Karate is a martial art, originating from Okinawa, which is now a part of Japan. It is a system of self defence combining punches, kicks, blocks and strikes. We practice a traditional style of karate called 'Wado Ryu' meaning 'Way of Peace'.

Those who train in Karate experience improved coordination, agility, strength and poise. The confidence gained through training helps develop a more positive individual. Wado Ryu is a traditional form of karate, and is one of the 4 main styles of Karate others being Shotokan, Shito Ryu and Goju Ryu. Wado Ryu uses faster techniques than Shotokan and due to its influence from Ju-Jitsu, often uses an attackers weight and mometum against them.

There are distinct areas of the Syllabus (what is taught) which are Basic Technique, Combination Technique, Kata, Defence Work and Kumite (sparring).

Basic Technique

Basic technique is a single punch, kick or block and is the starting point of anyones Karate training creating a foundation. This foundation will determin the developement of the student.
Examples of basic techniques are Oizuki (Lunge Punch), Maegeri (Front Kick) and Gedan Barai (Downward Sweeping block)

Combination Technique

Renraku Waza, or in English, combination technique takes several basic techniques and combines them into one technique. The first grading has two conbination techiques that each contain two basic techniques and the most difficult contains 5 which is Tobikomizuki, Gyakuzuki, Maegeri, Nagashizuki and Mawashigeri.

Kata

Kata is a series of movements combining many of the basic and advanced techniques in the syllabus. Kata has been preserved through generations and the kata taught at Eagle Rose are Traditional Wado Ryu Kata. There are 17 kata that are taught within the association 15 of which are practised at Eagle Rose. They are;

	Tokiyoko
	Pinan Nidan
	Pinan Shodan
	PInan Sandan
	Pinan Yodan & Pinan Godan
	Kushanku
	Naihanchi
	Chinto
	Bassai Dai, Bassai Sho, Seishan (Hangetsu), Jitte, Rohai, Enpi
	Jion*, Niseishi* (* - not taught at Eagle Rose)

Defence Work

Defence work is closly linked to Ju-Jitsu comprising of Blocking Techniques from unarmed and armed attackers, Arm locks, Chokes, Immobilising holds, Bone Dislocations and Atemi Jitsu (attacking of Nerve and pressure points). This section of the syllabus is taught to Adults only.

Kumite (Sparring)

Possible the most enjoyable part of Karate, a Semi Contact activity which at Eagle Rose has an excellent safety record. We practise two types of Sparring, Traditional and Freestyle.
Traditional relies heavily on kicking techniques with some limitations as to which techqniues can be used while Freestyle relies equally on kicks and punches and introduces a host of additional techniques.
WYSOK host two regional Karate tournaments in Wakefield each year which Eagle Rose enter giving students a chance to compete for regional titles and trophies.