
Students practice both individual and partner drills, learning how to respond in a controlled and effective manner.
Exercise and Conditioning
To finish, students engage in additional physical conditioning and exercises aimed at improving strength, stamina and mental toughness.
This can include body-weight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, along with intense cardio drills such as sprints and bag work.
Kyokushin Karate values pushing physical and mental limits, so this section helps students build resilience and prepares them for the rigours of sparring and competition when experience is gained.
Mas Oyama - Founder
Kyokushin Karate originates from the teachings of Masutatsu "Mas" Oyama (1923 - 1994), a Korean-born practitioner of the Shotokan and Goju-Ryu styles of karate.
His philosophy was a practical one - believing that karate can only be "true" and worthwhile if it has the strength to stand up against the brutality of real combat.
This is where the name "Kyokushin" comes from, meaning "ultimate truth" or "one true path".
From this philosophy, he developed his own style, alternating between intense solitary training, teaching his students, and displaying the merits of his new style through legendary public appearances - like fighting bulls barehanded and prevailing.
Dojo Etiquette
1. When entering or leaving the Dojo, stand in the doorway, face the front, bow and say "OSU". This represents a mark or respect for the Dojo and the people in it.
2. If late for training, kneel at the side of the class towards the back, facing away in SEIZA (formal kneeling position). When the instructor
acknowledges you, stand up, turn to the front , bow and say "OSU" then "Shitsurei
Shimasu" (excuse me for disturbing), then quickly join the back of the class.
3. Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in the Dojo.
4. Always move quickly in class when instructed to do something. DO NOT STROLL.
5. Do not practise KUMITE unless instructed to do so.
6. Do not break rank for any reason, without asking permission from the
instructor. If you must leave your position, do not walk between the instructor and the class. Walk behind the row you are in to either
side and proceed from there.
7. Always address the instructor and seniors by their proper title (SEMPAI,
SENSEI, SHIHAN) inside the Dojo. Acknowledge them with a loud "OSU" when they speak to you.
8. Your training should be a serious matter. Do not laugh, giggle, talk or cause disruption during the class. You should always stand in FUDO DACHI when
awaiting the next command.
9. All directions, by instructor, should be obeyed in the Dojo, without question. You will not be asked to do anything that your instructor has not done him/herself already. If you cannot keep up, do the best
you can.
10. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
11. During the break: No sitting on chairs, leaning against the wall or lying
down. Do some training rather
than waste time.
12. It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times.
13. Your karate-gi must be neat and washed clean at all times. Your belt should NEVER be washed, only aired dry. It symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training, and under no circumstances are male karatekas allowed to wear t-shirts or other clothing underneath their karate-gi.
14. Don't wear jewellery or watches during training.