elcome to the English Shotokan Karate
Association Web Pages. These few pages of introduction will hopefully provide
you with a general feel of the ESKA association as a whole, including it's
background, size, the way it is run and some of the aspects of karate that are
important to the association.
Although this web site is primarily
designed as an information source for the current members of ESKA, we hope it
will also provide something of interest for both the non-ESKA and non-karate
visitors.
If you have any comments, suggestions or messages, we would
appreciate it if you would take time to sign our
Guest book. We hope you enjoy this site
and get to learn a little about ESKA or karate in general.
The Association
ESKA was formed in 1979 and is well established in the south east
of England with approximately 16 clubs (about 800 members) dotted around the
Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex areas (see "Club Guide" page for details). The main club or Hombu (HQ)
is located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and is run by Sensei Michael Nursey
(7th Dan).
The karate
that ESKA practises is a very traditional style called Shotokan Karate, which
was devised on the Japanese island of Okinawa, by the founder of this style,
Sensei Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957). For more detailed information on the
origins of karate and the association see our "History page".
All ESKA instructors are regularly
assessed and attend seminars to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest
practices and regulations.
Along with the regular training (normally
twice a week, but more for higher grades), the association holds several
special courses and training events throughout the year. These are often taught
by a guest instructor from other Shotokan karate Associations. Past courses
have been taken by the English National Kumite Squad Coach – Ticky Donovan
OBE (8th Dan), the Chief Referee - Terry Pottage (7th)
& Sensei Michael Randall (8th Dan & Chief Instructor of
Shotokan Traditional Karate Organisation). Also, each year we hold an open day
for all the clubs and students within ESKA, which incorporates a training
session, demonstrations and a competition into a grand one-day event. For
information on future courses and events view our "Calendar page".
Although ESKA takes Karate and
training seriously, the association also has an active social side. Each year
we hold a Summer Ball and a Christmas Dinner & Dance (open to all adult
members) at which the Dan grade certificates are presented. The association
arranges "social" training weekends, which have recently been held at Butlins
in Bognor but in the past have also included trips to the Isle of Wight, with
training on the beach! Throughout the year the many social events are well
attended by members of the different clubs and range from birthday parties,
weddings, barbecues, fancy dress parties, ten pin bowling, barn dances etc.
Finally on the social side, some of the senior instructors of ESKA have
inherited a liking for curries (from their instructors) and the Stevenage Dojo
is often seen heading off to the local curry establishment, at least on a
monthly basis anyway!. In fact, we do insist that all newly appointed Dan
grades (no matter what level) are consummated with a visit to the curry
house!!!
As ESKA practices a very traditional style of Karate, we also
stress the importance of the Karate spirit and some of the traditional oriental
ethics that form the basis of Karate. Emphasis is always placed on the guiding
principles of Effort, Etiquette, Character, Courage and
Truth. It is because of this training that karate students
within ESKA become such competent Dan grades of such high standards.
The Clubs
All of our clubs have a friendly family atmosphere and are open to
adults and children alike, many hold mixed adult / junior classes. Some of the
bigger clubs do hold separate children and adult classes, in which case they
are either taken during the same time or consecutively in the same hall, so
families can still train together if they wish.
All ESKA clubs are run
by Qualified Instructors who must hold an approved 1st Dan grade
(black belt) or higher and must be 18 or over. However most clubs within ESKA
are run by 3rd Dans and above, both male and female. Some clubs make
use of Assistant instructors to ensure there are sufficient instructors to
split the classes into sensible groups and manageable numbers, thus allowing
students to be taught karate that is more specific to their grade or ability.
All Assistant Instructors are registered on the Instructors training program
and are normally higher grade brown belts that can only teach in the presence
of a Qualified Instructor. As Sensei Nursey is an NVQ City & Guilds
Qualified Assessor all our instructors both assistant and qualified are
constantly monitored and assessed during teaching sessions and
courses.
Our clubs hold their training sessions on different days
throughout the week and for eager students it is possible to train every day
from Monday to Sunday within the ESKA organisation. Visit the "Club Guide" page for specific details of our clubs and
instructors.
Membership and Training Fees
Most clubs offer a 4 lesson induction, in which no commitment (other than a training fee) is required. After this induction, a membership and enrolment payment is required (see License and Insurance below) Often membership will include a free training suit (Gi) and a white belt. Training fees vary depending on training frequency, length of lesson etc. and most of our clubs require payment on a monthly basis, although alternative methods are possible if circumstances are explained e.g. shift work etc. Additional training at other clubs within ESKA is normally payable on a lesson by lesson basis.
