Good turnout for last night’s class.
We began by congratulating everyone who attended grading on Sunday whether for assessment ahead of grading or to actually grade. All successfully completed their challenge and, as a result, Cal now has an orange belt (7th Kyu), and Eloise Green (6th Kyu). Keep up the good work 👏👏
Next we welcomed Eva for a trial class. Best friends with Tabitha, but a little shy to begin with, Eva seemed to enjoy using the kick pads!
Following a warm up led by Adam (thanks Adam), we first spent time practicing kihon. Then we moved on to kata Saifa and Bassai Dai, finishing on a game of ‘cross the dojo’ using blocks by the numbers. Well done Charlie on your victory.
Student of the week this week was George. And Cal received his belated certificate from last week.
Thank you all for coming and I’ll see you soon.
Sensei David 🥋
GKR Karate
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Go-Kan-Ryu Karate (GKR) is a traditional Japanese style of karate. GKR was founded by Robert Sullivan in Adelaide, South Australia. Robert first began training in the art of karate in 1964, and spent time training and teaching in both Japan and the USA before establishing GKR in 1984. GKR Karate is taught in a non-contact environment and promotes both character and physical development. GKR is a c
TEST YOUR REFEREE SKILLS
This video shows various techniques executed in a tournament scenario. Your goal is to quickly assess:
a) Whether the techniques would qualify as a scoring technique or not.
b) If not, to identify how they failed to meet the Scoring Criteria.
Shortly after each technique, the video will note the answer on screen.
When a common trend exists for why certain techniques do not meet the Scoring Criteria, it will then show examples of why this Scoring Criteria exists. * Note that when illustrating these reasons it will show “real world” consequences (such as tackles, wild swinging punches etc) rather than techniques permitted in GKR tournaments.
This may seem a little odd; one person executing tournament techniques while the opponent is using “street” techniques, but this to illustrate that tournament rules are based on habits/principles vital for self-defence. The following should explain this more clearly.
While GKR Karate is a traditional karate style, it also conducts point-kumite tournaments. Often regarded within the karate world as “sport karate,” point-kumite allows students to test their skills in a safe, enjoyable and competitive environment.
So, what is the difference between traditional karate and sport karate?
TRADITIONAL KARATE vs SPORT KARATE
Distance:
Traditional karate is generally conducted at close range.
Sport karate typically begins from a long fighting range.
Weapons:
Traditional karate is based on the philosophy that every single part of the body can be weaponised for self-defence – from the top of the skull to the tips of the fingers and toes.
Sport karate only uses the closed hands, feet and shins as scoring weapons, with protective padding covering these areas.
Target areas:
Traditional karate targets Kyusho points; anatomical weak points that may trigger a flinch response, disrupt the nervous system, cause pain, or even induce unconsciousness.
Sport karate avoids Kyusho points for competitor safety, (except when destabilising an opponent with sweeps).
Types of attack:
Traditional karate uses blunt force trauma (power strikes), while also, literally everything else (eg flicks, pokes, grabs, bites, stomps, locks, throws etc). Many of these attacks are highly effective in close range and when attacking Kyusho points. And they are critical for self-defence, considering most attackers intentionally select smaller people as their chosen targets.
Sport karate focuses on blunt force trauma, ie, power strikes that would be considered powerful enough to weaken or finish an opponent (based on the fact that they are NOT aiming at Kyusho points).
When we examine the differences, it’s clear traditional karate is far too dangerous to be safely used in competition, and attempting to fully “gamify” it is impossible. Even full-contact cage-fighting has strict rules limiting many of these concepts.
IF SPORT KARATE IS SO DIFFERENT, HOW DOES IT TEST OUR KARATE?
Although the techniques and target areas differ, the underlying principles remain the same.
In sport karate, one might kick to the torso, whereas traditional karate might strike with the knee to the torso – or perhaps kick the groin or knee joint.
In sport karate, we might punch to the face, whereas traditional karate might use a palm heel strike, eye attack, or throat seize.
While sport karate does not model the techniques or targets used in self-defence, the principles of how techniques are executed remain very similar.
