An Introduction to Wado-Ryu at the North York YMCA
What is Wado-Ryu Karate?
Wado Ryu Karate is one of the four major styles of Japanese Karate. The techniques used are integrated with Yoshin Ryu Ju Jitsu and Karate to Form a complete martial art. Wado means the way of peace and harmony. We strive to attain a deep harmony and peace in mind and body.
The North York YMCA Karate Club was established in 1986 by Sensei Alex Waith who has taught karate for over 30 years. The program prides itself on providing the highest standard of martial arts, self defence, fitness, competition results and overall enjoyment.
Class Times & General Information
Adult Classes provide an excellent physical workout to improve and maintain fitness levels while focusing on a high level of martial arts instruction with the option of competitive involvement at Provincial and National sanctioned Tournaments.
Children & Youth Classes are geared towards building character through self discipline while improving technical proficiency and ability. Graduates of this group move onto the adult class where special attention is given as they progress through their adolescent years.
Parents’ Classes offer the opportunity for parents to learn karate at the same time as their children with the comfort of a small group and attention of a skilled instructor
| Tuesday / Thursday | 6:00pm – 6:45pm | Child’s Karate Class (9 and under) |
| 6:45pm – 7:45pm | Youth Karate Class (10 and older) | |
| 6:45pm – 7:45pm | Parents’ Karate Class | |
| 7:45pm – 9:30pm | Youth / Adult Karate Class | |
| Saturday | 1:15pm – 2:15pm | Child’s Karate Class (9 and under) |
| 2:15pm – 3:30pm | Youth (10 and older) | |
| 2:00pm – 3:00pm | Youth / Adults White Belts (dance studio) | |
| 3:00pm – 4:00pm | Youth / Adults Green Belts (dance studio) | |
| 4:00pm – 5:30pm | Youth / Adults Brown and Black Belt Karate Class (dance studio) |
Note that members of the parents’ class can train with the youth/adult classes. All classes are in the gymnasium unless noted otherwise.
Immediate Requirements
As a new member we require the following from you immediately:
- You must be a member of the YMCA.
- You must register your name at the front desk for the Adults Karate Class. (For the Kid’s/Youth class you must speak to an instructor first.) Note: there is NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE to your YMCA monthly membership fee if you are 16 years and older.
- Please fill out and return the New Members Form.
- Please fill out and return the Waiver.
Do I have to buy a Karate Uniform?
We prefer that you try our classes out for a while to make sure you are going to stay with the program before you purchase a karate gi (uniform). A gi can be purchased through our club with prices ranging from $30 (light weight gi) to $120 (heavy weight gi). You can order a Karate Gi during the first week of the month. Gis take about two to three weeks to arrive.
What is expected from me?
Participation If you plan to progress through gradings it is expected that you attend on average 2 classes a week. However if are unable to attend twice a week then you are still welcome to join, but it will take a little longer to progress.
Control Karate is a contact sport. You are expected to respect your fellow karate members and maintain control of your punches and kicks at all times. Without physical or emotional control injuries may occur.
How much do I have to pay?
If you are 16 years of age or older the classes are FREE with your YMCA membership, however there are additional expenses such as yearly affiliation fees, grading fees, seminars, clinics and literature.
Adult grading fees are currently as follows:
| Kyu level | Adults | Youth/Kids |
| 9th Kyu (first white belt grading) | Free | $5.00 |
| White Belts | $20.00 | $10.00 |
| Green Belts | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Brown Belts | $30.00 includes a report card of your grading |
$15.00 |
Grading Syllabus are available for $5.00.
The Grading Syllabus covers grading techniques and requirements from 10th Kyu to 1st Kyu.
Affiliation Fees Affiliation fees are yearly fees that you are required if you are in the Adults’ class and have reached 9th Kyu. Membership fees ensures the quality of education and instruction by maintaining technical standards that are set out by the governing bodies for Karate.
Canadian Wado-Ryu Federation – yearly fee $30.00. This is our club. This yearly fee helps out with offsetting clinic cost, social events and provides an emergency slush fund.
Karate Ontario – yearly fee for white belts and colour belts $30.00, black belts $60.00. This is the governing body for Karate in Ontario and Canada. Affiliation with Karate Ontario assures that our club meets the technical standards set by the provincial and national governing bodies as well as allowing our club access to provincial competitions, clinics and seminars.
Wado Academy – yearly fee $30.00 or $40.00 (includes passport) for first time members. This is our Karate style affiliation with our international division. The passport is to keep track of your gradings, clinic participations and will allow you access to Wado clubs world wide.
Other fees Clinics and Seminars there are several clinics and seminars throughout the year, while attendance of the clinics and seminars are not mandatory there are clinics held by the Wado Academy that are considered essential to the development of our club and it is strongly recommended that you attend. The pricing of the clinics and seminars vary, depending on the number of days and the Sensei that is teaching.
Wado-Ryu Dojo Rules & Etiquette
The basic foundations of karate training is respect and self control. The improvements of character as well as physical condition are parts of the training process for a serious karate-ka (student of karate).
Rei (bowing) is the way in which we show our respect, appreciation and honour. This appreciation and respect is owed to the Sensei (teacher), the dojo (training area), and other students. Your honour is owed to karate and to the fact that karate is not just a sport, but a martial art and a way of life.
All karate-ka must bow before entering the dojo. The dojo is a sacred place to those who practice karate. We bow when entering the dojo to acknowledge our purpose to train intensively. We also bow when leaving the dojo to show gratitude for a good training session.
As expected, idle chatter, smoking, alcohol, eating, chewing gum, etc. will not be allowed under any circumstances.
Lower grades must always respect and take any instructions given to them by a senior grade. All karate-ka must bow to instructors or visiting instructors. Politeness is emphasized at all times in the dojo.
A clean, white, karate gi must be worn. Socks, shoes or jewelry are not allowed. Also finger and toe nails should be kept short.
Absolute subordinance should be shown to your Sensei at all times. All instructions from the Sensei or designated instructor must be followed.
Call you instructor “Sensei” and senior student “Sempai”.
Instruction given by the instructor should be acknowledged with the word hai.
Always stand in the nore or yoi stance, never stand around with your hands on your waist.
When you are sitting, always sit cross-legged or in the seiza position.
In all practice, emphasis is placed on control, accuracy and non-contact.
If you arrive late, you must sit in seiza position, bow three times and stay seated until the Sensei gives you permission to join in, or any other instructions.
In case of injury or illness, report it immediately to the Sensei.
The Sensei must be informed if you leave the dojo before the end of the class. Then follow the normal procedures for leaving the dojo.
A technique should be practiced in the exact way that you would apply it. Whatever you do, do it with all of your might and concentration.
All students should help keep the dojo clean. Please try to keep the floor dry and clean.