ShukokaiKARATE-DO · UK
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Association updates25th Anniversary year (1998 - 2023)

CommunityAltrincham Shukokai (Nakashi)

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Altrincham Shukokai (Nakashi) in Greater Manchester.

CommunityBangor Shukokai

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Bangor Shukokai in North Wales.

CommunityBethesda Shukokai (Aka Ryuu)

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Bethesda Shukokai (Aka Ryuu) in North Wales.

CommunityCheadle Shukokai

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Cheadle Shukokai in Cheshire.

AssociationContact

Association officers and the right person for your enquiry.

CommunityConwy Shukokai (Aka Ryuu)

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Conwy Shukokai (Aka Ryuu) in North Wales.

AssociationDan Grading - 17th May 2015

AssociationDenis Casey - 8th Dan

DENIS CASEY 9th Dan (Kudan - 九段 ) Hanshi ( 範士 ) President and Chief Instructor 1968 - Began training in Karate ( Wado-Ryu ) - 4th Kyu ( B.K.A. ) 1970 - Joined the Y.

Association updatesDenis Casey Sensei

KarateEtiquette

Bowing, Seiza, Dojo-kun and respectful practice.

CommunityEvents calendar

Courses, gradings, seminars and squad sessions.

CommunityFind a club

Browse YSSKWU UK member dojos and local details.

CommunityGallery

Photographs from the history and community of Shukokai.

CommunityHessle Shukokai

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Hessle Shukokai in East Yorkshire.

WelcomeHome

Yamada-ha Shito-ryu Shukokai Karate-do Union U.K.

CommunityHuddersfield Shukokai

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Huddersfield Shukokai in West Yorkshire.

CommunityHull Shukokai

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Hull Shukokai in East Yorkshire.

CommunityIlkley Shukokai

Training times, venues, directions and instructor contacts for Ilkley Shukokai in West Yorkshire.

AboutInstructors

Meet the association leadership and senior instructors.

Policies.

Safeguarding, grading, uniform and dojo guidance.

01

Child protection

The YSSKWU UK Child protection policy applies to member clubs throughout the United Kingdom.

02

Gi badge placement

Purchase the Official Gi Badge from an association instructor or representative. For enquiries, contact Andy Plumb.

  • Place the 4.5″ (11.5cm) badge on the left breast pocket area.
  • Centre it horizontally and check it is level when the jacket is worn.
  • Align the two dots with the seam under the armpit when the sleeve is raised.
  • Sew it firmly in place; iron-on backing is not secure enough for training.
Position of the SSU badge on the left breast of a karate gi
View placement diagram

Other badges, logos or insignia require agreement from the association’s Chief Instructor.

03

Grading

Guidance for Kyu grades, from the Members Handbook and Grading Syllabus.

Grading advice
  1. Ensure that you have trained regularly and thoroughly in the techniques and Kata for the grade you hope to achieve.
  2. Make sure you have a current licence, you cannot be graded if you are not licenced.
  3. You must try your best throughout the grading. A grade is awarded on the quality of your performance i.e. good strong stances, snappy techniques, good hip movements, posture and concentration.
  4. Your Kata should be a combination of technical skill, power and concentration and should not be rushed. Do not become distracted and concentrate on the job in hand.
  5. If you do not understand the examiner’s request, ask for it to be repeated. Failure to understand the Japanese terminology will not necessarily go against you, however, you should know the names of the basic techniques.
  6. When called before the examiner quickly move into position and do not forget to bow correctly (a nod of the head is not sufficient), a long deep bow is required.
  7. When waiting your turn to be called, do not lean against the walls and please keep silent when others are grading.
  8. To avoid disruption of the grading please visit the bathroom before entering the dojo.
  9. Remember the examiner is not there to fail you, he wants you to pass but you have to do the right thing during the grading.
  10. All students should wear a clean white Gi with the correct association badge on the left breast of the jacket. Finger/toe nails need to be kept short and no jewellery is to be worn on the grading.
Relevant katas
  • Shio-Tsuki (X Kata)
  • Ju Ni No Kata (H Kata)
  • Pinan Nidan
  • Pinan Shodan
  • Pinan Sandan
  • Pinan Yondan
  • Pinan Godan
  • Sanchin
  • Juroku
  • Tensho
  • Naifanchi Shodan
  • Matsukaze
  • Bassai Dai (Bassai-dai)
  • Kosokun Dai (Kosokun-dai)
Grading notes
  1. Combinations should be practised in both Kihon and Kumite forms, and on both the left and right hand sides.
  2. A minimum of three months between each grading is needed. Based on training twice a week (6 months for Brown belt).
  3. All Katas relevant to your grading need to be practised continually and perfected and performed at the correct pace.
  4. Ju Ni No Kata (H Kata) (12 years and above); Shio-Tsuki (X Kata) (11 years and below)
  5. 1 Black stripe is to be affixed to the Brown belt for 3rd Kyu, 2 for 2nd Kyu and 3 Black stripes for 1st Kyu.

Above is an extract from the Members Handbook/Grading Syllabus. Please refer to this for full details. For the Dan grading policy speak to your instructor, or contact the association for guidance.

04

Dojo hygiene

Look after yourself and your training partners with the 10 rules for a healthy dojo.

Read the 10 rules
  1. If you’re feeling sick please stay at home.

    Don’t infect your classmates. Rest, recuperate and come back stronger!

  2. Personal hygiene is important.

    Everyone appreciates a clean, fresh training partner.

  3. Keep your fingernails and toenails short and groomed.

    Avoid scratching your partners - It’s annoying, painful and takes time to heal.

  4. Tape up any cuts, cover any grazes.

    Protect yourself from infection and prevent cuts from opening up.

  5. Wash your hands before and after every dojo session.

    Soap and hot water is best. However, hand sanitizer is the next best thing.

  6. Always use footwear when visiting the toilet.

    Socks don’t count. Please remove belt/gi jacket and wear footwear when visiting the toilet.

  7. No shoes on the mats. No bare feet off the mats.

    Mats are expensive - let’s not scuff or tear them. Shoes carry a multitude of germs on to the mat.

  8. If you sweat a lot bring a towel.

    A simple courtesy to all your training partners!

  9. Remove or cover piercings or jewellery.

    Avoid catching and injuring yourself or your partner. Also, avoid damaging your valuables.

  10. Wash your Gi and any other training wear regularly.

    Wipe down your mits/gloves, wash your gum shield!

Read or print the dojo guide

Accessible HTML edition. Original DOCX and PDF files are unavailable.