GKR Karate’s Judge and Referee Manual refers to these
principles as the “Scoring Criteria.”
Just two examples include:
1. Correct distance. For a technique to score, the body must be at the correct distance, so the attacking arm or leg remains slightly bent as it scores. This demonstrates that the technique would have been able to pe*****te through the target - if this was the desired intent (as in self-defence).
2. Good form: While a tournament is non-contact, for a technique to score, it must demonstrate the entire body is working together to make the technique maximally effective - if it were delivered with contact (as in self-defence).
This video however focuses on the scoring criterion of Zanshin.
Zanshin is a continued state of mental and physical awareness. In essence, it means for techniques to score, the competitor must demonstrate they are mentally and physically ready to strike, defend or move at any given time.
In self-defence (traditional karate), after striking, blocking, throwing or locking an opponent, a person must remain mentally focused while also maintaining physical qualities such as:
i) A line of sight. If you cannot see your opponent, you cannot identify a potential threat.
ii) A balanced stance. This allows for ongoing effective movement and continued defence or attack.
iii) A functional guard. One that can quickly strike, block, grab or throw. The exception is when both hands are being used to control or manipulate the attacker.
Because these principles are essential in self-defence (traditional karate), they translate across to tournament rules. Therefore, regardless of how effective a technique was in the ring, if a Referee observes a lack of Zanshin, they will NOT call Stop (“Yame”) to award a point. In fact, their obligation is to allow the bout to continue, which may result in the competitor who lacked Zanshin being scored on by their opponent.
Colloquially this could be called “tough love”, as it’s better to learn the negative consequences for lacking Zanshin in the ring than in self-defence. And as tournaments “test our skills”, Zanshin is one of those tests that we can learn from.
Of course, in beginner and intermediate divisions, the Scoring Criteria are applied less strictly, as students are still developing these habits and skills.
Watch the video and see how many techniques you can judge correctly, and we look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming GKR Karate World Cup!
3 Drills for Control and Accuracy 👊
Much cooler temperatures for last night’s class and, pleasingly, much higher attendance.
After bowing in, we gave a warm GKR Uttoxeter welcome to Noah in his second ever class. Noah (6) was clearly very excited to have begun his karate journey but I must admit I was not expecting his first question to me which was “Why are you so old?” 🤣🤣 Obviously he considers this to be a young person’s game!
Next we gave loud applause to Leila for her outstanding achievement at Saturday’s tournament where she came away with individual double gold in a highly competitive division. Massive congratulations Leila 👏👏. I know you to be a very modest person but I hope you are extremely proud of yourself.
Then it was down to some karate, starting off with extracts from the blue belt grading format ahead of next Sunday’s grading event as several students will be there to attempt their next belt or to be assessed in preparation for being put forward for their next belt. Good effort on strikes, blocks and kicks. Keep practicing and always remember the importance of focus and sound stances.
We finished with some basic pad work in groups to get used to actually landing our techniques on something solid.
Student of the Week was awarded to Cal for great focus and excellent buddy work with Noah. IOU a certificate next week!
See you all on Sunday or, if not, next week.
Sensei David 🥋
When is Self Defence Non-Violent?
29/05/2026
This May is our fourth ‘Stop Domestic & Family Violence - Purple Belt Awareness’ month in support of RizeUp Australia, Shine New Zealand and Refuge United Kingdom.
In Australia, our NSW and VIC management and their teams were invited to spend a day assembling furniture and pantry packs for our charity partner RizeUp in support of their Homes program.
Not only was this a great opportunity to provide practical support to RizeUp, but it also gave everyone the chance to meet with some of the RizeUp team and see what goes on behind the scenes.
You too can support the great work that RizeUp, Shine and Refuge do by attending any of the special fundraising seminars that may be held in your area. Family members and non-members are welcome to attend and all fees from the seminars will be donated directly to the charity we are supporting in your country.
