The Kaichou-Kai karate syllabus develops the student from beginner to black belt, or Dan, status. There is no set time to attain the different grades, all students work at their own pace with help and encouragement from their Sensei (teacher).

 

 

 

All students train in karate suits, called Gi's, which consist of a white jacket and trousers and a coloured belt depending on the student's status. Beginners may train in track gear.

 

 

 

The areas where training takes place is called a "dojo" and all students must bow when entering and leaving the dojo. Students must also bow when their Sensei enters the dojo to show their respect. 

 

 

 

Each coloured belt is achieved by passing a "grading" which, in turn, is based on the grading syllabus. There are different grades, each of which earns the sudent a striped or full colour belt. Working through these grades eventually leads to for 1st Dan, the first black belt grade.

 

 

 

When 1st Dan is achieved, it is not all over - this is simply the beginning of further development leading to 2nd or 3rd Dan and beyond!

 

 

 

A grading is just like an exam - you will be tested to see if you have learnt what is needed to wear the respective belt. These gradings test your ability to perform karate techniques and movements and increase in difficulty as you progress.  

 

 

 

Gradings are held at the Rainham dojo and you are assessed by Sensei Barber and a panel of her senior instructors. These are held every three months.

 

 

 

Kyu grade belts are assessed at two levels of passes, 1st or 2nd class. If you pass a kyu grading at 1st class, you may then attempt to grade at the next kyu grading. If you pass at 2nd class then you must wait 6 months before attempting the next level.

 

 

 

Although it is possible to progress through the kyu grades quite quickly, each student learns at their own pace and will be advised by their Sensei how best to proceed. For younger students, progression through the belts is assisted by the striped belt gradings which allows students to concentrate on building attainment of a coloured belt in stages.

 

 

 

Training consists of warm ups, traditional moves, kata, sparring and competition work that varies from lesson to lesson and on the ability of the students.

 

 

 

Classes at Rainham are held on Monday and Friday.

 

 

 

Monday 1800 - 1900 Children from beginners up to 6th Kyu

 

Monday 1915 - 2015 Children aged 9 and over, 5th kyu and above and adult from beginner to black belt

 

Friday 1800 -1900 Children from beginners up to 6th Kyu

 

Friday 1915 - 2015 Children aged 9 and over, 5th kyu and above and adult from beginner to black belt

 

A fitness class for adults also takes place on Wednesdays from 1900 to 2000.

 

 

 

 

Classes at Grays are held on Tuesday from 1900 to 2000 for all grades.

Classes at Hornchurch are held on Tuesday 7.00-8.00pm for juniors & 7.30-8.30pm for seniors and on Sunday - 10.30-11.30am for juniors and seniors