What is Karate Karate is a system of self defence and physical culture originally developed and refined in Okinawa and Japan. The word is formed from the Japanese words Kara (empty) and Te (hand), symbolising that its practitioners - Karateka - are unarmed, but use their hands and feet for blocking and striking. Training is conducted within an environment based on certain Japanese cultural practices. What is the KUGB The KUGB - Karate Union of Great Britain - is a democratic body controlled by its membership and operates under an approved constitution. All positions on its committees are elected at the Annual General meeting by its members. Its fully audited accounts are presented annually for approval by the AGM. It consists of over 400 clubs, all of which practice Shotokan Karate. It was established in 1966 as a democratic and non-profit making organisation for the development of Shotokan Karate and is affiliated to European and World Shotokan Karate Bodies. It has clubs established in many Sports Centres, Universities and Schools. It is by far the largest and most successful single-style association in Great Britain with currently almost 11,000 members who enjoy many benefits, including the following: FREE INSTRUCTORS' COURSES FREE BLACK AND BROWN BELT COURSES FREE REFEREES' & JUDGES' COURSES FREE SQUAD COURSES FREE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL SQUADS WHEN COMPETING plus: Free and subsidised all-grade courses Subsidised Regional and National Championships The KUGB has worked with many establishment bodies over the years to develop standards and guidelines to help ensure that its instructors teach in a safe and professional manner. These include: A Karate syllabus for GCSE and A level in Physical Education approved by the AQA, Edexcel or OCR Examining Boards A tailored First Aid approved by the Red Cross Approved Guidelines for its Instructors with the Open College Network - OCN Approved Guidelines for Teaching Children with the Child Protection in Sport Unit Registered with the Criminal Records Bureau providing the facility for its members to be police-checked. Can anyone train with the KUGB Karate can be practiced by men, women and children. Our students range from the very young to senior citizens. Anyone who is in reasonable health can train at karate. Karate students will improve their health, self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in the behaviour of children who train regularly at KUGB clubs. This is because of our disciplined training structure and the emphasis placed on good etiquette. The costs of training with the KUGB Karate is a reasonably inexpensive pursuit. The KUGB club fees are low compared to many other sports and hobbies. The main equipment needed is a Karate suit and belt. Members also need to purchase an annual KUGB licence. KUGB Instructors KUGB clubs are under the instruction of qualified Black Belts who are provided with the opportunity to attend numerous free training courses dealing with all aspects of Karate and other skills such as first-aid, club administration, instruction skills (for all levels and ages), nutrition, anatomy and flexibility. Standards are maintained by the KUGB Technical Committee whose members range from 6th to 7th Dan. The benefits of Karate training The physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promotes overall good health, fitness and well-being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident and determined character. There is a ‘Dojo Kun’, or training code, which not only ensures a disciplined training environment, but serves as a tool for improving behaviour, so that a true Karateka will only use their fighting skills as a last resort. What is involved in KUGB training Training is structured into three main sections - Kihon (fundamental techniques), Kata (formal exercises) and Kumite (sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced as basic blocking and counter-attacking, but will progress to free-sparring which develops the timing, reflexes and co-ordination necessary for self defence and competition. KUGB competitions Karate is an exciting and challenging sport. The KUGB has competed Internationally since 1968 and has achieved numerous World and European titles in both team and individual events. There are club and Regional events for all ages and grades, with opportunities for selection to the KUGB English, Scottish, Welsh and British Squads. There are separate championships for children and for students who are in full-time education at Colleges and Universities. KUGB gradings KUGB students are entitled to take grading examinations after set periods of training. The gradings are conducted by Senior Examiners, and there is a grading syllabus for all levels. Coloured belts are used to denote grades. There are 9 grades below Black Belt. These are known as Kyu grades with 9th Kyu, orange belt, being the lowest and 1st Kyu, brown and white, the highest. Achieving a KUGB Black Belt There are 10 levels of Black belt or Dan grades, starting at 1st Dan. Students can achieve 1st Dan standard in 3 to 4 years, with regular training and instruction. It then takes a minimum of 2 more years to achieve 2nd Dan, 3 years to 3rd Dan etc - which means that all Technical Committee members - all 6th Dan and above - will have at least 25 years Karate experience. How can an Individual join the KUGB Individuals may become members of the KUGB by joining a KUGB club and purchasing a KUGB licence. All KUGB clubs will be able to supply the appropriate information and licence application forms. This licence gives the holder access to KUGB facilities and provides appropriate insurance cover. The KUGB insurers provide cover to new KUGB club members to train at a KUGB club for up to 3 occasions in order to allow them time to apply for and receive a licence. How can a club join the KUGB Clubs may apply for affiliation of the KUGB by contacting the KUGB Administration Office. The minimum grade for a regular KUGB Instructor is lst Dan. This is in order to maintain a high technical standard. In certain cases an exception can be made to this rule, on application to the Technical Committee, via the Affiliation Officer. In the case of a club transferring from another Shotokan organisation, all members will be allowed to retain their present grade but must re-grade under a KUGB Examiner within 12 months. They may try for the next grade but will be awarded a grade appropriate to KUGB standards. In the case of a club transferring from another style organisation, the same rule will apply, though the minimum and maximum periods may be extended on advice from the Technical Committee, via the Affiliation Officer. Administration of the KUGB The KUGB has a National Administration Office. It is also divided for administrative purposes into five Regions, which are: England North England Central England South Scotland Wales Information for club members Information is sent regularly to KUGB clubs. This includes minutes of Executive and General Meetings, lists of events and various memos. The club members will have access to this information through the club secretary, club notice boards and bulletins etc. Further information Further information can be obtained from the Regional Officers or the National Administrative Officer. For more information see our Contact Us section.

Sensei K. Enoeda 9th Dan 1935-2003 Sensei Enoeda was born in Kyushu, an island in the South of Japan, on July 4th 1935. A strong and natural athlete, he initially took up baseball, kendo ... more