If you were still wanting to purchase one of our special purple belts, there are still a limited number available online at:
AUS: go.gkrkarate.com/sdfvaus
NZ: go.gkrkarate.com/sdfvnz
UK : go.gkrkarate.com/sdfvuk
To view more photos and learn more about the incredible work being done by RizeUp, Shine and Refuge, visit our website: https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/rizeup-homes-project-2026/
From surviving a difficult start in life to being selected to represent New Zealand at the GKR Karate 2026 World Cup, Michael’s journey is truly inspiring.
We are so proud of his hard work, courage and determination both on and off the mat. 🥋
Unsurprisingly, last night’s class was a very select few. Big shout out to David, Joseph and Cal for venturing out in spite of the searing temperatures and half term distractions.
We used a very leisurely paced first kata as a warm up whilst still focusing on preparing the blocks with the correct hand. For the remainder of class we did something completely different from the usual yellow/orange belt class plan: we tackled Bassai Dai step-by-step. All 38 moves! Excellent intent and focus from everyone so well done all. You each fully earned your Student of the Week certificate👏 👏👏.
See you next week when I hope the conditions will be more inviting.
Regards Sensei David 🥋
19/05/2026
Glen started karate in Queensland before moving to remote South Australia and switching from in-person to online classes.
Read Glen’s story in our latest installment of GKR Stories - https://www.gkrkarate.com/articles/gkr-stories-glen-thorpe/
Good attendance for last night’s class. After the bow in and warm up, this week’s kihon basics segment comprised one of the new class plans from the instructor manual based on the yellow to orange grading format. It was good to see the work done over recent weeks on various techniques starting to show. 👍
Then we moved on to kata starting at first and working up. Great effort by the lower grades to give it a go. The green belts then performed Saifa, their grade kata. Finally, Daisy and Leila got a chance to run through some more advanced katas.
After bowing out, Student of the Week was awarded to Shayne for excellent overall focus.
Finally Isaac, George and Shayne were invited to attend the next grading event for an assessment as to whether they are ready to attempt their blue belt.
Don’t forget the self defence seminar with Sensei Libby on Sunday 31 May at Cheadle to raise funds for our purple belt campaign. Details of this and all forthcoming events available from any instructor or online.
Thanks for coming - see you next time.
Sensei David 🥋
Slightly lower attendance for Bank Holiday Monday class.
A classic warm up was followed by a round of applause for Tabitha who levelled up to 8th Kyu yellow belt at Sunday’s grading. Great job! 👏
Then it was a ‘back-to-basics’ segment with the whole class stepping through the white belt grading format, checking the detail in every technique along the way. Not the most exciting agenda, but sound basics are essential as a platform for building more advanced techniques as students progress through the grades.
For the remainder of the hour we ran through katas from 1st to Saifa looking to apply the tips from the earlier exercise.
Student of the Week was Isaac for listening to and applying feedback. Student of the Month for April was awarded to Tabitha who doesn’t get everything right, but who gives everything a go however new or tricky it is. Well done to you both. 👏👏
See you next time.
Sensei David 🥋
28/04/2026
Good attendance for last night’s class. Thank you all for coming.
We began with a warm up led by Joseph with help from Charlie. Well done guys.
Then we split into two groups to work on katas. The lower grades had a detailed run through Saifa with Sensei David whilst the blue and brown belts formed a self-help group working in their individual grade katas. Some noticeable improvements on display.
For the remainder of the hour, we had our first Monday night bag sumo challenge, which was great fun. Good effort all around and we agreed we should do it again soon.
After the bow out, the following certificates were awarded:
For Overall Winner in the bag sumo challenge - Joseph. For Best Effort in the bag sumo challenge - Tabitha, who demonstrated that size and strength are not the only factors, determination and confidence are important too. For Student of the week - George who took on board lots of feedback on his Saifa. For achieving the rank of 6th Kyu-Ho - Emma. And for achieving the rank of 4th Kyu-Ho - Adam. Congratulations and well done one and all 👏👏.
