The Role of Parents in a Dojo

Some people feel that it's enough to take their children to an activity, whatever it may be, and their responsibility has been carried out.  They treat the activity setup as a creche.  They don't know push their kids at home enough to learn and allow the child to get out of daily practice.  They don't understand the Dojo setup at all ... and they certainly don't understand that Karate, for quite a lot of dojos, isn't run like a sport.  Karate is a way of life.  This method of self-defence, stress relief and focus will be with them for the rest of their lives ... and it will help them.  Some people commit their children to too many activities and this is just as bad as not not providing enough commitment because the child isn't able to devote the necessary time and effort to progress in Karate.

We work on pushing your child to succeed.  We ensure good manners are used, that they do well in their school work and behave themselves with you and reinforce a base level of respect.  When your children come into the dojo, they are my responsibility...as soon as they leave the room, they are back to being your responsibility.  Between us, we will ensure that you child remains a motivated individual ... or becomes one.

In order to achieve this, parents have to be committed 100% to working with their children at home; making sure they practise their techniques and katas.  Making sure that there is continual improvement as their son or daughter progresses on their journey towards Shodan and beyond.

Parents are part of the learning circle at Meiyo Karate Club - if they're not, the circle is broken and that has implications for the young student.

It's been difficult during lockdown over the Covid19 issue, however, parents have been submitting videos of themselves or their children for assessment.  Thank you and well done  - you're a credit to yourself, your family and your dojo.  Please keep up the good work...and don't stop pushing yourselves and your kids.

We maintain a waiting list system at this Dojo because the space we train in restricts how many students we can take on.  If parents don't work with us, we make space for students that are supported by their parents ... and want to learn, improve and develop their art.  Our time, as instructors and Management Committee Members is valuable and is given freely ... no one at this dojo is paid.  We commit ourselves to you ... you must commit yourself too or the relationship is unbalanced and will not work and, sooner or later, this school will make a decision to commit it's valuable resources to working with people that understand what we bring to this Dojo and want to work with us - for the benefit of their child's development.

We also recognise that we have some exemplary students that do it all on their own ... they're young but committed and do the necessary work without being told to do so.

The next grading at this Dojo will be conducted via video link.  Keep up the good work.

Sensei Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu
Dojo Cho, Meiyo Karate Club.

Should Loyalty Be Given Blindly?

The Martial Arts Community is a wide collection of people that have different values, opinions and ways of living their lives.  To some, values such as Duty, Honour, Honesty and Loyalty are important; generally speaking, these people tend to be the ones that keep fostering the correct spirit within Dojos.  Every now and then we meet people that pretend to live by these values but their actions show them to be walking a different path ... their voices echoing the correct sentiments but completely lacking in conviction.  The final test is in how someone conducts themselves.  A person that has to say 'I'm an honourable man' - seldom is.

Where the person is a senior figure in an organisation, some will blindly follow that person without question.

So, should loyalty be given to anyone blindly?  Absolutely not.  While I try not to judge anyone in life, because I know of some of the difficulties our journeys can place in our paths, I do assess people that I meet.  I tend to think well of people until I have evidence to the contrary.  Would I continue being loyal to someone that supports someone acting unprofessionally or supporting someone that discriminates in ways that are clearly against good practice ... and the law of the land?  No I wouldn't.

A dojo is a place of learning ... but so much more: it's a community.  I will state this clearly, if we have a problem in our establishment and we don't challenge it (particularly racism, sexism, homophobia and disability related discrimination) then we are as guilty as the person carrying out these offences.  If managers, leaders and teachers know of such behaviour and allow it to continue over a number of years, they have failed in their duty to the dojo and their community.

Loyalty is earned not given ... and it's a two way street, like all good relationships.  Loyalty should be withdrawn from those that act in ways that are contrary to our dojo's standards, including ethics.

One of the biggest lessons in life is to be able to walk alone and see things for yourself with your own eyes; this means that you must look at all sides of the issue, allow for questions and answers and then come to a decision within yourself based on what you yourself have heard and seen from all the parties involved - in an open way - preferably together. Otherwise you may find yourself perpetuating an injustice while the real culprit escapes to continue creating more mayhem through seeking material gains rather than spiritual goals. 

