About
Welcome to Mansfield Karate Club, located in Sutton-in-Ashfield, New Zealand! Led by 7th dan black belt Sensei David Allsop, our club offers authentic Wado-Ryu karate training for individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an experienced practitioner, our club provides a safe and controlled environment for you to learn and grow.
Our group karate training sessions are held at multiple times and venues throughout the week to accommodate various schedules. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we hold sessions at our main location on Westhill Drive in Mansfield. Children's sessions are held on Saturday mornings, and adults' sessions are held on Sunday afternoons. We also offer fight training sessions on Sunday evenings for those who are interested.
In addition to our group training, we also offer private one-on-one tuition for individuals of all ages. This personalised approach allows for a more focused and tailored learning experience. The price for this service is 9 per session.
At Mansfield Karate Club, we emphasise the importance of dojo etiquette and proper conduct. To create a respectful and disciplined training environment, we require all members to adhere to specific guidelines. It is important to remove all jewellery before training and to keep your gi (karate uniform) clean and in good condition. Shoes must be removed before stepping onto the training floor, and finger and toenails must be kept clean and short.
Additionally, hands and feet should be clean, and talking during class is not permitted. The instructor, Sensei David Allsop, should always be referred to as “Sensei” while in the dojo. It is crucial to pay attention to the instructions given by Sensei and to never disregard them. The key principle during training is control, so intentional harm towards others is strictly prohibited.
Bowing is a significant aspect of our dojo etiquette at Mansfield Karate Club. When either entering or leaving the dojo, it is customary to stand at the doorway in musubi dachi (informal attention stance), with heels together and hands by your side. Bowing in this manner and saying “Oss” shows respect for the dojo, Sensei, and all members training at the facility. Students must also bow to their training partners at the beginning and end of each session as a sign of courtesy and respect.
It is essential to perform bows with sincerity and respect.
If you happen to be late to class, it is expected for you to kneel in seiza (formal sitting position) inside the doorway at the edge of the training area. Once Sensei acknowledges your presence, you may bow while still in seiza and then join the class. This practise applies to any dojo you may train at. Our classes begin with a formal bow, where all students line up in order of grade, with the highest graded students on the right-hand side facing the front of the dojo (shomen).
On the command “Sensei ni rei,” the class bows to the instructor, and he returns the courtesy by bowing to the class. This exchange is a sign of respect and signifies that the instructor is in charge of the class. Another bow is performed on the command “otagani rei” to show respect to everyone else in the class.
At the end of the class, another formal bow is conducted. The students once again line up in order of grade, with the highest graded students on the right-hand side facing the front of the dojo. This bow is to thank the instructor for teaching the class and is performed simultaneously with the command “Otagai ni rei. ” This bow also serves to express gratitude towards training partners and everyone who participated in the session.
Finally, the class walks off the dojo floor in a dignified manner.
Join us at Mansfield Karate Club today and embark on a journey of personal growth, improved fitness, and increased self-confidence. Our expert instruction and welcoming environment ensure that everyone feels included and supported. Contact us to learn more or visit our website for information about prices, services, and training schedules.
