One of the aspects of SHOTORAMA that sets us apart is the inclusion of a series of ‘workshops’, targeted at specific topics and ideas and inspired by our instructors’ experiences and expertise. Listed below you will find the workshop titles together with a very brief explanation of what will be covered.
We have tried hard to ensure that all workshops are suitable for all grades, although some workshops will cover what are often treated as more advanced topics, so please bear this in mind when choosing. We want you to have the best day possible, and whatever level you are we will have something to challenge and inspire you!
How the ‘shops’ will ‘work’:
The SHOTORAMA timetable will have 4 ’rounds’ of workshops, where multiple workshops will run in parallel, so you will be able to attend only one in each ’round’.
The idea behind the workshops is that as well as being specialised topics, places are limited so that instructors can work closely and give individual feedback. When you book your place, we will ask you to please indicate which workshops you would like to attend in each round. Workshop places are limited, so we encourage you to please sign up early to ensure your place! Hopefully we can make as many people happy as possible – the parallel workshops format takes some more effort to create and manage, but we think it is worthwhile to give you a tailored and engaging experience!
Each workshop is from one of four categories: kata, kumite, self-defence, or skills. The first three are self-explanatory, while “skills” means a workshop that aims to develop a certain skill that doesn’t fit into any particular category but can develop and enhance one’s karate overall. There are three workshops in each category, and you can choose any combination.
We also have two break-away theoretical workshop for those who want a break from training or just interested in the subject. Those workshops are also open to family members who are not otherwise training.
Workshop Round 1:
1A) Kata: Embusen, stances, footwork, and what they tell us about kata.
A look at some of the details of kata beyond the techniques, with Sensei Avi. An examination of how they can inform our understanding of the performance and application of kata.
1B) Kumite: Developing one’s strong technique “Tokui Waza”.
Everyone’s karate is different, and we all have favourite ‘go to’ techniques. In this kumite workshop, Sensei John will lead the class in identifying and developing individual specialities.
Note: fully subscribed! If you select this workshop you’ll be put on a waiting list.
1C) Self-defence: bunkai-ORAMA!
Until you know bunkai, your kata won’t help you fight. Taking a close look at how to analyse (bunkai) and apply (oyo) techniques from kata, Sensei Chris will show how to maximise the effectiveness of karate in practical applications, and how to re-examine what you already know.
1D) Skills: Elastic to What You’re Good At
This workshop with sensei Neil was one of the favourites last year, so we’re bringing it back. Muscle control is half the story – develop faster snapping techniques through the use of the body’s own elasticity.
Workshop Round 2:
2A) Skills: Effective partner drills.
Karate, ultimately, deals with the interaction between opponents. In karate training, opponents are also partners; working effectively with partners in combative and harmonic drills makes for better technique and faster progression. Includes tips from Sensei Neil for instructors on drill preparation and execution.
Note: fully subscribed! If you select this workshop you’ll be put on a waiting list.
2B) Kata: Introduction to the Asai-Ryu kata.
Outside of the “traditional” Shotokan canon can be found dozens of kata. What lessons do they hold, and call tell us about what else karate can be? Sensei John will share his experience with the distinctive and challenging kata invented and developed by the late Sensei Asai.
2C) Kumite: Dan grading jiyu-kumite.
Kumite squad member and current Southern region champion, Sensei Jamie will provide a jiyu-kumite workshop specifically targeted for students looking to take their dan grading in the near future, including tips on best strategy and tactics as well as dynamic technique.
2D) Kumite: from kihon ippon to jiyu-kumite.
This workshop by sensei Dave Graham will provide an examiner’s view of the qualities one needs to demonstrate when grading from kihon ippon kumite to jiyu kumite.
Workshop Round 3:
3A) Kata: The basics of kata training – kata as kihon and kihon as kata.
The fundamental relationship between basic technique and kata will be explored by Sensei Rosie, including a shifting of perspective from each discipline to the other. Kihon combinations become kata, kata progressions become kihon exercises.
3B) Skills: Breaking your habits.
Something different – quite literally – from Sensei Neil. When it feels hard to make progress, shaking up your habits and forcing yourself out of your comfort provides previously-unseen opportunities to move in new directions. When did you last do something truly new?
3C) Self-defence: “The Fence” against knife attack.
Sensei Dave Austin brings his real-world self-defence system, The Fence, back to SHOTORAMA for another workshop. This time, moving beyond the safe and controlled training in the dojo and looking at knife attacks. What should – and shouldn’t – you do if faced by an aggressor armed with a knife.
Note: fully subscribed! If you select this workshop you’ll be put on a waiting list.
NOTE: The workshop will use washable markers to simulate attacks (which will be provided). The box says that the markers come out in the wash, but we strongly recommend that you bring an old t-shirt (or at least an old gi jacket) to wear for that workshop.
3T) Theory: Optimising training and preventing injury.
Angela Di Benedetto B.Sc (Hons), and experienced Sports Therapists will be presenting this workshop. Gain an insight into what makes our body perform better. Understand how you can maximise the benefit from training whilst reducing the risk of injury.
Workshop Round 4:
4A) Kumite: Maai (distance) and footwork.
As a kumite squad member, Sensei Emma brings the highest level of experience to this kumite workshop, explicitly looking at how to understand, control, and change distance. Improved footwork allows faster movement and longer technique; find out how!
4B) Skills: Posture & movement in kihon, kata and kumite.
Back to fundamentals with Sensei Rosie! This skills workshop will look at body posture, specifically at your own form during kihon, and how to make effective attacks in partner exercises. The workshop will also consider turning effectively in the context of body mechanics.
4C) Self-defence: Operant conditioning.
Sensei Neil presents techniques to get the most out of your self-defence work. How do you get the right mindset when being ‘attacked’ by people you know and like? These drills will use operant conditioning to give a taste of ‘full-on’ fighting, including discussion of the psychology of stimulus response.
4T) Theory: Legal considerations of self-defence.
Sensei John McClelland will be sharing his experience from working within the legal system. Understand the legal definition of what constitutes self-defence. When can you use force to defend yourself or others and what is or isn’t legal.
Now all you’ve got to do is book your place.
Not so sure what to choose? Confused by the variety of options? Our team has created the SHOTORAMA tasting menu to help you choose.
SHOTORAMA! 