Artillery Park Aquatic Centre, and the Registered Karate Program was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

WHAT IS A DOJO? 

A dojo is a training hall - the place where we practice Karate. A dojo can be any place where we practice Karate - some dojos are permanent facilities dedicated only to martial arts training, while other dojos practice in community centres, school gymnasiums or even outdoors! 

WHAT IS THE NAME OF OUR DOJO?

The name of our club is SHI RYU KAI , which translates from the Japanese as, 

 SHI = from the word BUSHI "Samurai" or "Warrior";

 RYU = "Dragon"; 

 KAI = "Association or group". 

The Dragon is of course a mythical creature, but it's strength, ferocity, and wisdom is an integral part in the legends of Asian people. 

Kaiso Masayoshi Kori Hisataka, the founder of Shorinjiryu Kenkokan Karatedo, investigated the philosophy of the five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood and the five animals: dragon, tiger, snake, crane and leopard, as they related to the martial arts.

 It is the dragon, the fifth element, and it's principles, that the SHI RYU KAI dojo aspires to, stressing character development, self-confidence, self discipline, physical conditioning and a system of efficiency and ferocity, like the Dragon itself.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN A KARATE CLASS? 

The Karate curriculum is split into three segments: Kihon, Kata and Kumite. 

After a group warm-up and stretch-out to prevent injury, we practice Kihon, basic karate techniques like stances, blocks, kicks and punches to develop strength, balance and coordination. 

Kata practice is the foundation of karate training. To the observer it appears to be a type of dance, however each movement is performed with focus and concentration and builds  self-defense skills.  

Kumite or sparring is a fun way to apply all the basic karate techniques you have practiced. We have a strict policy and will not tolerate excessive or intentional contact. 

Beginners must demonstrate self-control and respect for their fellow students before they are permitted to participate in sparring exercises. 

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Every sport has a uniform and Karate is no exception. Karate practioners wear a cotton jacket and pants combination known as a “karate-gi” or “doh-gi.” 

For beginners, just wear comfortable clothing suitable for being active.

WHAT ARE THE KARATE BELTS? 

All beginners start with a white belt. As an indicator of progress, upon successful passing of the curriculum skill requirements, a coloured belt is awarded. 

The different coloured belts in order from lowest to highest is: white, yellow, orange, green, brown and black. 

Some other dojos may have alternate grading systems and belt colours in their programs. 

WHO CAN JOIN? AM I TOO OLD? AM I TOO YOUNG? 

KARATE is a registered recreation program offered by the City of Kingston, Parks and Recreation Department, located at:

382 Bagot Street 

(corner of Bagot, Ordnance and Montreal Streets),

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Boys, girls, men and women of all ages can benefit from Karate training and are welcome. 

We have a children's classes for ages 7 to 13. We also have students that are teens, adults and even senior citizens! 

The class format is geared toward teaching age-appropriate skills for each student's individual needs. 

Karate training can help improve balance, concentration and fitness levels in all ages. Karate is a fun way to get fit, to relieve stress, and to improve strength, coordination, concentration, and self-esteem. 

REGISTRATION, SCHEDULES & TIMES 

 You must register with Artillery Park with the appropriate code well in advance of the start date to avoid a waiting list or class cancellation. 

 See the the City of Kingston webpage for more details about the registered classes of:  Children's Karate, Youth Karate and Adult Karate:

https://www.cityofkingston.ca/activities-and-recreation/

For further information please contact 613-546-4291, ext. 1700, or drop into the office at Artillery Park Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

FACILITY OPERATING HOURS:

 Monday to Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m

NOTE: Grading fees, special seminar fees, tournament fees, uniform and personal equipment purchases are not included in the registration fees.  

NOTICE: 

Peanut Allergies;  No peanut products please. 

 With the growing number of participants and staff with severe peanut allergies, we are asking that no products containing peanuts be  brought into the Artillery Park Aquatic Centre as snacks.

Life Threatening Allergies

 If you or your child(ren) suffers from allergies that result in severe or life threatening symptoms, please download, complete and submit the  Medication Administration Request,   Allergy Emergency Plan, and  Medication Terms & Conditions  forms for each child attending an Artillery Park program. This information is required prior to your child's participation in the program and will be shared with your child's instructor(s) as appropriate to ensure your child's safety.