Disclosure Barring Service checks for Voluntary Instructors

DBS checks replaced the old CRB checks and are the current requirement for people working with vulnerable children or adults.

There are some changes that you need to be aware of  ... but I'll come to that in a bit.

If you currently hold a CRB certificate, it is still valid.  However good practice suggested that you get your certificate update every 2 to 3 years.  The last certificate I applied for was 2 years ago with the Karate Union of Great Britain and cost me about £55 for an enhanced check.

Since the change over to DBS I went through a different route.

Meiyo Karate Club is listed as a 'Not-For-Profit' organisation.  The instructors are unpaid volunteers and most of the money generated goes to the Community Centres that we work with (eg an adult pays £5 a lesson, we only keep £1 back towards the cost of incidentals and the rest goes to the Centre).  Meiyo KC has a constitution and a committee to keep the club running.  We joined National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) this year to have our status confirmed.

Definition of a Volunteer for the purposes of the DBS is someone acting in a voluntary 'unpaid' capacity that only gets their out of pocket expenses (eg mileage etc).  So if you run your Karate club as a business and earn an income from it, you don't qualify as a volunteer.

To obtain a DBS certificate, find an organisation in your area that helps voluntary services.  In Nottingham I used The Renewal Trust, who charged me £10 for an enhanced check (you must apply for an enhanced check as a Karate instructor).  Find the equivalent service in your part of the country.  These organisations will also carry out checks for paid staff.

Once you have your DBS certificate, simply go to the DBS Update Service website and register your certificate.  If you are registering as a volunteer instructor - there is no charge.  If you are a paid instructor, you can register your certificate there too and there will be an annual charge (currently £13).  

How to register

You can register online as soon as you have your application form reference number. You can ask for the number when you apply for your DBS check.
Or you can wait and register with your certificate number when you receive your DBS certificate. If so, you must do so within 19 days of the certificate being issued.
You can view your details online once you’ve registered.
To check the progress of your DBS certificate use the DBS tracking

This ensures that your certificate will always be up to date and if you're a volunteer, I'm led to believe that you won't have to pay anything again.

Some issues to be aware of:  Do not confuse DBS issues with those of insurance.  DBS is a check against YOU as a person.  So it doesn't matter who you pay to get it done - as long as it's legal.

The CRB/DBS certificates are issued to you as a person.  You don't have to show them to anyone and you must NOT provide anyone with copies of your certificate as this can lead to a security breach for you or a fraud incident if someone decides to replicate your certificate.

When I was with the KUGB my instructor requested copies to be provided so that he could provide them to the Leisure Centre that we were using.  I requested that they all be returned and I destroyed them.  The Leisure Centre was not the employer, the head instructor of my Karate club was.  Therefore the Leisure Centre had no right to view the certificate.  Issues like this are common and people need to make themselves aware of their rights around the issues concerned.

You need to show your employer a copy of the certificate so that they can verify your status - but that's it.  I believe that's why the KUGB instructors were all passed through the system as 'paid instructors' - the KUGB got a copy of all instructor's certificates.

Each club is a separate entity.  Some of you teach for a living, some as unpaid volunteers - please take the route appropriate for yourself.

If you have any doubts about this - contact the DBS service on:
DBS customer services
customerservices@dbs.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0870 90 90 811
Minicom: 0870 90 90 344
Welsh line: 0870 90 90 223
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

All the best

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Meiyo KC starts at the ICCA on Wednesday 17th September 2014

We're just about ready to begin training at the ICCA this coming Wednesday.  We have a nice wooden floor to train on and people have been raising awareness of the club's opening night.

The club is open to people from the ages of 5 upwards.  You're never too old to start training in Karate.  If you have trained in other styles of Karate, you can keep the equivalent grade and will be helped to transfer to our style of training.