Blind loyalty isn't loyalty.  Walking your own path in life requires courage ... and I wish you all that you need to be able to do this.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Dojo-Cho

Meiyo Karate Club

Meiyo Karate Club Chairman's End of Year Report 2017

History and aims of Meiyo Karate Club
This Dojo was set up in 2012 in an area of Nottingham at the request of a local business.  The key issues were to setup a Dojo that reflected the cultural diversity in the area but with the flexibility towards potential students in an area of high levels of poverty and I was asked if I would consider taking on the task.  In 2013, we formerly setup a constitution and operated as a Not-For-Profit organisation.  Instructors have never been paid at this Dojo … and never will be.  This is our Service to the Communities that we live with, our way of giving something back and helping others along their path.

The club funds are used to pay for required training needs (First Aid courses, Instructor courses etc), DBS registrations, equipment for the Dojo and our day-to-day running costs.

We have an aim:  to save funds to allow us to send people that grade to Shodan or higher within the club on a trip of a lifetime to train in Japan.

Wolf Photography funded the setup of Meiyo Karate Club and set up 2 awards that are awarded annually and 1 that is awarded on a monthly basis, to students for their efforts in their training.

We are currently affiliated to the Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) via the JKR-UK.

Management Committee
I’d like to begin by thanking the members of the Management Committee, old and new, for their work in keeping the Dojo operational behind the scenes in their various tasks.  We keep the committee small and functional which allows us to deal with any necessary tasks.

Policies
Meiyo Karate Club operates open and clear policies that apply to all members of the Dojo at any level.  This year we’ve produced our Equalities Policy, Grievance Procedure and Child and Vulnerable Person Policy.  The Management Committee will be officially ratifying the policies at our AGM in early 2018.  I’d like to thank the Management Committee for their input into the documents.

Karateka
I’d like to congratulate all of our Karateka for their hard work in the Dojo throughout the year and for working hard for their gradings, as well as attending external courses.  I have no doubt in saying that good Dojos turn out a good level of citizen in terms of people that are motivated and hard-working.  Ours are no different and it’s a joy to watch these people develop as they grow older.

We’d like to thank Sensei Oliver for grading our Students; they enjoy going over and training with him.  As you progress through the grades, you will be expected to train with Sensei Oliver on a regular basis, particularly for his Kumite training.

Meiyo Karate Clubs Annual Awards

Congratulations to Marja for winning the Wolf Photography Karateka of the Year Shield; to Benjamin for winning the Tiger of the Year Trophy; and to Jake for winning the Student of the Month Trophy.

Venue
Last year we moved venue to Tesco Bulwell Extra, thanks to Chris Tilley (Store Community Champion) and we’ve been steadily growing our membership again, as some of our Karateka couldn’t get to Bulwell.  The new venue allowed us to reduce our training fees across the board.  Young people under 8 can now train for £5 a week, Under 16s for £10 a week and adults for £10 a week.  The usual cost was £5 a person per session of any age at the last venue; now, people that train 3 times a week get at least one lesson free.

We wanted a considerable discount for 5-7 year olds and we still offer the family discount:  if 3 members of the same household train together, the youngest trains free.

Minimum Training Commitment
There is a minimum training requirement for acceptance into this Dojo:  you must be able to commit to training a minimum of 2 sessions per week or your application won’t be accepted.  As you progress through to senior grades, you’ll be expected to train more because of the skills that you’ll need to develop to attain Shodan (the first Black Belt grade).  There is also a requirement to attend the 3 grading days plus the annual visit of Kaicho Yamazaki as compulsory training days if you are aged 8 or over.

This only applies to our club members.  Visitors from other clubs/areas can train as and when they like for a flat fee of £5 per session but must be licensed and insured through their own organisation.

