What style of karate is taught and practised at Zenshin dojo?

At Zenshin dojo we practice traditional karate as taught by karate master Shigeru Egami.  Master Egami believed that power and penetration could be achieved without physical tension therefore a relaxed body and calm state of mind is very important.

There are many styles of karate each offering something a little different.  The phrase "horses for courses" springs to mind as some will be more suitable for what you want than others.

The following web site deals with the history of Egami sensei karate in more detail and are worth a visit!

The Yutenkai Group

Techniques, form and posture are important and taught in a way which encourages the individual to maximise their potential. There is recognition that, although "body shapes and techniques" are important, so too is the understanding and spirit that students only experience through regular practice.

Traditional Karate has a more personal philosophy and is not a sport. Although a healthy and natural desire to do well against others is often present, the only real competition is with you!

How fit will I need to be?

The term fitness is a relative thing.  One person's fitness is another person's fatness.  Whatever your base of personal fitness (however defined) it will be improved with the exercises we do.  General warm-ups are performed, along with specific stretching and every reasonable care is taken to ensure that people work at or a little above their own personal pace. 

Friends of mine have come back from Karate lessons "black and blue".
Will I?

We've come back to "horses for courses". If that's what you want then there are places to find it. Personally, we are not convinced this approach adds much to the learning experience. Techniques will be taught that can do injury if used offensively, although you will learn them at distances that are appropriate to your personal level of skill. You will be learning the art of what a Chinese General, Sun Tsu, in 500bc phrased "the art of war is to render your opponent incapable before you have to fight him". Karate as practised in Zenshin dojo is all about stopping the fight before it starts.

Is there a grading structure?

Yes, based on a coloured belt system set out below:

Red 6th Kyu

Black 1st Dan

Yellow 5th Kyu

Black 2nd Dan

Orange 4th Kyu

Black 3rd Dan

Green 3rd Kyu

Black 4th Dan

Blue 2nd Kyu

Black 5th Dan

Brown 1st Kyu