Licence and Insurance
Although ESKA holds full accident and indemnity insurance, not a
single claim has been made against the association since it was started in
1979. This is an indication of the quality of the ESKA instructors and the
sensible training methods they use.
All ESKA members, regardless of
grade, must hold a current ESKA Licence in order to train or grade within the
association (excludes the induction period for beginners). The licence is
required so that the student is covered by the insurance held by the
association.
Training
Karate training is broken down into 3 areas, Kihon (basics), Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring), collectively known as the "3 K's".
- Kihon (basics) is the practice of the individual blocks, strikes and kicks within karate.
- Kata (forms) is the practice of fixed routines or sequences of techniques against several imaginary opponents.
- Kumite (sparring) is the practice of techniques with real opponents.
Training within ESKA involves all 3 of these elements from beginner through to black belt and beyond. However as the student progresses a different emphasis is given to the training to improve the students karate
- 0-6 months is concentrated on learning the basic blocks, strikes and kicks and improving fitness and flexibility whilst installing the basics of etiquette and discipline, especially in the junior grades.
- 6-18 months, the emphasis is on making the techniques much stronger and improving technical detail whilst balance, suppleness and strength are improved.
- 18-36 months is concerned with learning more complex techniques, making the techniques quicker and more powerful and developing the karate spirit and installing effort alongside courage and character.
- 36 months onwards is preparation for black belt with recognition of and understanding the non-physical aspects of karate concerned with character and truth.
These timescales should be expended by 50% for junior grades.
Gradings
Kyu gradings (pre-black belt) are held every
three months starting in March and usually occur on the second Sunday of the
month.
Although it is common that students do grade every 3 months, they
are not expected to do so and are only encouraged to when their instructor
feels they have reach the necessary ability to obtain the next grade. A simple
guideline for the lower grades is that with frequent training it should be
possible to achieve the next grade after 20 lessons or more. A guideline of 30
lessons is used once the grade of brown belt is reached
The gradings are
held at the Stevenage Dojo, with parents and relatives welcome to come and
watch.
Dan gradings (black belt and above) are held twice yearly
in or around May and December. Students wishing to grade can do so only after
their instructor and Sensei Nursey believe they are ready to do so. Within ESKA
it would take an adult student at least 4 years and a junior approximately 5-6
years to achieve Black Belt standard. After Black Belt it requires an
additional 2½ years to 2nd Dan, then a further 3 years to
3rd Dan, 4 more to 4th Dan, 5 to 5th etc. All
these timescales are considered minimum requirements.
Dan gradings are
not open to spectators.
Potential Members
ESKA adopts a very 'OPEN DOOR' attitude to all new
students.
New members can start training at anytime and no special
clothing is required. To start training simply visit any of the locations, on
the days and times in our "Club Guide
page" and the club instructors will assist with your enrolment and any
questions that you may have. You can start training there and then or if you
prefer watch a class in progress before you decide to start.
If you
have trained before in another style of karate or Shotokan Karate, but not
under ESKA and you wish to start training with ESKA, simply bring your previous
licence and present it to any of our clubs and instructors. It is probable that
you will not need to start as a beginner as the club instructor will be able to
assess your ability and ensure your are placed at the right level within our
association.
Our "FAQ page" may
already be able to answer any questions you already have.
Choosing a club
The best advice on choosing a club is to look at the club details
on the "Club Guide page" and choose
which most suits your needs. In general time and location are the 2 main
factors involved as prices do not vary much from club to club. However you may
have specific preferences which are not available at all of the clubs, for
example, an adult only class, a female instructor or the grade of the
instructor etc. Another important aspect for a beginner choosing a club is if
there are other beginners, or lower grades, in the class as it reduces the
feeling of isolation and any gap in ability. Ask our instructors of any
forthcoming induction classes.
Finally, although the standard and
quality of the clubs within ESKA is fairly consistent, the clubs do vary
slightly with the personality of the instructor, for example, some may be
slightly more relaxed, some may be more technically detailed, some may be more
aerobically demanding etc. and again this may influence your choice.
In
any case, if you are thinking of starting karate (or any martial art) the first
step of choosing a club is relatively easy. The second step of walking into a
training hall full of people in white pajamas with different coloured belts on
can be a bit more daunting - don't let it be - our karate clubs are friendly
and will welcome you as a new member with open arms!