Monthly Social Meet-Ups
We have the use of the Community Room in the store, so every 4 weeks we hold a social event that brings Meiyo Karate Club together all of the groups and projects managed by Wolf Photography.  This gives our Karateka access to arts events and allows them to form stronger bonds with each other as well as taking part in various cultural events.  I feel that involving them in arts and crafts promotes a sense of balance within and can have unseen benefits.

Sponsorship for Art
Meiyo Karate Club donated £300 towards the setup of the Disabled Artists’ Network space in the store.  As a result, the club is featured on exhibition posters alongside other sponsors which has been helping with recruitment.

Recruitment
We recruit through the usual channels as well as our in-store presence which is working very well.  We continue to share news and events about the club through Social Media channels, our main outlet being Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meiyokc/.

We’ve been getting some great reviews from visiting instructors, visitors attending our events to facilitate various functions and our Karateka.  Thank you for all the positive reviews.

Our target for this year is to get back up to 20 members, so please distribute the club flyers, share posts from Facebook and invite people along for a week of free training.

Kaicho Yamazaki
One of the benefits of training with us is that we have the opportunity to attend training from some of the legends in the Karate world.  Once a year, Kaicho visits us and puts us through our paces.  Don’t forget to pay close attention to his words as well though as he has a lovely way of expressing himself and empowering those with open ears with his wisdom regarding Karate and Life.

I guarantee that, whatever your style of martial art or your experience, you’ll take away something useful from training with Kaicho.

We look forward to seeing him at the next course in Autumn 2018.

Sensei Terry O’Neill
Another one of those legends is Sensei O’Neill.  He regularly instructs at the JKR-UK Hombu in Nottingham.  If you appreciate insightful teaching peppered with humour and anecdotes of the past, you’ll enjoy attending these courses.

Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) Instructor Course
I was grateful for the opportunity to attend an Instructor’s Course in the USA in November 2017.  It was good to meet the faces that I’d only seen through videos on Social Media etc, including Sensei Mina Yamazaki (who will be teaching in Nottingham at the JKR-UK Hombu in January by the way).

Sensei Mina’s Kata performance is second to none in my eyes.  I was very grateful for her taking the time to breakdown some of the JKR specific katas for me that I’ve been passing on to our dojo members since returning.

Sensei Howard High, who developed the Kumibo Drills, has been helping me to improve the way that I perform those drills, following their introduction into the new grading syllabus which we are gradually rolling out.

Our Presence at Tesco Bulwell Extra, Nottingham
Chris Tilley gave us the go ahead to have our Dojo Banners and art work permanently on display at the store.  We commissioned artist Julie Genner to produce a lovely 3D version of our Dojo Crest.

In addition, we have the Meiyo Tigers’ and the JKR Grading syllabus on the wall together with the short, humble history of our Dojo, including honouring two Senseis from our KUGB days that have passed away, Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Stark.  One should never forget one’s roots.  

All that’s left is for me to wish you happy time at the end of this year … a Happy Christmas if you celebrate the festivities or a happy and peaceful time if you follow a different path … and a Happy New Year.

I look forward to working and training with you in 2018.

Respectfully,

Villayat ‘Wolf’ Sunkmanitu
Chairman
Meiyo Karate Club.

Meiyo Karate Club News Update August 2017

We've settled in nicely to our new 'home' at Tesco Bulwell Extra, thanks to Chris Tilley, the store's Community Champion.

We've had a quiet few weeks owing to School Holidays etc but the students are drifting back in now as they prepare to go back to school.  For those of you that remain in the area during School Holidays, please remember that we don't close - we carry on training.

We have limited places available for each class - 15 students.  Once we've filled those places, the club will hold a waiting list system.  We currently have 4  Tigers (5-7 year olds), 6 Youngsters (8-16) and 4 Adults.

If you'd like to try our style of Karate just pop in to the dojo and you can have a week's free lessons.  Please ensure that you turn up 10 minutes before a lesson begins.  Full training times and other information can be found on our website: http://meiyo.org.uk.

Adult beginners are encouraged to start with the Youngsters until they learn their basic stances and techniques and then progress to the adult classes.

