ABILITYKIA ORA!
Welcome to the Winter (and Autumn) issue of the New Zealand Disability Karate Association newsletter!
We know it's arriving a bit later than usual, and there was no Autumn issue. We promise that the Spring issue will be published in October.
Now that all the Rainbro books have been published Sensei has started writing an accessible karate coaching book. The working title is, "Accessible Karate". If you can think of a more snappy title for the book please let Sensei know your ideas. You may see it in a bookshop some day.
Who has graded?
Since our last newsletter, we've celebrated four successful gradings. It is great to see so many people progress! Looking ahead, our next grading is in August, and we're likely to see a few new blue belts in the dojo!
Here's the breakdown of our club's current belt ranks.
- 11 white belts (10th kyu)
- 18 yellow belts (9th kyu)
- 12 orange belts (8th kyu)
- 20 green belts (7th kyu)
- 9 blue belts (6th kyu)
- 7 purple belts (5th kyu)
There are 77 people in our club all striving to reach new goals!
What is coming up.
Our plans for the next quarter.
- 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.
- Run our second tournament at the end of August.
- Remember you can invite your friends along to class.
All our kata.
Here is a list of all our kata and how they improve your karate. Our style is based on Okinawan Goju Ryu karate. Once you have mastered the first seven kata you will be ready for your black belt.
- Taikyoku Jodan (first kata): Introduction to karate kata.
- Sanchin: Foundation of Goju Ryu. Develops strength, breathing, and inner calm.
- Gekisai Dai Ichi: Focus on basic techniques and strong, stable movements.
- Gekisai Dai Ni: A variation that builds strength and sharpens concentration.
- Saifa: Refines balance, blocks, and powerful counterattacks.
- Seiyunchin: Develops close-range defense and total body control.
- Shisochin: Teaches timing, evasion, and efficient use of energy.
- Sanseru: Focuses on speed, agility, and dynamic techniques.
- Sepai: Improves coordination and fluid combination movements.
- Kururunfa: Enhances flexibility and natural circular motion.
- Seisan: Builds strong stances and powerful hand techniques.
- Suparunpei: Trains rhythm, balance, and precision.
- Tensho: Advanced kata that integrates all principles of Goju Ryu.
Tournament 2026!
Don't forget to return your entry form to Sensei by Friday 31st July (sooner would be better).
We need your entry forms so we can order participation medals, tournament tee shirts, and organise the competition draws. This will ensure everyone receives the support they need on the day.
Want a tournament tee shirt? Email steve@karatedojo.nz. Don't forget to include your tee shirt size so we can place the order.
We're looking forward to an amazing day celebrating karate and kobudo in Wellington. We can't wait to see you there!
Your tournament entry form.
If you don't have an entry form, you can send an email to steve@karatedojo.nz with the following information.
- Your full name.
- Your current grade.
- Your club name.
Answer the questions below with a yes or no.
- Individual karate kata?
- Team karate kata?
- Individual kobudo kata?
- Team kobudo kata?
- Support/modified Kata required?
- Junior division, up to 15 years old?
Tournament is on Saturday 29th August 2026 at the Lower Hutt Events Centre, 30c Laings Road, Lower Hutt. The doors open at 9am. The tournament starts at 10am.
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
Ngā mihi