Shindo Jinen Ryu is a style of martial art that combines elements of karate-jitsu, akaijitsu, kenjitsu and jujitsu, with a strong emphasis on self-defence.  It's a particularly effective system of self-defence for people living with stress-related conditions, for the following reasons:

• A good work our releases endorphins
• Training increases your ability to concentrate and focus
• Training will help you to be able to defend yourself

Please come along for a free first lesson.  If you don't have a 'gi', just wear a full neck t-shirt and baggy track-suit bottoms.  Do tell your friends, family and work colleagues about our first class at the ICCA on Wednesday 17th September 2014.

Meiyo Karate Club is a Not-For-Profit organisation.  Most of the training fees are donated to the centres that we use and our instructors are unpaid volunteers.

Beginners & children (aged 5 upwards) 6:30pm - 7:15pm
Regulars 7:15pm - 8:15pm.
8:15pm - 8:45pm remedial session.
The Indian Community Centre Association (The ICCA),
99 Hucknall Road, Carrington, Nottingham NG5 1FA.
(Correct postcode for Sat Navs)
Tel Venue 0115 969 3402

Costs:
1 single session £5
1 Single session under 16s £3

Single session discounts available for OAP, Students & disabled people. £4

Please come along and support this project.  I look forward to meeting you.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

The Dojo Code ... going beyond the physical.

 

Five Principles of Karate-Do

1.  Respect Others

2. Avoid Violent Behaviour

3. Seek Perfection of Character

4. Endeavour

5. Be Faithful

The principles can be open to individual interpretation in parts but there are will always be some constants that apply to all members of the Dojo, both teachers and students.  The words below are what the Dojo Code means to me and how I apply it to my life.

1.  Respect Others
We live in societies that are ever increasing in terms of diversity across race, culture, religion, sexual persuasion and disability.  In the Dojo we also have a vast age range of 5 upwards ... there is no upper age limit (it's never too late to start Karate). 

As students of Karate we have to be mindful of how we communicate ... respect is a two-way street, regardless of rank.  We respect each other for allowing us to practise our techniques upon each other; for allowing us to develop our art with each other.  We bow to each other to demonstrate the respect that we feel for each other ... it must never be an empty gesture ... rather tempered with sincerity.

We avoid any behaviour that strips away the dignity of another and there must always be respect for our elders.

We ensure that we do not use any behaviour or language that is discriminatory in any negative sense.  So we avoid any form of racist, homophobic, sexist or ageist behaviour, as well as avoiding any behaviour that would offend someone in any other way - including disability - mental or physical.

We should nurture and encourage each other to progress on the journey of individual development in our Karate and in our personal lives.

2.  Avoid Violent Behaviour
We train in a martial art but we are taught from day 1 - our art must not be used outside of the Dojo unless we are either protecting ourselves from attack or defending another person.  If we have to use our art, we must only use the minimum force necessary to defend ourselves or another.  Every situation is different and 'minimum force' comes down to the individual circumstances that we find ourselves in.



3.  Seek Perfection of Character
We all have flaws in our character.  Nobody is perfect.  Some time should be spent in introspection to identify our own flaws and to work on them.  This is perhaps one of the hardest ideals to uphold within the Dojo Code.  Progress should be constant ... but the amount that we progress will be down to the individual and issues that we currently face in our lives.  At times we may move forward in leaps and bounds ... at times, slower ... all that matters is that we're moving in the right direction.

At times it's easier said than done ... but we must not let anyone get the better of us by reacting to emotional stimuli.  Humility and self-discipline are allies for this task.



4.  Endeavour
The word 'endeavour' is a verb and means to try hard to do or achieve something.  It ties in with all of the other elements of the Dojo code: we have to endeavour to do our best in everything that we do ... both in and out of the Dojo.  Our journeys will face many hurdles.  We can try our best to overcome them ... or to live with them.  Apply this to your school work, your job, your relationships ... and don't take anything or anyone for granted.  In the Dojo we will be pushed to do our best ... but at some stage during our training we must, as early as possible, accept responsibility for our own development.  Our Senseis will teach us certain things ... but we must also practise these elements of our art by ourselves.  Students that learn this will develop quicker in whatever they hope to achieve in life.