Meiyo Karate Club dontated £300 to the Disabled Artist Network (DAN) this month, to help the group get off the ground.  The groups exhibitions take place in the same store, outside the Community Room.  The last pieces of art go up tonight and the exhibition will be opened officially by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham on Wednesday 13th September 2017 at 10am.  DAN is a Not-for-Profit group that promotes Creativity as a coping mechanism for Disability.  It also works to help destigmatise mental health issues.

Sensei Yamazaki will be gracing us with his presence on Sunday 1st October 2017.  Please be aware that all members of the dojo are expected to attend as this is one of our 4 compulsory training events a year at the Zanshin Dojo in Sneinton.  Full details are on the club's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pg/meiyokc so please click on the 'Event' and confirm your attendance.  Please make sure that you bring your licenses on the day as Sensei Yamazaki will sign them for you.

I hope to see you at the dojo soon.

Regards,

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Club Instructor

Tesco Bulwell Extra is now our venue for all Karate lessons

Updated Training Schedule

We have now moved all of our lessons to Tesco Bulwell Extra and are very happy with the set up there.  Many thanks to Chris Tilley, their Community Champion, for making it happen.

As a result, we've put a third class on in the schedule for Tigers (5-7 year olds).  The week's training schedule now looks like this:

Mondays & Wednesdays 

6:15 - 7pm Meiyo Tigers (5-7 years old)

7 - 8pm under 16s.

8 - 9pm adults.

Saturdays

9:00 - 9:30am Meiyo Tigers (5-7 years old)

9:30 - 10:30am Under 16s. 

10:30 - 11:30am Adults.

Venue: Tesco Bulwell Extra

Jennison St, Bulwell,

Nottingham NG6 8EQ

Free car parking on site. 

Please feel free to come in and try a week of free lessons to see how you get on.

Training Costs:

£10 subscription per week per student aged 8-adult or £5 per week for 5-7 yr olds.  The subscription covers everyone for 3 lessons per week.

If 3 or more members of the same family train together (eg 2 parents 1 child, 1 parent 2 children etc) - the youngest trains free. 

We are restricted to 20 places, first come first served.  Students must attend a minimum of 2 classes per week to be able to grade.

See you at the Dojo!

End of 2016 - Ready for 2017! End of year round up.

Accomodation Issues

The last bit of bad news to hit Meiyo Karate Club was Schools' Plus's refusal to renew our contract for Monday nights in favour of a more lucrative contract at Bulwell Academy.  Chris Tilley (Community Champion for Tesco Bulwell Extra) came to the rescue and we have moved our weekday classes to the store's Community Room. 

The first class of the year at Tesco Bulwell Extra will take place on Wednesday 4th January 2017 at 7:30pm for anyone over the age of 8.  The normal training schedule will then continue for adults from Saturday 7th January 2017.  The full schedule is detailed below.

The first Tigers class (5-7 year olds) will take place on Monday 9th January 2017 at 6:15pm.  Places are limited to 20 students and the price has been reduced as an initiative to get more people into sport for life, in partnership with Tesco Bulwell Extra.  The training costs are a weekly subscription of £3.

The costs have also been reduced for people over 8.  It now costs £10 subscription per week and this covers you for 3 lessons per week.

Please be aware that you will still need to purchase a licence and a 'gi' (karate suit) in time but we're inviting you to come and train free for a week to see if you enjoy it.  We have a limitation of 20 students per class, so please register your interest early as we currently have 9 people training with us.

The Tiger's system is an introduction to the basics of Karate and should equip them to be able to pass their gradings when they reach the age of 8.  There will be gradings held within class for them, as it's a less pressured environment.  Parents are encouraged to join the adult training programme as it's beneficial in terms of providing motivation to youngsters.  Our new training schedule is as follows:

Training Days for 2017

Mondays & Wednesdays
6:15 - 7pm Meiyo Tigers (5-7 years old)
7 - 8pm under 16s.
8 - 9pm adults.

