ABILITY

Issue #27

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The New Zealand Disability Karate Association Newsletter

Winter 2025

KIA ORA!

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

The evenings may be a little crisp, but that won't stop us! Our dojo is always bright, warm, and full of friendly faces, making it the perfect place to keep moving, stay connected, and have fun all winter long.

In addition to our Saturday morning class, we've just launched our Karate Legends classes for 3 to 6 year olds, an exciting new way to introduce our youngest members to the world of karate in a fun, supportive environment.

Who has graded?

Since our last newsletter, we've celebrated three successful gradings, and it was great to see so many people progress! Looking ahead, our next grading is in September, and we're likely to see some new orange belts in the dojo!

Here's the breakdown of our club's current belt ranks.

  • 8 white belts (10th kyu)
  • 17 yellow belts (9th kyu)
  • 18 orange belts (8th kyu)
  • 19 green belts (7th kyu)
  • 4 blue belts (6th kyu)
  • 6 purple belts (5th kyu)

Let's keep up the awesome work and continue striving for new goals together!

What is coming up.

Our plans for the next quarter.

  • Publish book six in the Rainbro series.
  • Continue writing the accessible karate coaching book.
  • We are targeting businesses around Wellington for funding support.
  • Update the Syllabus to align with Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate.
  • Grow the Saturday class size through a campaign in Lower Hutt.
  • Work with Hutt City Council to market our services to local communities.
  • Remember you can invite your friends along to class.

Little Blue's karate tip

This is a reminder of the first three moves in Kata Sanchin. It will be especially helpful for anyone just starting to learn this kata.

Little Blue standing in Heiko Dachi

Step forward with your right foot into Sanchin Dachi. Both arms perform an inside hooking block (Uchi Uke), angled slightly outward.

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

Move your back foot forward so it lands just in front of your other foot (1). Turn it inward as it touches the floor (2). Then straighten the back foot (3).

Now we move our arms

Pull the left arm back, preparing to strike. Keep the other arm perfectly still.

Little Blue perparing to strike with the left arm

Slowly strike mid-level (Chudan Tsuki), aiming slightly inward.

Little Blue striking with the left arm

Return smoothly to the inside hooking block (Uchi Uke).

Little Blue with both arms in inside hooking block

... and now the other foot

Move your left foot forward to just in front of your other foot (1).Turn it inward as it lands (2). Then straighten the back foot (3).

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

Keep your arms completely still while moving your feet.

Back to our arms

Pull the right arm back, preparing to strike. Keep the other arm very still.

Little Blue perparing to strike with the right arm

Again, slowly strike mid-level (Chudan Tsuki), slightly inward.

Little Blue striking with the left arm

Return smoothly to the inside hooking block (Uchi Uke).

Little Blue with both arms in inside hooking block

Repeat the sequence until you finish with your right foot forward again. That's the first three sets of moves in Kata Sanchin!

History of the Karate Gi

The karate gi is closely modeled on the judogi, which was designed by Jigoro Kano (the founder of judo) in the late 19th century.

When karate was introduced from Okinawa to mainland Japan in the early 20th century (around 1924), practitioners needed a standardised training uniform similar to other martial arts.

Gichin Funakoshi, often called the father of modern karate, adopted the judogi as the basis for the karate training uniform.

Instructions on how to fold a karate uniform. Lay the jacket flat with sleeves spread out. Fold one side of the jacket over the middle, then the other side so it overlaps. Fold one sleeve across the body. Fold the other sleeve across as well. Lay the trousers flat, one leg over the other. Fold the trousers in half lengthwise. Place the folded trousers on top of the folded jacket. Fold everything together into a compact rectangle. Roll the bundle tightly from the bottom upward. Tie the belt around the rolled-up bundle to secure it.

Links to Utility Garments.

Edo-period firemen wore thick quilted cotton jackets (hikeshi hanten), designed to be soaked in water and resist tearing when climbing and pulling during fire duty.

Other working-class uniforms of the Meiji era, like those worn by deliverymen or postmen, were also made of tough cotton, looser cut, and intended to withstand physical strain.

These gave Kano an idea of how to move beyond delicate silk kimono toward hard-wearing cotton canvas clothing. Traditional kimono were too fragile for grabbing, pulling, and throwing. Sleeves tore easily.

Kano wanted a uniform that could be safely grabbed, so students could train full techniques without constantly destroying clothes. And that is the story behind the uniform you wear in the dojo.

Look out for the Summer 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