Club Information

  Aims & Objectives

The Washin School of Martial Arts is a school of karate that seeks to pursue the traditional values of Karate and of the Martial Arts. These are:

The martial art that we practice is karate based upon the Japanese karate system of Shotokan with strong influences from other systems and styles.

As a school our aim is to assist every student to develop their full potential in the art of karate. This includes not only developing their physical skills but also self esteem, self-discipline and confidence.

In Washin School of Martial Arts, we practice Karate as a practical form of self-defence, as an art and as a philosophy. Fancy titles or colourful Karate uniforms have no purpose in our school. Such things only serve to build up the ego of the participant and is detrimental to the spirit of the Martial Arts.

In Washin School of Martial Arts philosophy plays a vital role in training. We believe that it is important to instil in students the values of respect, courage and self-control. The development of a strong spirit is essential, as is the development of the qualities such as determination, commitment, humility and common sense. We believe that these values cannot be taught in an atmosphere that is regimented with brute strength, selfishness and a disregard for others. In Washin School of Martial Arts our aim is to develop a warm, friendly and safe environment where learning occurs and where all students are respected, while still maintaining the discipline which is characteristic of all Martial Arts.

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The Name and Symbol.

The philosophy of our club is reflected in our name and symbol. Wa is a Japanese term which means peace or harmony and Shin means spirit or heart. The symbol that I have chosen for the club is that of a Dove. To many people the Dove is a western symbol of peace and this best reflects the philosophy of our club.

Located within our logo are five Japanese characters Wa (Peace), Shin (Spirit), Kara (China), Te (Hand), Jutsu (Art). While Wa and Shin represent the name of our club China hand art reminds us of the origin of our art. Today modern karate is referred to as "Karate Do" meaning the "way of the empty hand". As stated earlier this concept has only been used to describe karate since the 1930s and since then Karate has moved away from being a practical art form to becoming a sport orientated practice. We have the characters of China hand art in our logo because it gives recognition of where our art truly came from.

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Club Motto.

Karate Ni Sente Nashi

Our club has adopted a commonly used saying of "Karate Ni Sente Nashi" as our motto. It means that in Karate there is no first attack. Karate is an art of self defence and must always be practiced as such. It should never be used for show and all students should remember the responsibility they have in learning such an art.

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Dojo Kun.

The Dojo Kun are dojo motto’s or moral codes to remind the students of important moral principles that must be followed when studying Karate. Each school or dojo has its own "Dojo Kun". Below is the "Dojo Kun" set out for our school.

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"Karate Ni Sante Nashi" - In Karate there is no First Attack.

This training principle stresses the development of self-control not only in karate but also in life in general. As stated above Karate is an art of self-defence and must always be practised as such however confrontations can take the shape of many forms and the best way to deal with them is to avoid them.

As water is sensitive to the slightest breath of wind this principle refers to the perfect calm and confidence one should have when faced with whatever the world may bring us. A calm mind gives us the ability to think clearly and will lead us to make the right decisions in any situation.

"Shin, Gi, Tai " - Mind, Technique, Body.

The aim of training in Karate is to develop a complete person. So all three aspects of "mind", "technique" and "body" should be trained together. As you progress in Karate all three aspects should develop in harmony.

Determination, motivation and self confidence are all aspects of "Konjo" or fighting spirit. Accepting one's limitations and seeking to overcome them with a strong determined spirit is a quality that we must all seek to develop.

`Seiryoku Zenyo" - Maximum efficiency, Minimum Effort.

This principle implies that the techniques that we practice in Washin School of Martial Arts are effective and practical and can be used with the minimum of effort.

"Furuki o Tazune Atarashiki o Shiru" - Study the Old to Understand the New.

To fully understand what we practice today, and to use it to its most effectiveness it is necessary to study Karate history. We must study the methods of the founders of our art and how they were changed and what effects these changes had.

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What Style Do We Teach?

The principle style that is taught in Washin School of Martial Arts is based upon Shotokan Karate. but we have also incorporated many throwing, wrist locking and self defence techniques to form a very effective Karate System.

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Karate Ranks.

In Washin School of Martial Arts we adopt the kyu/dan grading system to indicate the ability reached by our students studying with our school. The kyu/dan system is standard among many Japanese based martial arts. Kyu ranks are grades of the martial arts below the level of black belt, while Dan grades indicate the ranks above.

Currently in Washin School of Martial Arts our grading system consists of nine ranks below the level of black belt and three above. The colour of the kyu grades vary from school to school, as well from the different martial art disciplines.

The Washin School of Martial Art training curriculum is divided into four main phases of training.

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Children’s Classes.

At Washin School of Martial Arts we offer separate children’s classes so we can cater for their special needs. Classes are focused upon developing skill and discipline while having fun.

Classes for children are designed to develop and strengthen the child by developing character, confidence and self control, qualities which will go a long way in helping youth avoid many of the problems facing them today.

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What Does Training Consist of ?

Karate training involves the practice of kihon, the study of kata and the application of techniques in kumite. All three areas of training are important and interrelated. For Karate to be an effective art of self defence our training is structured into a logical format based upon rational principles. Every movement that we practice has purpose and every drill has a function, otherwise it is not practiced.

To achieve the best results from Karate practice, we adopt a holistic approach to training. While Karate is often practiced as just a kicking and punching art, we believe that techniques such as throwing, controlling and a range of wrist and arm locks should be practiced and mastered.

This philosophy is not new to Karate, in fact the founder of Shotokan Karate, Gichin Funakoshi, combined two styles of Karate to form Shotokan and in his book “Karate do Kyohan” he states that, “In Karate hitting, thrusting and kicking are not the only methods; throwing techniques and pressure against joints are also included” (Funakoshi 1973 p 227).

As Karate is a practical art, one must be able to defend oneself from any attack, at any range, regardless if your opponent is in middle or close range, has a weapon or is even on top of you. It is crucial that you practice a range of effective techniques and strategies that are appropriate to the situation that you are in.

At the end of the day it must be taken into account that, "the way you train is the way you will react". If you decide that it is best only to restrain your opponent, your training will allow you to take up this option. If your training has not let you experience simulated threatening situations such, as being grabbed, thrown to the floor or attacked with a knife, then your practice has a weakness which will strongly affect your ability to defend yourself . It must be noted that the prime reason why many people take up Karate is to be able to defend themselves.

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Training Venues

This  page was last updated on Monday, March 29, 2004

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