ABILITY

Issue #3

Close

The New Zealand Disability Karate Association Newsletter

Winter 2019

Tēnā koutou

Welcome to the Winter issue of the New Zealand Disability Karate Association newsletter.

Since the last newsletter there has been two gradings and two new students who have joined our club. We also have a new Sensei, which will allow us to give you more help with your karate.

We are talking to the New Zealand Karate Federation to see if we can become affiliated. This will allow us to enter their competitions. The NZKF is a stepping-stone for the Olympics.

We have applied for funding from Wellington City Council. We should know in August if we have been successful.

Who has graded?

There have been two gradings since our last newsletter.

Our students showing their new belts
  • We have 1 new yellow belt (9th kyu)
  • And 5 new orange belts (8th kyu)
  • Our orange belts have started working on their new kata
  • We will most likely have 6 orange belts before Christmas
  • We are expecting our first green belt (7th kyu) in the New Year

A new Sensei

We have been looking for a new sensei since the start of the year. They had to be a practising karateka and want to follow our club principles. Straten was just the person to join us.

Here are a few key facts about Sensei Straten

  • Started karate when he was 5 years old.
  • Trains almost every day.
  • Trains with GKR karate.
  • Has won gold medals for Kumite and Kata.
  • Competed in GKR world competitions in Australia.
  • Holds the rank of 2nd kyu with GKR karate.
  • His mum also does karate.

What is coming up

Our plans for the next quarter

  • We are on track to see our first 7th kyu student, which is green belt, next year.
  • We need to grow the second class.
  • We are working on the grading requirements for the rank of 6th kyu (blue belt).
  • Marketing and fund raising is a big focus for this quarter.
  • We will be doing a leaflet drop around the area.
  • Remember you can invite your friends along to class.

Little Blue's karate tip

How to do the first 3 moves in Kata Sanchin.

Little Blue standing in Heiko dachi

We move forward into Sanchin Dachi with our right foot. Both arms in inside hooking block (Uchi uke) and slightly angled out.

Little Blue demonstrating inside hooking block preparation
Little Blue showing how the feet move

Our back foot moves forward to just in front of our other foot (1) and then turns in as it lands(2). The back foot then straightens (3).

Now we move our arms

Pull the left arm back ready to strike. Remember to keep the other arm very still.

Little Blue perparing to strike with the left arm

Now slowly strike mid-level (Chudan tsuki) and slightly inwards.

Little Blue striking with the left arm

Slowly return to inside hooking block (Uchi uke).

Little Blue with both arms in inside hooking block

... and now the other foot

Our left foot moves forward to just in front of our other foot (1) and then turns in as it lands(2). The back foot then straightens (3).

Little Blue demonstrating inside hooking block preparation
Little Blue showing how the feet move

Remember to keep your arms very still as you move your feet.

Back to our arms

Pull the right arm back ready to strike. Remember to keep the other arm very still.

Little Blue perparing to strike with the right arm

Again slowly strike mid-level (Chudan tsuki) and slightly inwards.

Little Blue striking with the left arm

And slowly return to inside hooking block (Uchi uke).

Little Blue with both arms in inside hooking block

We repeat the moves so we end up with our right foot forward again. And that is how we do the first 3 sets of moves in Kata Sanchin.

Look out for the Spring 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

THE END