Venue: Tesco Bulwell Extra

Jennison St, Bulwell,

Nottingham NG6 8EQ

Saturdays

9:30 - 10:30am Under 16s. 

10:30 - 11:30am Adults. 

Venue: The Bulwell Academy

Squires Avenue, Bulwell

Nottingham NG6 8HG

Annual Awards

Every year I present the two hardest working students with an award.  The winner of this year's 'Karateka of the Year Shield' is Kristyana.  She's attended the most lessons and worked the hardest.  Her personal confidence has increased and she displays drive and determination in the dojo that reflect in other areas of her life.  Congratulations Kristyana.

Our club's examiner is Sensei Simon Oliver.  He's pictured here presenting Kristyana with her belt for achieving 7th Kyu.

Denisa won the 'Tiger of the Year' award for her ability in the dojo.  She started training with us as a Tiger at the age of 6.  She changed over to the 8 year old old classes this year and has done very well so far.  Congratulations Denisa. 

Instructors at Meiyo Karate Club are unpaid volunteers.  The training fees go towards instructor training, admin and venue costs.  When there is money left over, some will go towards helping the 'Disabled Artists's Network' and the rest is to be saved for the students as my hope is to send our first Dan grade achiever to Japan for some training in the company of Sensei Oliver.

I'd like to thank our Committee members for the work they do for the club and also a special thank you to Grangeprint for looking after us through the year.  You can find out more about the club, it's parent project and activities by clicking here.

All that's left is to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or any other way in which you celebrate this time of year, wishes for a Happy New Year in 2017 and I hope to see you at the Dojo.

Kind Regards,

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Chairman

Meiyo Karate Club

Changes at Meiyo Karate Club and an Update, Bulwell, Nottingham

First of all, congratulations to everyone that graded with Sensei Oliver on Sunday last.  You all did very well and are a credit to the dojo.  Also, well done to everyone that turned up to train with Sensei Oliver.  These 3 courses plus the course with Sensei Yamazaki are our compulsory courses.

Some of you are aware that we've been waiting for the JKR to issue our new grading syllabus.  Sensei Oliver issued it today and it's live on www.meiyo.org.uk.  I'm sure, like me, you'll enjoy getting to grips with the changes and they'll help us to develop a more diverse self defence system within ourselves.

Our costs had to be temporarily raised to pay for our new training venue because not everyone could get to this venue.  Once we have our numbers back up, I will reduce the costs to the previous levels ... this will mean that the charges will drop from a £15 weekly subscription to a £10 weekly subscription for 3 lessons per week.

Adult classes and children's classes are split now.  Kids start at 7pm, adults at 8pm on Monday and Thursday evenings.  On Saturday mornings, kids start at 9:30am and adults at 10:30am.

Come and try a week of free lessons and see how you get on.  If you've trained with an organisation that we recognise and you're returning to training or transferring in, we'll start you off at the same grade.

Follow our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meiyokc/ and please share this post.

See you at the dojo.

Regards

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Yamazaki Sensei Seminar 2016 & Meiyo KC's Student of the Month

Sensei Yamazaki provided us with yet another inspiring seminar in September.

As well basic techniques and correct attitude, the all grades course focused on stringing techniques together, enabling karateka to flow from one technique to another;  a valuable lesson for all of us.






Sensei's teachings are valued by karateka from many other affiliations and it's always good to meet up with people from other clubs and exchange ideas on how we run our clubs etc.


Two of Meiyo karate Club's junior members caught Sensei Yamazaki's attention and were brought to the front to demonstrate some techniques to other members of the class - Well done Saul and Hannah!

It's important to remember the route you took in the development of your Karate - although a personal journey, the influences of your Senseis will have made their mark upon you.  This is why we try to provide images of your development so that when you go on to become a Dan grade or a teacher yourself, you'll have a pictorial history of your own development and will remember people like Yamazaki Sensei and Oliver Sensei and the parts that they play, and will continue to play, in the development of our Karate.

At Meiyo KC, I award the hardest working student an award every month.  I take account of your attendance (minimum of 2 lessons per week), your effort and your progression through elements of your grading syllabus.

