Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karate?
Karate originated in Okinawa, evolving from the indigenous art of Te (“hand”) influenced by Chinese martial arts—especially Fujian White Crane. Blending local and Chinese techniques, it developed into a refined striking system emphasizing punches, kicks, and open-hand strikes. Gichin Funakoshi later introduced and formalized karate in Japan, shaping it into the disciplined martial art practiced worldwide today.
What is Sankōkai Shinsei Karate?
Shitō-ryū (糸東流) was founded by Kenwa Mabuni in early 20th-century Japan, blending the linear power of Shuri-te with the circular softness of Naha-te.
Shūkōkai (修交会), developed by Chōjirō Tani from Shitō-ryū, refined these principles into a fast, dynamic, and highly efficient system emphasizing speed, impact, and linear attack.
Sankūkai (三交会), created by Yoshinao Nanbu, evolved from Shūkōkai and focused on circular movement (tenshin), redirection, and fluid evasion.
Sensei John Carlow teaches a modern syllabus that fuses the best of these traditions—Shūkōkai’s aggressive linear techniques, Sankūkai’s circular evasion, and the deep, traditional kata heritage of Shitō-ryū—creating a balanced and adaptive approach to karate.
The name Sankōkai (参交会) is phonetically a portmanteau of Shūkōkai and Sankūkai, combined with Shinsei (真誠 ) or True Sincerity
参 (san) – to participate / join
交 (kō) – to mix, exchange, or interact
会 (kai) – association or group
This most naturally translates to something like The Karate of Sincere Mutual Exchange.
What age is your class for?
My class is for all ages, with no upper limit.
Very young children tend to find karate difficult so a minimum age of 8 years old is preferable.
What do the coloured belts mean?
In Karate, coloured belts display your rank in the art.
Different styles and clubs may have a different progression of belts but Sankōkai Shinsei Karate's belt progression is: White, Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, Brown, Brown, Brown, Black.
What is a grading?
A grading is a practical exam in which you are invited to perform your grading syllabus in front of your Instructor (sometimes additional instructors forming a grading committee) If you are able to demonstrate that you have learned your syllabus to the required standard then you will be promoted to a higher "Grade" denoted by a differently coloured belt.
I want to come to your class! What should I wear?
Karate is traditionally practiced barefoot, wearing a karate-gi or gi.
Sensei John can supply uniform when you are ready but for your first class, sportswear such as tracksuit trousers or shorts and a t-shirt are best.
Will there be contact?
Sparring and paired training drills are a common part of Karate training,
If you do not want to participate in sparring or paired exercises then please let me know before attending.
Is it a mixed class?
Yes. adults and children of all genders train together in my class.
If you do not want to be placed in a mixed pair then please let me know so that I can accommodate your wishes.
Do I have to compete in competition?
Sankōkai Shinsei Karate is affiliated with the English Karate Organisation who run an open Karate Competition each year. As a member of the club you can represent the club at competition but this is not compulsory.