5.  Be Faithful
Some English dictionaries define being faithful in numerous ways ... for myself the following have more relevance:

• Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal.
• Worthy of trust or belief; reliable.
• Consistent with truth or actuality:

You can be loyal to your parents, your school, your friends, your siblings, your work colleagues ... your Dojo.  These are things for you to explore.

There will always be those that either will say unkind things about us and that there will always be those that act without honour.  We don't have to do anything to upset these people ... it will just happen.  The reasons can be many.  In your day to day life, you may fall foul of issues related to your race, your sex, your religion, your height, your weight, your status, your job, your age, your disability ... the list goes on.  I prefer to walk away from such incidents or related trouble.  I prefer to tell my truth when the opportunity arises and I feel that it's warranted.  I stay faithful to the concepts of truth and honour and I am loyal to those that share the same ideals.

It's important to conserve our 'self' and not become hard-hearted as we overcome our personal hurdles.  An open heart and mind are essential tools for coping with the difficulties of modern living.  Like wolves, we are pack animals and we gravitate towards those that uphold and live by the same values.



All of the principles of Karate-Do tie in with and promote each other ... flowing from one to another.

The principles will mean different things ... perhaps additional elements will shine through as we contemplate them in our journeys along the path of Karate-Do from time to time.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu,
Meiyo Karate Club,
Nottingham.

What's the difference between Shotokan Karate and Shindo Jinen Ryu?

Shotokan Karate
Shotokan Karate training is usually divided into three parts: kihon (basics), kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon and kata are characterized by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable powerful movements, and strengthen the legs.

Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing speed. Initially strength and power are demonstrated instead of slower, more flowing motions. Those who progress to brown and black belt level develop a much more fluid style that incorporates grappling and some aikido-like techniques, which can be found in the black belt kata. Kumite (fighting) techniques are practised in the kihon and kata and developed from basic to advanced levels with an opponent.

Shindo Jinen Ryu
Karate training in JKR is life-long, and can be continued regardless of age.  Shindo Jinen Ryu has elements of Aikijitsu, Kenjitsu, Jujitsu and also has a complete Kobujitsu syllabus in the formal curriculum, with an emphasis on philosophy and education. The curriculum also emphasizes Zanshin (the ability of an exponent to gain dominance over an opponent through an alert state of mind) and maintenance of proper physical posture.

The purpose of training in Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-Do is to develop the whole human being, physically and mentally. Through long-term dedicated training the student learns to develop and unite Shin (mind), Gi (technique) and Tai (body) in proper proportions. The end result is awareness of one’s moral obligations and place in society.


The syallabus
I started my transition from Shotokan Karate to Shindo Jinen Ryu Karate-Do nearly a year ago.  The syllabus has elements of weapons training from Green belt (7th Kyu) onwards, as well as elements of unarmed combat as described above, as well as some older kata that aren't taught in Shotokan schools.

There is more emphasis on self defence than sport which becomes more evident as students progress through their gradings.

Free lesson
If you're interested in giving our style of training a go, please come along and try a free lesson on Sunday mornings:

The Dojo is opened 15 minutes early - so please arrive before the class starts at 09:45 am.
Beginners & children (aged 5 upwards) 9:45am - 10:30am
Regulars 10:30am - 11:30am
Remedial class 11:30am - 12:00pm
Bestwood Estate Community Centre
Gainsford Crescent
Bestwood Estate
Nottingham
NG5 5HT

Just wear loose fitting track suit bottoms and a full neck T-shirt.


The cost of training
1 single session £5
1 Single session under 16s £3
Single session discounts available for OAP, Students & disabled people. £4

Your first lesson is free.

Family discount: If three members of the same family train together, the youngest trains free (eg 1 parent and 2 children or 2 parents and 1 child).


The cost of an annual licence is £32 for the first year and £27 for year two onwards.  You must have applied for your licence by the third lesson.




Returners or Transfers
If you are either returning to Karate after a long break or wish to transfer to the JKR-UK, you will keep the grade that you have achieved with the other organisation, providing you can produce a signed grading record and/or signed certificate.




People with long standing injuries or mental health problems
It's important that we don't give up on our training as a result of physical and/or mental health problems.  I have long standing physical injuries and I also suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  I have no doubt that my Karate training allows me to cope with my difficulties and to continue to contribute something towards the greater good of the community I am a part of.

