The WKA Scotland has been in existence for over 20 years and is directly affiliated to the Wado-Ryu Karate Do Academy. This is headed, in the UK, by our Chief Instructor, Masafumi Shiomitsu, 9th Dan Hanshi.
Both our adult and childrens’ classes are designed to teach the Wado-Ryu style of Karate, at a level that matches the students’ age and abilities. The grading system is designed to allow students to track their progress and to build their confidence for the more difficult levels of training. The current grading syllabus consists of:
Badge Gradings : Badges are awarded for tasks, such as, belt tying and specific punches and kicks.
Mon Grading : More complex, in that the student has to demonstrate a number of punches, kicks and combinations of these moves. It is more formal than the badge grade and is under the supervision of the clubs Instructors. Mon grades can be identified by their red belts and coloured stripes.
Kyu Gradings : This is the next level of difficulty. Kyu gradings take place twice a year, with the examination being taken by a senior instructor from the Academy. This is the level that adult students begin grading at.
Dan Gradings: Black Belt standard. Dan Grades take place on two occasions per year and are run by a panel of Senior Academy Instructors ,all sixth Dan or above, at organised training camps.
Students are under no pressure or obligation to grade. They will only grade if they wish to and the club instructors consider them ready for the next step.
In the past, we’ve have been successful in various National kumite and Kata competitions, but now focus our efforts in teaching and practicing traditional Wado Ryu Karate.
We run regular classes at Loch Centre in Tranent. Both instructors, Jake Haynes and Bob Miller hold WKA DAN grades and are registered coaches with Enjoy Leisure, the body that runs East Lothian Council’s sports centres.
“When you practice Wado-Ryu as a martial art, it not only means committing yourself to the way of Wado-Ryu, but also committing yourself to a certain way of life, which includes “HARD TRAINING”, overcoming obstacles in life and finding the way to lead a healthy and meaningful existence in the time you have on this planet.”
– Sensei Shiomitsu, 9th Dan, Hanshi.