Congratulations to Kristyana for being this month's winner.  She works hard at her Karate and clearly gives 100% commitment to her training.  Keep up the good work!  

We currently have vacancies for both adults and children. If you'd like to pop in and try a free lesson, please get in touch.  Just wear some loose fitting track suit bottoms and a full necked T-shirt and come in to one of the sessions.  Full details of our training times are on www.meiyo.org.uk.

I hope to see you at the dojo soon.

Regards,

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Instructor,

Meiyo Karate Club

Moving all lessons to Bulwell Academy

Space always becomes an issue with Dojos (training halls) and with our training syllabus, even more so.

We need to be flexible with our days and that which we attempt to teach.  When you consider that one of the weapons in the syllabus is a 6ft staff (bo), space is very important.  We tried using the bo at The ICCA but there was always the concern of someone poking one through one of the glass windows and as the membership has been growing a move was inevitable.

As of 5th September 2016 we will train solely at Bulwell Academy at the following times:
Mondays & Thursdays
7 - 8pm under 16s.
8 - 9pm adults.

Saturdays
9:30 - 10:30am Under 16s.
10:30 - 11:30am Adults.

We have also now split the classes up into two sections: Under 16s and Adults.  If you're a returner to Karate, you'll be most welcome.  Put your 'gi' on and come and join us.  If you decide to join the Dojo, providing you have proof (existing licence, certificate etc), you'll be allowed to keep your existing grade pending an assessment by Sensei Oliver.  I'll help you get up to scratch with that if needed.

In order to secure the venue we have moved to a subscription based charging system.  All Karateka will be charged £15 per week.  This covers you for the two lessons that you need to do as a minimum for your gradings.  The payment must be made by Standing Order.  If you decide to attend the Dojo for a third lesson, it will be free.



We will now have the flexibility to teach the weapons syllabus any day of the week.

Sensei Simon Oliver was awarded his 7th Dan this year and continues to be our Chief Instructor of the JKR-UK and our Kyu grade examiner.  We currently grade with him every 4 months.

We are very grateful for Sensei Olivers' input into our training, especially when he visits our dojo to impart some knowledge.  We are very fortunate to have access to an instructor of his ability.  He always gives me food for thought and pushes everyone to explore further with regards to their Karate .. and in doing so - further in our personal development.

Sensei Yamazaki 9th Dan continues to grace us with his presence at the JKR-UK Hombu for an annual treat as well as facilitating all of our Dan gradings.  25th September is the next time that he will visit the Hombu.  You don't have to be a member of the  JKR-UK to train with him and places are filling up fast for this year, so please book early if you wish to train with him.  You can find booking information by clicking here.

So put your 'gi' on, get your paperwork completed and start training.  I hope to see you at the 

Dojo.

Regards,

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu

Instructor & Chairman

Meiyo Karate Club

Where does your grading assessment begin?

I wanted to share some thoughts with you about gradings, so that you get an idea about what's involved and to prepare you and/or your parents/guardians for the event(s).

Some people believe that the day you turn up for the grading is the only day that counts ... and if this is what you believe, you are mistaken.

As Karateka, we are all being assessed all the time.  If your sensei believes that your are capable of grading, your name will be put forward; if your sensei believes that you haven't worked hard enough, you won't be allowed to grade.


There are other factors that come into play with our dojo:

How many times do you regularly train a week
We keep training records on every student and log when you train and when you are absent.  If I start to see more zeros than ticks against your name, you will not be allowed to grade.  You should be training twice a week over a 3 month period to qualify for your grading unless you have a disability that affects your ability to train.  Obviously, there are times when you will be absent because of  work, holidays or illness but you should still be able to attend the dojo for a minimum of 70% of the time.

Sensei Oliver, who is the Chief Instructor of the JKR-UK, could ask to see the club's attendance record at any time to gauge your attendance and assess your attitude towards your Karate.


How much do you practise in your own time
Your sensei will know who has been practising hard because he or she spends a lot of time watching you and putting effort into your progress.

