Kirkfield takes on karate

Kirkfield

Westwood

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This article was published 13/03/2024 (584 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After 20 years in the community, Japan Karate Association’s Winnipeg West Karate has moved to a new home at Kirkfield Westwood Community Centre, located at 165 Sansome Ave.

Every Monday and Thursday evening, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the karate school offers classes — beginner and intermediate — for those practicing the martial art aged eight and up.

JKA WWK, which was founded in 2004, teaches shotokan, a form of karate known for being peaceful and non-confrontational. Like most forms of martial art, shotokan karate is based on self-defence, but the major ‘opponent’ is oneself, according to Joel Crisp, the academy’s sensei.

“There’s really a lot of different options that are out there now. Everybody wants to do jujitsu, and rolling around on the floor, and there’s not a lot of that. The aspect of being sporty, and people competing and pummeling each other is not what our karate is … You’re there to improve your own skills and abilities,” Crisp said.

“Obviously defending ourselves is a nice aspect of it. Definitely. Don’t get me wrong, we are learning a martial art, but in a controlled environment. So, we’re not hurting anybody, but we are definitely learning how to defend ourselves,” he said.

Crisp has been practising karate since 1980, and describes it as 10 per cent physical and 90 per cent mental. There are many health benefits on both sides of the coin, and he still finds things to be excited about, even after what’s now 44 years of being involved.

”One of the greatest things is getting that natural high from a really good workout,” Crisp said. “Where you’re pushing yourself to the limits, and even exceeding those. As an instructor, the best joys would be seeing the success of my students. Maybe they have trouble with a certain thing, and then they able to overcome that, or even just seeing their development from when they were a brand-new beginner, and then bringing them up to black belt or higher. Seeing them appreciate the martial art for what it is, and then to adopt that as part of their lifestyle.

“It’s the etiquette, the ceremony, the process, the way you carry yourself with character building. Being strong in character, but also polite and respectful of other people… a lot of that is really reinforced in shotokan karate, and also the Japanese lifestyle, as well.”

JKA WWK is in its registration period for beginner and intermediate classes which will begin April 4. Applications opened up March 4, and will be accepted until the end of April — giving some leeway for late registration.

Classes are $165 — with a $10 discount for additional family members from the same household — and currently open to all skill levels. Sessions last three month.

Since the pandemic lockdowns of 2020, it’s been harder to get people to come out and give the martial art a try, Crisp said, adding that he’s heard that all martial arts studios have been affected.

He hopes more people will try karate in the coming year, and that he’ll eventually begin to meet the next generation of black belts.

JKA WWKhas two affiliate clubs, also in west Winnipeg and currently accepting new students: JKA Karate-Do Winnipeg, at 414 Lindenwood Dr. West; and Central City Karate Winnipeg, at 980 Palmerson Ave.

For more information or to register, visit www.winnipegwestkarate.ca