[ADVERTORIAL] The Wado Karate Federation

[Wado-Karate]

19 March 2020
Covid-19 Update

It is with deepest regret that after much careful thought and consideration regarding Covid-19, we have decided to close the club with immediate effect until at least 1 April. We will reconsider on 31 March and advise further at that point in time.

This difficult decision has been made to help ensure the health and safety of club members, and we hope you understand.

We will continue to maintain our already very high standards of cleanliness throughout the period of closure, and will continue when we re-open i.e.:

• Dojo floor is thoroughly scrubbed several times each week.
• Dojo mats are disinfected before and/or after each training session.
• Social areas e.g. seating is disinfected before and after each training session.
• Hand sanitizer is provided at the dojo entrance.

These routine precautions will continue when we re-open again to ensure your continued good health.

[Big Boy]

CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

We took part in an online training trial this evening, which saw Sensei John training with 6 other karateka friends – 3 of whom have trained in the Hua Hin Dojo. The technology stood up very well to the trial, and the 6,000 mile distance was no obstacle. The trial was very successful, albeit there is only so much you can do from your living room. Sensei John was fortunate that he could train in his dojo.

We believe this could be a way forward to continue training during Covid-19. Space limitations would be restrictive, and little more than basics could be achieved, but basics are the foundation stones of all karate. Sensei John is prepared to run a free online training session every Monday and Friday evening at 7pm while the crisis lasts. Sessions would run for about 40 minutes (software is time limited). Adults and children would be very welcome to join in. All that we ask is students warm themselves up for 10 to 15 minutes before each session.

To participate, users will need:

• A PC or tablet with video and audio capability.
• Zoom.us software download (free).
• A well lit ‘clear’ space at least 2 sq mtrs (3 sq mtrs if 2 training).

John is willing to start from this Monday 20th April. Please indicate if you are interested, and we will get things moving from our end.

[Wado-Karate]

Things are changing at WKF, Hua Hin. There will be several announcements in the coming weeks. The first is a change that has been requested for quite some time. Introduction of Wado Toddlers aimed at 4 to 7 year olds, and rather than the regular syllabus based teaching, will be using a series of karate based games to get the message across in a fun way.

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[Wado-Karate]

A few of the kids in action:



Please enjoy the above video. ONLY IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, please read the script below…..

We have been successfully teaching traditional Japanese Karate in Hua Hin since 2012. The club is run by 3rd Dan, Sensei John Oliver, who has 20 years karate experience, starting at our parent club in Bristol, England. The highlight of his career was in 2009 when he represented Wado, England in Tokyo, competing in the Wado World Championships. Sensei John is fluent in English and Thai (will even throw in in a bit of Bristolian for good measure). Our Chief Instructor is Sensei George Grimes, 8th Dan Kyoshi.

Wado Karate Federation, Hua Hin is expanding.

As well the regular training slots:

 Monday 19:00 to 21:00 (Children’s Karate)
 Tuesday 08:30 to 10:30 (Adult Karate)
 Tuesday 15:30 to 16:30 (Hua Hin International School)
 Tuesday 19:00 to 21:00 (Private Lessons)
 Wednesday 19:00 to 21:00 (Competition Kata & Kumite)
 Thursday 17:00 to 21:00 (Private Lessons)
 Friday 19:00 to 21:00 (Children’s Karate)
 Saturday 09:00 to 10:00 (Wado Tots)
 Sunday 09:00 to 10:00 (Wado Tots)

The following are times are now available:

 Monday 08:30 to 18:30
 Tuesday Currently Full
 Wednesday 08:30 to 18:30
 Thursday 08:30 to 16:30
 Friday 08:30 to 18:30
 Saturday 10:30 to 13:00
 Sunday 10:30 to 13:00

Whilst the intention is most definitely not to fill every available slot above, we can currently be very flexible in meeting individual needs – just contact us to discuss.

COVID RESTRICTIONS:

 No session will exceed 2 hours.
 30 minutes is required between sessions to allow time to disinfect mats and equipment.
 Temperature will be taken on entry to the dojo. 37.5C being the trigger temperature.
 Alcohol Hand Gel is always available.
 Maximum of 10 training at any time.
 A club administered register will record who is in the dojo at any time.

