The squad classes are with the intention of supporting and developing students who are wanting to participate in tournament competition. The classes are facilitated by coaches Simon, Andy and Ellen along with our leadership team.
At this stage the 2024 Squad classes will alternate between kumite & kata squads each week and will be held on a Thursday night at 6.45pm. There may be a second session implemented on a Tuesday or Friday evening but this will depend on the interest registered through this form. There are limited places for each discipline and priority will be given to those students who competed in at least one tournament in the 2023 Tournament Season.
Please consider the below qualities, expectations, commitments and costs associated with squad classes before registering your interest.
SQUAD CLASS PARTICIPANTS
Personal Qualities:
- Be able to focus for the entire class
- Have the ability to self-analyse e.g: knowing when a sequence of kata could have been performed differently
- Have the ability to actively listen and take on feedback, with a goal of implementing that feedback into your kumite
- Be able to work independently on their kumite/kihon/kata whilst other students in the class are being assisted
Expectations:
- No more than four classes to be missed throughout the year without a medical certificate or preapproval (Squad class schedule attached)
- Squad class is an additional commitment and not a replacement to regular classes
- All competitors must have the safety equipment required for the squad classes as per list below
- A minimum of four tournaments in 2024 from the tournament calendar including two VKL tournaments, the SSU Tournament and the KV Development Tournament or KV Open
- To always come to class prepared: eg safety equipment, drink bottle, note pad & pen, team jacket etc
- Competitors to sign a 'Competitor's Code of Conduct'
Costs & Commitments:
The 2024 squad classes fees are $220 for the year (one discipline)
For students doing both kata & kumite the cost is $290 (two discipline)
This fee is non refundable and will cover:
Levy for volunteer coaches & team managers when attending tournaments
Exclusive squad training seminar with Japanese Coaches Seiko Kurumaji & Rimi Kajikawa
Ippon Karate Academy team polo
Squad notepad & pen
Additional costs associated with tournament include entry fees and safety equipment.
VKL Tournaments are approximately $100 per entry
Safety equipment for kumite between $170 to $300 depending on what is required
Other equipment as per discipline requirements eg: spare uniform, equipment bag etc
Most tournaments & events are at least 45 minutes in travel time by car and most are held in Northern or Eastern Suburbs
Parent/guardian commitment to attending tournaments and providing the financial support for students to compete
Kumite Squad Equipment Requirements:
- WKF/AKF Blue &/or red gloves, shin guards and instep protectors which MUST cover the toes (Development competitors will only need either red or blue protective equipment NOT BOTH)
- Moulded mouth guard and a body protector
- WKF/AKF white head protector for all children’s divisions
- WKF/AKF Groin guard for males
- A competition blue & red belt (not the student’s training belt)
- A second backup uniform in the case of blood contamination (blood rules)
- Water bottle
- Squad diary & pen (Included with registration fee*)
- Ippon Karate team polo (Included with registration fee*)
*Students who are registered for two discipline will be provided one polo, diary & pen
Kata Squad Equipment Requirements:
- A competition blue & red belt (not the student’s training belt)
- A kata uniform
- Water bottle
- Squad diary & pen (Included with registration fee*)
- Ippon Karate team polo (Included with registration fee*)
*Students who are registered for two discipline will be provided one polo, diary & pen