Longmont Wado-Kai Karate

LWK - Testing this weekend! -

LWK - Testing this weekend! But here is also the reminder that we should always be practicing like we are about to test! Typically, we start by practicing a movement (or kata) slowly. Then we go a little faster, adding both power and speed as we practice the movement. The goal should always be to make slow and fast feel the sa...

LWK - Kumite! -

LWK - Kumite! RJ and I went to Salt Lake to attend a seminar with Kotetsu Okamoto. Okamoto sensei is a 3 time All Japan kumite champion. Unfortunately, I cannot find a video of Okamoto fighting.

LWK - What's going on with the fancy floor? -

LWK - What's going on with the fancy floor? I hope to have a chance to build a small section of the floor in May for us to try out! Once I have the process figured out, I will order the foam and other materials and set a date for the floor upgrade!

LWK - May and Summer -

LWK - May and Summer Kuushanku (or Kushanku) is a very important kata, not just for Wado! There are many variations on this kata in many styles of Japanese and Okinawan karate, as well as versions in Chinese and Korean arts!

LWK - Let's let Naka Sensei Teach -

LWK - Let's let Naka Sensei Teach Naka Tatsuya Sensei is currently one of the chief instructors for JKA Shotokan in Japan. Naka sensei started as a Wado practitioner under Takagi sensei (Nash sensei’s teacher!)

LWK - Belt Test this Week -

LWK - Belt Test this Week Testing forms will be available starting next week. You need to have all of the stripes and classes to test! Ask me if you want to know if you meet the requirements!

LWK - Sparring Club! -

LWK - Sparring Club! Sparring club works best with at least 4 people. There will be a sign-up sheet at the dojo starting today! If you are planning to come and spar, please sign up!

LWK - Kata Bunkai -

LWK - Kata Bunkai They work with the understanding that kata is just teaching your body to move - not teaching a single technique or application (sound familiar?).

LWK - Kihon Kumite -

LWK - Kihon Kumite In Wado karate we have something called Kihon Kumite. This translates roughly as “basic sparring” or (probably better) fundamental sparring.

LWK - Regular Class Schedule this week! -

LWK - Regular Class Schedule this week! Naka is showing bunkai (application) for several Heian kata (we do a similar set of kata called Pinan). He is showing several applications for the key movements in the kata. These are not *exactly* the kata we do, but the movements are close enough that we could use this bunkai, too.