BURNSIDE KARATE OFFERS YOU SEIBUKAN-STYLE KARATE

What is Seibukan Karate?

A variant of the popular Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate style whose beginning was in 1962. At Burnside martial arts, they mainly train on Seibukan karate.

Information for beginning students

For interested beginners, there is a lot of information online on fees, bookings, classes and curriculum schedule.

One needs to call the Karate school of interest or email them from the contacts provided on their websites in order to set up an appointment for the initial class. This first class is invariably for induction.

These induction lessons are set up later in the afternoon hours just in time for commencement of evening lessons. During orientation, all the required paperwork is done andthe deposit for tuition paid.

Additionally, at the initial visit the student is exposed to the basic beginner karate moves and is familiarised with class hours and procedures

The student also gets an opprotunity to interact with their trainers and also to tour the compound of the school and familiarise with other staff and its environment.

At the initial lesson, all concerns can be raised by the new trainee and responded to. All new students should seek to ask as much as they need to know in order to be confortable during the learning period. As well, if they are are suffering from any medical condition that may limit learning, these will also be discussed. Other housekeeping issues such as rules and regulations and discipline will also be pointed out.

Notably evey student needs to wear their karate uniform during lessons. Acquiring one is necessary before beginning trainng sessions. These can be availed at the school or the student can buy one from local stores

Payment for tuition fee can be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT). If a student desires to make cash payment, this should be done well in advance, before beginning classes with a receipt offered for the course duration. The fee structure is provided in the website. One can pay in installments although since it’s a continuing learning process it is advisable to pay up for all classes where possible to avoid stalling.

Of note, do some sit ups and push-ups to prepare yourself for the intense physical exertion and conditioning that results from karate training.

Lesson plan

Classes meet at regular sessions biweekly. It's expected that students perfect the moves learnt to increase their ability to progress.

Terminologies used in class include:

1. Basic exercises called Kihon include punches, kicks and blocks
2. Movement sets called ZenshinKotai- an advancement from basic exercises.
3. The IpponKumite- student’s partner for certain intense drills meant to teach defense from attacks.
4. Formal pre- organized movements called Kata which also entail self defense
5. Belt Karate- Different levels or ranks that are learnt stepwise and awarded at completion.
6. A chart of lineage-This provides history of the founding Seibukan teacher.
7. The Dojo Kun- a Seibukan "moral code".
8. Review of books for further learning.