Karate Curriculum
The system of Karate taught is a blend of Japanese Karate/Ju Jitsu, Wado Ryu and Okinawan Karate, Go Ju Ryu, coupled with a strong Chinese (Quan Fa) influence. Translated, Karate means “Empty Hand” and Go Jo as “hard and soft” Quan Fa as “Kempo” Japanese name of China’s fist method.
Shizendo’s Curriculum is rooted in principles and concepts which transcends all systems. Principles and concepts are universal, which are natural laws of motion, manipulation, impact, power and speed etc. With this approach the student can develop a highly skilled flowing powerful body, but more importantly, a natural powerful flowing body.
The system of Karate taught is a blend of Japanese Karate and Ju Jitsu, Wado Ryu, and Okinawan Goju Ryu, combined with a strong Chinese influence from Quan Fa. Translated, Karate means “empty hand,” Goju means “hard and soft,” and Quan Fa—known in Japanese as Kempo—refers to the Chinese “fist method.”
Shizendo’s curriculum is built upon principles and concepts that transcend individual styles. These principles—rooted in natural laws of motion, manipulation, impact, power, speed, and timing—are universal. Through this approach, the student develops not only a highly skilled, flowing, and powerful body, but more importantly, a naturally powerful and adaptable one.
Training systems form the foundation of any martial art. By using a variety of katas and paired exercises, we shape the student’s development in a way that reflects the specific type of Karate practised within the dojo. There are many systems of Karate, and even within the same system, approaches can vary greatly; yet they all share a common purpose: to develop the student and transmit the art in its fullest form.
The Three K’s of Karate
K1 Kihon Basic Training
K2 Kata Form Training
K3 Kumite Partnered Training
Shizendo Curriculum uses six kata and three waza.
| The first section is Generic – | Waza, Basic karate, Ippon, Basic pairs work, Renkai, Combinations. |
| The second section Go Ju – | Kata, Sanshin, Tensho, Tegmmi and Sticky hand drills. |
| The third section Wado – | Kata, Naihanchi, Kusanku, Seishan, Chinto, Pairs work, Kihon Kumite. |
The Shi Zen Do Karate system is rooted in the development and cultivation of the Sixteen Gate Boxing method, drawing on natural and universal laws of motion. Both Wado Ryu and Goju Ryu emphasise using softness to overcome hardness—harmonising with an opponent rather than meeting force with force. In this spirit, the Shi Zen Do practitioner employs subtle, refined techniques, making the art one of fluidity and non‑resistance. Through this approach, students develop strategic skill in both long‑range and close‑quarter combat.
Shi Zen Do Martial Arts also includes several traditional weapons systems, each with its own dedicated syllabus. These weapons are taught throughout the year in regular three‑hour courses. Please refer to the calendar or posted announcements for upcoming course dates and times. The weapons studied within the Shizendo Martial Arts system include:
Escrima Stick, Shi Zen Do Knife, Pole/Bo, Sai, Kama and Tonfa
Kanji Kubudo Weapons
Each weapon studied is a complete system and can be amalgamated into the empty hand art as the concepts and principles exactly the same .
“The Art is the Flow the Flow being the Art”