Why do I need WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is the main device we use to communicate all information, including announcements regarding training, tournaments, workshops, social events, registration deadlines, tournament PDFs, etc. If you wish to be part of the competition team, please speak to one of the team managers about being added so that you are “in the loop” about everything.
What if I am going to be absent from a training session or tournament?
If you are going to be away from training or a tournament, as a common courtesy to your coaches. please let Sensei know via DM prior to the start of the training session.
What are the time commitments to the team?
For the recreational program, there is currently one kata (1-hr) and one kumite (1-hr) training each week. For example, if an athlete is doing just the kata program, they would be training once a week in addition to their regular karate classes. Tournaments are held throughout the year on the weekends and athletes should speak to Sensei about which ones they should attend. The current season’s training schedule is posted on the recreational athlete’s page.
For the elite program, there are currently two kata (2.5 hrs) training sessions and two to three kumite (3-4.5 hours) training sessions each week. If an athlete is doing just the kata program, they would be training twice a week in addition to their regular karate classes. Kumite training is offered twice a week at our dojo. Additional kumite is offered at offsite locations. Please refer to the “elite athletes” webpage for details as it is subject to change depending on the season and availability. Tournaments are held throughout the year on the weekends and elite athletes are expected to attend all Karate Ontario Selection tournaments. In addition to the required tournaments, athletes should speak to Sensei about which additional tournaments they should attend.
What is the cost incurred each season?
For the recreational program, there are currently three different seasons (fall, winter and spring). Training fees will vary depending on the length of the season, whether the athlete participates in kata, kumite or both. Payment for each season is sent out through the WhatsApp Comp Team Chat.
For the elite program, there are currently four different seasons. Training fees will vary depending on the length of the season, whether the athlete participates in kata, kumite or both. Payment for each season is sent out through the WhatsApp Elite Comp Team Chat.
Please inquire at the dojo for approximate rates. info@gojubudo.com Additional costs an athlete will incur throughout the season include: WKF approved Gi, WKF approved sparring equipment, team hoodie, tournament fees, travel fees and team social events.
What is KO?
KO stands for Karate Ontario. Their mission statement is, "to create and maintain a supportive and nurturing environment that will enable and inspire the karate community in Ontario to achieve their goals. Please check back frequently, as you will be noticing updates, improvements and exciting announcements happening on a regular basis." (Onkarate (karateontario.net), 2023)
Why do I need a Karate Ontario Membership number?
A Karate Ontario membership number is required every year for each athlete. It allows them to compete in all of the KO tournaments and also provides General Liability and Accident Insurance Coverage for club owners. Some of the additional benefits of a KO Membership are provided here.
What is WKF?
WKF stands for World Karate Federation. It is the highest governing body of sport karate in the world and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Athletes wishing to compete in the Olympic stream would compete in Karate Ontario and International WKF events.
Athletes that qualify through Karate Ontario (KO) Elite Selection Tournaments, become members of the provincial team and go on to represent Ontario at the Canadian National Karate Championships. Athletes that perform well at the Canadian National Karate Championships and/or in the K-1 Premier League rankings are reviewed and given the opportunity to represent Canada at larger events like the PanAm Games, World Championships, and the Olympics.
The rules and standards that WKF legislates are the same ones that Karate Canada and Karate Ontario abide by when competing in these selection and recreational tournaments. For more information about the WKF and their tournaments click here.
What is WKC?
WKC stands for World Karate Commission. It is its own karate league that hosts its own recreational, provincial, national, and annual world championships. It was designed to allow competitors from all over the world to compete and test their skills against the best recreational athletes in the world. On top of kata and kumite, it is also the preferred stream for weapons and team kata competitions. To be eligible to attend the WKC World Championships, competitors must also qualify to be selected to represent their country through regional, provincial, and national tournaments. (https://www.wkccanada.com, 2023)
What is Sportdata?
Sportdata is the current system we use to register athletes for KO tournaments. All athletes need to have a profile which include the following details: name, birthdate, email, height (cm), weight (kg), belt rank, profile picture, and their Karate Ontario Membership number. Any changes to the athlete throughout the year (height, weight, belt rank, etc.) should be brought forward to one of the team managers so that the profile can be updated as it may affect the division the athlete competes in. Due to the confidential material shared, only the Team Director (Sensei Jonathan Kenney) and the Team Managers will have access to the team profile.
Where do I send e-transfers for tournaments:
E-transfers for KO tournaments can be made to: toraguchicompteam@gmail.com. The team managers are responsible for registering athletes for KO tournaments as the organization only wants one entry per team.
How do I register for tournaments?
For KO tournaments, a message will be sent out through the Tournament Communities Group on WhatsApp with a registration deadline. Your registration is complete once you have sent your e-transfer and you have sent your athlete’s division numbers to the team managers.
For WKC and other recreational tournaments, separate instructions will be sent out through the Tournament Communities Group on WhatsApp. These tournaments may require you to register at the event the day of the tournament (paying cash) or may have their own registration process/links for athletes to register independently.
Are there refunds for tournaments?
Unfortunately, there are no refunds for tournaments. Once you have made your payment, you have committed.
How many tournaments are elite athletes required to participate in each year?
Elite athletes are required to participate in all of the Elite Selection KO Tournaments. If they qualify for Ontario Winter Games, Canada Winter Games, Nationals, etc., they will be required to attend. Additional workshops, conferences, and tournaments are also encouraged to support the development of the athlete and their success.
How many tournaments are recreational athletes required to participate in each year?
Recreational Athletes are encouraged to participate in KO tournaments throughout the year. There are usually 7-8 tournaments that run from January to December. There are additional recreational tournaments that athletes can participate in. Sensei will help guide these athletes to choose the ones that best meet their needs for optimizing development.
What are the requirements for team uniforms and equipment?
Although uniforms are not mandatory, athletes and parents are strongly encouraged to order a red Toraguchi hoodie to wear at tournaments and team outings, when appropriate. Athlete team jackets are also available for purchase. Please speak to the Team Managers in regards to ordering merchandise.
Karate Gi - for Karate Ontario elite tournaments, athletes are required to wear a WKF (World Karate Federation) approved Gi. We usually place an order through Arawaza a few times throughout the year. Please direct your inquiries to Niclas or Odie if you need to purchase a Gi.
Karate Belts - red and blue belts are used when competing at Karate Ontario and WKF tournaments. Elite athletes must wear WKF approved belts. Recreational athletes are encouraged to begin using red and blue belts for KO tournaments. A red or blue belt is required if your athlete is participating in Team Kata.
Kumite equipment - for Karate Ontario elite tournaments, athletes are required to wear a WKF (World Karate Federation) approved gear. Please direct your inquiries to Team Managers if you need to purchase equipment.