ABILITYKIA ORA!
Welcome to the Summer Edition of the New Zealand Disability Karate Association Newsletter!
We're excited to bring you the first newsletter of 2025 and to kick off another fantastic year. Our first class will be on Wednesday, 22nd January, and we're looking forward to seeing you.
This year brings exciting changes to the club. Including more partner work and a focus on the traditions of Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate.
Also, our search for a suitable hall to open a new dojo in 2025 is ongoing. If you have any suggestions or know of a potential location, please share your ideas with Sensei.
Let's make 2025 a year of growth and success for our karate community!
Hop into Our Easter Class!
Join us on Wednesday, 16th April for a special Easter-themed class! Come dressed in your favourite Easter costume. Will you be a hopping bunny, a chirpy chick, or something unique? We can't wait to see your creative outfits.
The class will be full of fun, including Easter eggs, a lolly scramble, and plenty of exciting games.
This event is open to everyone - current students, past members, and newcomers alike. So bring a friend and let's make it a class to remember!
Who has graded?
Since our last newsletter, we've held two successful gradings. We're so proud of everyone who participated and showcased their progress. Looking ahead, our next grading will be in March. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and refine your skills after the summer break.
In our club there are now.
- 10 white belts (10th kyu)
- 18 yellow belts (9th kyu)
- 27 orange belts (8th kyu)
- 3 green belts (7th kyu)
- 2 blue belts (6th kyu)
- 4 purple belts (5th kyu)
Let's keep up the hard work and aim to achieve new milestones together!
What is coming up.
Our plans for the coming year.
- Publish book six in the Rainbro series.
- Publish the accessible karate coaching book.
- Work with Karate New Zealand to make karate tournaments more accessible.
- We are targeting businesses around Wellington for funding support.
- Have a stand at the Armageddon Expo in April.
- Update the Syllabus to align with Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate.
- Open a third dojo.
- Remember you can invite your friends along to class.
Promoting Inclusivity Together
We're thrilled to share some exciting news! Sensei is to play a pivotal role in development of a program for athletes with disabilities for Karate New Zealand. This initiative aims to further enhance inclusivity. It will create meaningful opportunities within the KNZ community.
To make this program a success, we need your support. Together, we will build on the strengths of our club. And the lessons learned from our first tournament. Your insights, and experiences will be crucial in shaping this program.
This is a fantastic opportunity for our club as we continue to champion inclusivity. Let's work together to make it happen!
Look out for the Autumn issue and feel free to share this newsletter with your friends.
Membership is free and open to anyone who wishes to take part in the martial arts training offered by the club. All the details are on our website. www.karatedojo.nz
Ngā mihi