SERVICES:

 Wado Toddlers (Ages 4 to 7)
 Children (Ages 7+)
 Adults
 Private Lessons (up to 3 people) – charge based on 3 x children’s lessons or 3 x adult lessons i.e. calculated by attendee’s age.

PAYMENT:

Charges at W.K.F. Hua Hin have not changed for 8 years. In future, they will be re-assessed on 31st December each year.

 Lessons are paid for on the day of training.
 If cashless payment is preferred (Covid), this will be monthly in advance by bank transfer. An account will be set up in the users name, and money will be deducted when training is undertaken. If you do not train, you will not be charged. If you stop training, any money owed will be refunded.

THE FIRST LESSON (EXCLUDING PRIVATE LESSONS) AT WADO KARATE FEDERATION IS ALWAYS FREE. There is absolutely no obligation/pressure to continue beyond that lesson. We offer this because we accept karate is not for everybody.

EQUIPMENT:

Nobody needs to spend money on any equipment until they are really sure they are going to continue (young students do feel more integrated when wearing a Gi, but please be sure they will continue, before you purchase). Grading and Assessments are undertaken about every 7th week throughout the year. A Gi will be required before a student’s first assessment. The club can provide Gis at very favourable rates, or you can purchase your own (in which case we can provide necessary club badges).

Other equipment that might be required includes:

 Gum shield – karate is about control, but accidents do happen. It is essential to protect yourself when practicing Kumite (fighting).
 The club has other equipment that we used to share, such as gloves, foot protectors, leg protectors and body protectors. Since Covid, we can no longer share. We have disinfected the shared equipment pool, and on a first come, first served basis, this kit can be borrowed on long term loan, to be returned to the pool if the student stops training. However, when this pool has run out, people will have to purchase their own, which can be done through the club. If entering competitions, a new set of protective equipment will be essential. Again, the club can obtain very favourable prices in purchasing this equipment. However, if you prefer to obtain your own (not available in Hua Hin), Shopee has a very good range, sometimes at prices just as good as the club can get.

For even more information, please contact us:

By Messenger

By telephone:

 0983055963 Thai
 0983055964 English

By e-mail: wadokaratefederation@gmail.com

or just leave a message here, and we will get back to you.

[Wado-Karate]

Starting this Saturday and Sunday we are adding 2 more regular children's classes to our schedule i.e.:

Monday - Children (7+) 19:00 to 21:00
Friday - Children (7+) 19:00 to 21:00
Saturday - Children (4 to 7) 09:00 to 10:00 *New*
Saturday - Children (7+) 10:30 to 12:30 *New*
Sunday - Children (4 to 7) 09:00 to 10:00 *New*
Sunday - Children (7+) 10:30 to 12:30 *New*

Don't forget, the first lesson with Wado Karate Federation is always free, with no obligation to continue.

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[Wado-Karate]

Our videographer had a bit of fun with our promotional video, and came up with this. Guess what? We like it.

The kids at WKF Hua Hin being put through their paces to a heavy beat.

If interested, contact details are at the end of the video.

[Wado-Karate]

We are looking for more Adult students (aged 18+). If you aren't sure karate is for you, you can try a lesson absolutely free of charge, with no obligation to continue. Just give us a call, and we can arrange a time to suit you.

Do you think you might be too old to start? Our newest student started training 2 weeks ago at the tender age of just 76 years young.

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[Wado-Karate]

CLUB NOTICE

Sensei John is on a short break 25, 26 and 27 September. Classes scheduled for those days need to be cancelled for one week.

25 September training has been re-scheduled for Thursday 24th September.

Club schedules will return to normal Monday 28th September.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

Additionally, club opening times are changing i.e.:

Monday 7pm to 9pm - Children's class - syllabus training
Tuesday 8:30am to 10:30am - Adult's class - syllabus training
Tuesday 7pm to 9pm - Private class
Wednesday 5pm to 6:30pm - Private class
Wednesday 7pm to 9pm - Competition training (7pm to 8pm Kata; 8pm to 9pm Kumite)
Friday 7pm to 9pm - Children's class - syllabus training
Saturday 9pm to 10pm - Young Children's class
Saturday 10:30am to 12:30pm - Children's class - syllabus training
Sunday 9pm to 10pm - Young Children's class
Sunday 10:30am to 12:30pm - Children's class - syllabus training
Sunday 4pm to 5:30pm - Adults - Advanced training

The club is progressively expanding. Other days/times are available. If the above doesn't suit you, please contact us, and we can find a time that will suit.

