Starting training

All Sei-Bu-Kan clubs are taught by qualified Black Belts who, along with their own training and advancement, attend specialist courses designed to improve their instruction skills. Standards are maintained by the Association Chief Instructor and the Technical Committee.

The training is structured into three main sections - Kihon, Kata, & Kumite. The first of these, Kihon, is the basic movements of punching and kicking, these are initially done singularly and then developed into combination sequences. Kata are set pieces, something similar to shadow-boxing, that demand technical excellence with clean graceful movements. Kumite is sparring, this goes from pre-arranged pairworks through to free-style fighting. Throughout the training new work is only introduced when the Instructor feels the student is capable.

The Association conducts regular grading examinations under senior examiners. This allows for advancement through the colour belt ranks (called Kyu.) Students are entitled to take examinations after set periods of training as long as permission is granted from club instructors.

What do I need to start?

Initially, all you need is enthusiasm. Once you see the benefits of training and wish to make a commitment to train then you will need several items. The first is a Karate suit (called a Gi) these are obtainable through the club at discount rates. The second is a Karate Licence, this registers you with the national governing body (EKGB,) provides you with insurance cover and is necessary to take a grading. The third is Club Membership, this entitles you to discount rates on training fees, equipment bought through the club & ticket prices for the various club social functions. The Membership and Licence are renewable annually. Club secretaries have all the necessary forms.