Not for Profit
Meiyo Karate Club is a 'Not-for-Profit' organisation.  The instructors are unpaid volunteers that provide a service to make Karate accessible and to foster the spirit of Karate-Do in the individual.

If you would like to discuss anything before attending a training session, please feel to either email me on meiyo (at) wolf-photography.com or phone me on 07971 99 77 10.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Change is the only constant in Life ...

It's been an interesting year ... and in parts, a sad one.

Sensei Ed Starks, Sandan,  Chief Instructor at Bristol Shotokan Karate Club passed away towards the end of 2013.  Ed trained hard and taught hard, the old way.  He inspired me to push myself and give my all when training.

Sensei Ed Starks - 3rd Dan

When I train with my current Sensei I am often reminded of the drills that Ed used to put us through ... something that's been lacking in some the dojos that I've trained with since moving back to the East Midlands.  Ed fought hard against long term battle with cancer.  His passing leaves a gap in the Karate world ... I hope that his Spirit is at peace now.

There were tremendous problems with being able to grade some of my students when I started my dojo up.  When you consider that there were only five students eligible to grade last year, it was a little off putting to be told, 'There's no room for your students to grade with us', by the other two KUGB dojos in Nottingham - without even finding out how many students wanted to grade.  I remember when we used to grade with Sensei Ohta in Plymouth.  Every Karateka that turned up from Devon and Cornwall was graded.

Sensei Simon Oliver and Sensei Terry O'Neill stepped in to help us and facilitated our grading.  Sensei Bob Rhodes also offered to help.  I will be forever grateful for their help and guidance.  I miss the presence of  Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Ohta.

I started training with Sensei Oliver last year and it felt like I had gone back to real Karate, real values.  No politics were at play  - you're assessed purely on the effort that you put into your Karate ... just like the old days at Bristol and, before that, Newquay.  After the year of politics in the KUGB, it's been a welcome change.

Sensei Oliver has since accepted me as an under-study.  I run Meiyo Karate Club as one of his Assistant Instructors.

Sensei Simon Oliver  - 6th Dan

Meiyo Shotokan Karate Club has changed it's name and affiliation as of 2014.  We are now Meiyo Karate Club ... and we are affiliated to the JKR-UK under Sensei Simon Oliver.  We now only train on Sunday mornings, owing to my other commitments, but our students have the flexible option of training at Sensei Oliver's dojo too to qualify for their gradings.  It's simplified matters.  Meiyo Karate club still doesn't charge any club membership fee, our gradings are £18 per person and includes a training course, the grading fee, certificate and obi ... and our examiner is on our doorstep.

Sensei Oliver has kindly provided insurance cover for all existing club members until October 2014.  So if you have a valid KUGB (or other) licence - you're covered for the JKR-UK member-to-member insurance.  You'll have to apply for a JKR-UK licence in October which will run from December to December.  If you wish to continue training or start training with this dojo, I need to provide Sensei with a list of your names ASAP - make sure I have your full details and licence number.

The JKR-UK licence fee is currently £32 (including a record book) and £27 per year for renewals.  All existing ex KUGB club members will only have to pay £27 for their new record book.

The Sunday sessions run in the following way:

09:45 - 10:30 Beginners and white belts
10:30 - 11:30 All grades
11:30 - 12:00 Remedial session

The dojo address is:
Bestwood Estate Community Centre
Gainsford Crescent
Bestwood Estate
Nottingham
NG5 5HT (Correct postcode for Sat Navs - Look for black railings as you crest the hill.  There is a car park behind the building).

Click the links for our Dojo Website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Fees:
Kids £2.50
Adults £4.00
Concessions £3.50
Family rate - minimum three family members training together - youngest trains free (These fees only apply to Meiyo KC).

For more information about the JKR-UK and their other training times and venues - please click here.


If you'd like any more information, use one of the links above and get in touch.

Regards

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu
Assistant Instructor, Shodan.
Meiyo Karate Club