Whenever you are taught something in the dojo, you should find some time to practise it.  2 lessons a week and no practise won't improve your Karate.

Think of it as a building process ... every time you learn a technique and can do it well - you get a brick.  Every time you learn a kata - you get 5.  Every time you learn what the moves mean in a kata and can then can use some of the moves correctly for yourself - you get a window.  For me, the roof is very important and it has to be strong to withstand the trials of life and it is continually worked upon and that is made up of my attitude towards my training, the codes of respect that I live with and the deep connection that I feel with a way that has sustained me over the years and given my life some meaning.

There are times when I forget things, especially as I get older ... but once I notice this happening, I work harder on that element of my training to replace the broken brick.  Like everything in life ... my Karate has to be maintained.


Your attitude in the dojo
Be polite and courteous at all times, especially towards your elders.  Etiquette is a very important part of Karate ... and how you live your life.  Never make fun of anyone for not being able to do something; instead help each other to progress.  Never ridicule each other in a dojo.  Dignity isn't just for elders and a young persons confidence can be easily shattered ... the same can happen to an adult student facing challenging events in their lives.

Knowing when and how you can use your Karate is something that is periodically discussed in the dojo to make you aware of your responsibilities towards your Karate, yourself, your loved ones and others.

If you want help to understand a technique better or to learn more kata - ask your sensei or one of the seniors if he or she isn't there.

Meiyo's 2 dojos are always open before the lesson begins and you should get there before your sensei. You then have a chance to ask questions about anything that you're not sure about.

Be careful how you train with a partner: always remember to observe the etiquette and say the right words before and after kumite (fighting).  Never try to damage your training partner - remember that we all have other things to do in life, be it school, work, looking after children (the hardest work!), being carers etc.


Your attitude in other areas of your life
For adults this assessment is a simpler one ... live a good life and don't be a bully.  Help others where and when you can in appropriate circumstances.  Never assume that someone is weak because they don't fight an issue for themselves ... where possible empower other people by offering help and letting them decide whether they want to take it or not.

Parents and guardians can have many reasons for enrolling their children into a dojo ... the child could be being bullied, may be in need of some self-discipline, may need to develop their ability to focus to help their school work, to develop their confidence or it could be that they simply want the child to be fitter and more active and be able to defend themselves.  Try to be sensetive to each other's needs.

As a young person, your attitude at home and at school is something that your sensei will be concerned about at this club.  Bad behaviour towards your parents and school could result in you not being able to grade or train at this club.

I recognise that growing is a difficult process and that young people face a tremendous amount of pressure ... if you are concerned about anything or want advice about how to tackle an issue in your life, please feel free to approach me at the dojo.  I may not have the solution but I will try to find someone to help you if it's possible.


Mondays at the ICCA, Nottingham
At Meiyo Karate Club, we recognised that we needed 3 sessions per week to give you as much flexibility as possible to meet the grading requirements.

I discussed this issue with club members and parents before asking the Indian Community Centre Association for an additional training slot.  You all wanted it.  The management committee of the ICCA kindly agreed to give us the Monday evening slot on a trial basis.  This means that if you live locally and don't use it as part of your 2 lessons per week commitment towards grading ... we may lose that training slot and you will have to attend a Sunday morning lesson at Bestwood Estate Community Centre - or you won't be able to take any gradings.

Please remember that Meiyo Karate Club is a 'Not-for-profit' organisation and that most of your training fees go straight to the Community Centres that we work with.  All of our instructors are unpaid.  We learn and teach Karate because it's something that we love ... and it's our contribution towards helping the next generation of humans ... and keeping the art alive.


Parents and Guardians

While this blog piece is aimed at the whole club - it's been written with adults in mind for one main reason - you as parents and guardians are still an important part of the process of learning Karate ... even if you don't put a 'gi' on and train yourselves.  So please sit with your young person and discuss this piece with them and take an active part in the development of their Karate ... and don't discard the  option of putting on a 'gi' and training with your child, as it can be a good motivator for both of you.


Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu
Club Instructor
Meiyo Karate Club

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