Chris Ewing Karate (CEK) is a well-established karate club located in Musselburgh, New Zealand. The club specialises in the style of karate known as Wado-Kai, which combines traditional Japanese Karate and Jujitsu techniques. Prior to 2017, the club was a member of the Scottish Karate Federation but has since formed its own independent federation, CEK Association, which is affiliated with The Scottish Karate Governing Body. This governing body is a member of the British Karate Federation and the World Karate Federation.
The chief instructor and owner of Chris Ewing Karate is Chris Ewing himself. Chris started practising karate at the age of 6 in 1986 at Meadowbank Karate in Edinburgh, under the guidance of Hamish Adam MBE 8th Dan. Over the years, Chris has achieved remarkable success in the sport, winning numerous titles at Scottish, British, European, and Commonwealth championships. After achieving his Scottish All Styles and Wado European titles, Chris decided to retire from the national squad and focus on coaching.
In 2005, Chris opened his first club in Portobello Community Centre in Edinburgh. As his reputation grew, he expanded to cover various areas of Edinburgh & the Lothians. In 2020, he secured a dedicated location on Musselburgh High Street, formerly the co-op store, to establish the CEK dojo. The dojo is situated on the first floor but unfortunately does not have lift access from street level.
CEK offers classes six days a week, catering to various age groups from kids (5 years old and above) to adults. The club welcomes individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Parents of children are invited to either observe the classes from the reception area or relax in the parent lounge.
CEK Association has implemented a comprehensive grading syllabus for junior members. The initial two grades, junior yellow and junior orange belts, can be achieved during normal class time and are considered encouragement grades that are relatively attainable without a formal grading test. From junior green belt onwards, including the various senior belts, a formal grading examination is required. Members must also hold a current CEK Association licence, renewed annually in January.
These formal gradings take place once every three months and require a small fee to cover the examination and the awarded belt if successfully achieved.
Upon completion of the junior grades, children progress to the formal 'Kyu' grade senior belt system, which is equivalent to the level required by adult members. The Kyu grade examinations are also held every three months, and a nominal fee is charged to cover the examination and the new coloured belt if achieved. The grading system for both kids and adults includes various levels such as white belt, yellow belt, orange belt, green belt, blue belt, purple belt, brown belt, and others.
Chris Ewing Karate is dedicated to providing high-quality training and promoting personal growth through the practise of karate. With a strong emphasis on tradition, discipline, and technique, the club offers a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals to learn and excel in this martial art. Whether you are a beginner looking to start your karate journey or an experienced practitioner seeking to enhance your skills, Chris Ewing Karate welcomes you to join their community and experience the many benefits that karate has to offer.