[Wado-Karate]

The short version of our promotional video. We are still looking for more students. Your FREE lesson (with no obligation to continue) is only a phone call away.

[Wado-Karate]

Sensei John has decided to create a series of videos, showcasing various Wado katas against the backdrop of some of his favourite Hua Hin area beauty spots. This will be weekly feature, which should take us close to Christmas.

In today's video, he is demonstrating Pinan Nidan at Khao Tao Lake.

We hope you enjoy.

[Wado-Karate]

Part 2 in Wado Karate Federation's series Katas Around Hua Hin.

This week Sensei John showcases Rajabhakti Park, which is a historically themed park honouring past Thai kings from the Sukhothai period to the current royal house of Chakri.

Sensei John performs Bassai Kata in front of the 7 14 mtr high bronze statues. The statues provide a really stunning backdrop.

[Wado-Karate]

Part 3 in Wado Karate Federation’s series, Katas Around Hua Hin.

This week, Sensei John visits Wat Huey Mongkol. However, rather than showcasing the well known Luang Pu Thuat, he has chosen the lesser known Golden Buddha. This is a fairly new addition to the area, and stands serenely alone at the back of the Wat’s grounds. A beautiful setting.

The kata being performed is the very basic Kihon Kata, but there is a factor of difficulty performing it on a wet, slippery floor.

[Wado-Karate]

Part 4 in Wado Karate Federation’s series, Katas Around Hua Hin.

This week, Sensei John visits one of the viewpoints on the mountain that overlooks our beautiful city, Hin Lek Fai. Hin Lek Fai offers total serenity, whilst overlooking the city below. It can be a bit rugged reaching some of the viewpoints, but the results are always worth it. For this video, we chose one of the easier to get to viewing platforms. One word of warning, the monkeys here can get a bit boisterous, so hold on tight to your belongings. We did fear for the camera.

In this video Sensei John does Pinan Godan high above the city. The Wado Karate Federation Dojo is nestled at the foot of the mountain.

Directly behind John is the Royal Hua Hin Golf Course designed by a Scottish railway engineer and opened in 1924, Royal Hua Hin Golf Course was the first golf course to be constructed in The Kingdom of Thailand. If you look to the shoreline, you will see the Fishing Pier, and to the right the iconic Hilton Hotel. The green area to the right of the Hilton is the historic Centara Grand Hotel, which first opened its doors to welcome guests in the early 1920s, at a time when the new railway line to Malaysia was transforming the sleepy fishing village of Hua Hin into Thailand’s first beach resort. The hotel, originally named the Railway Hotel, was built along the classic lines of that era, and today is regarded as one of the grand hotels of the East.

[Wado-Karate]

Teaching karate to younger kids takes a completely different approach. It has to be fun, to keep the students interested. This short video shows Sensei John and some of the Younger Kids doing just that - having fun.

[Wado-Karate]

Part 5 in Wado Karate Federation’s series, Katas Around Hua Hin.

This week, Sensei John visits the Hua Hin Fishing Lodge, which is slightly West of the city. Some may think a strange location, but he has spent many enjoyable hours here just sitting taking in the tranquil serenity. That is until one of the lake’s monster fish has taken his bait.

So it is very fond memories that have brought Sensei John back. However, it wasn’t just the fishing and tranquillity that brought him here. We have been making these videos early morning, and we know Hua Hin Fishing Lodge serves the best English Breakfast in Hua Hin. So what better way to end an early morning video shoot, than to enjoy a hearty breakfast?

This week’s kata is Pinan Sandan, performed on the very spot where Sensei John landed his biggest ever fish, a 24Kg Mekong Catfish. He had no choice but to wear flip flops for this kata because the ants were being a bit boisterous.