Physicaltechniques are designed to be effective against larger, physically stronger attackers. They include blocks, strikes, releases from holds (arm holds, body holds, chokes, hair grabs, and situations where one is pinned to the ground), defences against weapons, and defences against more than one attacker. Women do not need to be physically fit to learn Wen-Do; we teach women to use their bodies as they are, and our instructors are trained to offer alternative techniques and strategies to women with physical limitations or disabilities.
Verbal self-defence strategies examined in the class include calming, reasoning, negotiating, distracting, surprising or confronting an attacker, depending on the situation. We also look at the most effective ways of calling on bystanders, if any, for help.
In addition to Wen-Do classes, certified Wen-Do instructors are also available to teach these techniques and lead discussion on gender-based violence in our Defy: Trans+ Self-Defence classes. These classes are open to all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community ten years and older, and of all abilities. Some people who are both women identifying and members of the queer or trans community may choose to go to either a Wen-Do or Defy: Trans+ class.
Our instructors undergo rigorous training and apprenticeship before being certified to teach and must re-certify every year. This training includes a strong emphasis on ensuring the physical safety and emotional comfort of participants. Participants complete written evaluations of every course, to assist Wen-Do in maintaining its high standard of teaching.
Providing quality instruction with over two decades of experience, Stew holds a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do from the WTF and Than Phong Intercontinental, Brown Belt under the IJF (International Judo Federation), and a Blue Belt in Karate, and now a purple belt in 10th planet jiujitsu under Eddie Bravo. Instruction experience includes 5 years of volunteer instruction for Than Phong TKD, teaching childrens and adults classes, 3 years of volunteer instruction for the Hatashita Judo club for both children and adult classes, 2 years of MMA instruction through Eris and New World MMA, and an assortment of self defence classes for various organizations including high school physed classes.
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Whilst we have great respect for many other Martial Arts clubs out there, we naturally feel that GKR Karate offers students a range of benefits that many other clubs cannot match. First of all, because we are an international organisation with over 2500 classes running each week between 3 countries, the community of active GKR Karate students is enormous and this creates a great opportunity for plenty of positive social interaction amongst both children and adults. It also means that we are able to hold inter-club tournaments which gives students of all ages the chance to test their skills in large divisions in a positive and like-minded environment.
The initial registration fee will vary depending on the number of family members joining together. We also run special membership promotions from time to time where discounts are offered for people trying out karate for the first time.
The average time taken for a student to achieve their Shodan-ho (provisional Black belt) in GKR Karate is approximately five to six years. Students with exceptional talent or those with previous traditional karate experience have been known to achieve this in as little as four years. Generally speaking, the minimum age for Junior Black belt is 12 years old although there have a small number of extremely gifted youngsters to have achieved this qualification as early as 10.
GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.
Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.
GKR Karate brings the exciting Martial Art of Karate to everyone. We are passionate about sharing our skills and knowledge, and we aim to inspire and empower people to reach their maximum potential through the consistent practice of Karate. We are a family club that is dedicated to fostering sound values and developing strong, humble, brave individuals and healthy communities.
Although laws are in place to protect Canadians, they can sometimes be ambiguous and difficult to understand. This is especially true when it comes to self-defence, where the law is intentionally vague in how and when Canadians should use force to defend themselves. Coupled with incorrect depictions of self-defence in the media and popular entertainment, it can be all too easy for people to get the wrong idea about how to safely protect themselves from danger.
Self-defence is the act of protecting oneself against a real or perceived threat. This usually involves the defender using physical force to detain or stop an attacker from harming them. There are many events that might cause someone to defend themselves, each with their own unique circumstances. These include:
Though the right to defend oneself can appear straightforward at first, it must be examined on a case-by-case basis. Every year, a number of Canadians are charged with criminal offences such as assault or even manslaughter even though they might believe they were trying to defend themselves. This is due to not fully understanding the limits of their right to self-defence and gravely harming their attacker. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about self-defence which can land someone in difficult legal territory without the right support.
The use of weapons or arms to defend oneself is still heavily debated in Canadian law. While some feel weapons do help protect individuals from attackers and can save lives, others feel that this carries substantial risk to others and can instead be used aggressively rather than defensively to endanger others.
No matter what weapon is used in self-defence, it must only be used to defend oneself against a very severe and probable threat. This is not just exclusive to firearms and does apply to other forms of weapons such as knives or baseball bats.
If an individual has used a weapon or firearm in an attempt to defend themselves against their attacker, they must inform their defence lawyer as soon as possible. Not disclosing this now could significantly affect the outcome of their investigation and could lead to an assault, murder, or manslaughter charge.
While it is entirely possible for the accused to clear their name, demonstrating their innocence to the judge requires legal support from knowledgeable and experienced criminal defence lawyers. In cases where there are no witness, unfavourable circumstances, and limited evidence, it can be very challenging for a lone individual to prove they acted in entirely self-defensive methods without having a legal professional by their side.
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