Upcoming events:
Purple belt campaign in support of Refuge UK, the domestic and family violence charity (details and belts available in the GKR online shop);
Black Belt Assessment 9 May in Hednesford. 3rd Kyu and above students welcome to go along to train;
Sensei Junior seminar in Coventry 17 May;
Central Zone Tournament at Wolverhampton University Walsall Campus 30 May;
World Cup in Telford 24-26 July - entries open online.
See you in the dojo again soon.
Sensei David 🥋
Last night’s class was devoted to practising grade relevant kihon and kata, starting with White and Yellow belt kihon combinations and moving on to katas from first to Seiunchin. This helps both as practice for tournaments if students decide to try one and also in deciding how close each student is to being ready to attempt their next belt assessment.
Good effort from everyone, especially the lower grades for giving some higher grade katas a go.
After the bow out, Tabitha was invited to attend the next grading event on May 3. The Student of the Week certificate went to Emma for excellent focus throughout.
Don’t forget the next Central Zone tournament is on May 30. I also forgot to mention that ‘Bring a Friend’ for a free trial class is ongoing and that May is Purple belt month in support of the campaign against Domestic and Family Violence. Proceeds from sale of the belts, which are available in the online GKR shop, go to the Refuge charity.
Thanks for coming and I will see you in the dojo soon.
Sensei David 🥋
Slightly lower numbers for yesterday’s Easter Monday class but a big thank you to those who did come along.
We started by congratulating and applauding Yan on his successful grading to 9th Kyu Yellow belt on Sunday. Great job! 👏
This week’s kihon segment focused on the combinations required for grading from 9th to 8th Kyu Yellow belt and from 7th Kyu-Ho to 7th Kyu Orange belt. Good effort all round.
We dovoted the remainder of the hour to working on some general fitness exercises including speed of reactions and agility using tennis balls, mitts and shoulder and knee taps. Again, everyone put in lots of effort and there were lots of red faces to prove it! 🥵
After bowing out, it was time to award Student of the Week which this week went to Yan. Well done Yan - it’s been an outstanding Easter weekend for you and well deserved! 👏
The trophy for Student of the Month for March was awarded to Cal who did not miss a single Monday class throughput the month and who always puts in a great effort. Well done Cal - keep it up! 👏
Finally, there was an Easter sweet treat for all as they left. 🍫
Thanks again for coming and I look forward to seeing you again in the dojo soon.
Regards
Sensei David 🥋
Slightly lower numbers for last night’s class as expected in this holiday week.
Cal led a good warm up which was extended to include some Kumite footwork by numbers working on lightness of foot and speed of reaction in changing direction. Then we did a short spell of kihon basics before partnering up for some ‘punch the mitt’, working on speed of reaction again, this time in punching a mitt dropped from head height by a partner. Some impressive scores approaching ten out of ten for a couple of the higher grades but everyone looked sharper and more alert after the drill than before so well done all. 👏
Next we ran through some kata, from first to Bassai Dai, the white belts doing a great job of following on. 👏👏👏
To finish off, we played three rounds of karate ‘cross the dojo’ (trying to avoid the technique - strike, kick or block, - chosen by Ruby to send students back to the start).
After bowing out, we wished good luck to students attending grading this Sunday. Finally, Student of the Week was awarded jointly to Ian and Ralph Au for a great job in giving lots of new stuff a go. Great attitude. 👏👍
Thanks for coming to train and i hope to see you again next time.
Happy Easter! 🐣
Sensei David 🥋
Great class this Monday and it was a pleasure to welcome Sensei Richard to train amongst our regulars.
We began with shuttle runs in teams with added press ups. Good effort all round and surprising speed shown by some of our younger students 🏃🏃♀️.
We then performed combinations by grade on the move before the kick shields came out! Using the pads and with partners, we practised strikes, kicks and even blocks as strikes for the remainder of the hour. Excellent work by all. 👏👏
Finally, Cal was awarded Student of the Week for great partner work and strong kicks. Well done Cal - it was a close run thing as everyone deserved credit for their efforts. 👏
Remember the next regional tournament is on May 30 if you fancy having a go and testing yourself. Look out for the announcement that entries are open.
Have a good week and I’ll see you in the dojo again soon.
Sensei David 🥋
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