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About Wado Karate Online
Our world has changed with more remote work and train from home opportunities. Wado Karate Online (WKO) is the virtual extension of our home club, Dynamic Karate Association, founded by Sensei Darren Humphries in Calgary, Alberta in 2007. Sensei Darren applies the same training principles and curriculum to the online forum of WKO so students can still have that 'in-dojo' experience while training remotely. Sensei Darren started WKO with two goals in mind: to ensure learning karate remains accessible to anyone, and to foster growth of the martial arts community. Join live events and weekly classes, book personal one-on-one training, learn karate tips and techniques. We offer classes for all belt levels from beginner white belts (age 6+) to advanced black belts. Senior instructors with 35+ years of experience with a variety of martial arts.
With over 35 years of training in a variety of martial arts styles, our Founder, Sensei Darren has been teaching students of all ages across North America. WKO provides students from anywhere access to the same training principles and curriculum as if you were attending in-dojo. Sensei Darren Humphries (7th Dan Black Belt) is a certified instructor Level 4 with the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF, founded in 1966), World Traditional Karate Association Level A Instructor and Examiner, NCCP certified instructor with Karate Alberta / Karate Canada. He has received his training from the highest-ranking officials in the Shintani organization and had the honour to train with SWKKF founder, Hanshi Masaru Shintani.
Currently, Sensei Darren actively serves on SWKKF Senate and several committees including the Grading Committee (chair) and the Bunkai Committee. Sensei Darren has been a three-time member of the Shintani National Team (1996-1997, 1997-1998 and 2002-2004), and trained in Korean Hapkido in 1993 (received his 1st degree black belt in 1997) and has trained in Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
Rankings
- 7th Dan Shintani Wado Kai Karate
- 7th Dan World Traditional Karate Association
- 7th Dan World Kobudo Federation
- 5th Dan World Karate Federation
- 5th Dan Karate Canada
- 6th Dan Shindo (Art of the 3-foot staff)
- 1st Dan Hapkido – Korean martial arts
- 1st Dan Superfoot System
Qualifications
- Level 4 Certified Instructor – Shintani Wado Kai
- Level A Instructor - World Traditional Karate Association
- Level A Examiner - World Traditional Karate Association
- Vice President World Traditional Karate Association (WTKA) Canada
- Club Founder and Chief Instructor - Dynamic Karate Association (Karate Calgary Northwest)
- Certified National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) – coach.ca
Site Content
Train with a master
Looking for personalized instruction? Book time for one-on-one instruction with Sensei Ron Mattie, Kudan (9th Dan), Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation Chief Instructor, with over 50 years of martial arts experience. Based in Ontario, Canada, Sensei Ron teaches students and clinics for many martial art groups and offers virtual training for students. Sensei Mattie started Wado-Kai Karate in the yearly 1970’s at the Welland Wado-Kai Karate Club as part of the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF). Sensei Mattie taught many of Hanshi Shintani’s monthly black belt classes at the Japanese Culture center in Hamilton as well as traveling across Canada conducting karate workshops and clinics. After Hanshi Shintani’s passing in 2000, Sensei Mattie was appointed Chief instructor of the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation. Sensei Mattie is also the SWKKF National Team coach. Sensei Mattie received his 9th dan and is the president of the World Traditional Karate Association (WTKA) for Canada. He also holds Dan ranks in Iaido and Kendo.
Site Content
Make Friendships
Make Friendships
Make Friendships
We trained hard and got our belts.
It was so much fun!
Learn Discipline
Make Friendships
Make Friendships
Learn Discipline
It is a great family activity. We joined with my mom and I'm learning a lot.
Build Confidence
Make Friendships
Build Confidence
Build Confidence
I love the experience of being able to learn katas and spar in class and they really push me
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: “Can I try out the Karate class first?”
Yes, you can join one of our classes.
Q: Can I join anytime?
Yes, students are welcome to join anytime. The fee structure will be adjusted based on the month you join in a given session. Refer to the "Plans & Pricing".
Q: What do I wear to class?
You may wear sweats and a t-shirt to the first few classes. Equipment and uniforms can be purchased later as required.
Q: Do you have INSTRUCTIONAL videos broken up into belt-levels?
The live-stream classes go through all the requirements by belt rank. To learn karate, Sensei Darren believes you have to attend classes with an instructor and be corrected to learn properly. The WKO standards are the same standards used in the regular program.
Q: My whole family would like to join. Is there a discount?
Yes, there is a family discount. Please refer to the "Plans and Pricing" for more information.
Q: “What nights are the live-classes held and where?
Lives classes run Mondays and Wednesday nights and are recorded for later viewing. Please see our "Plans and Pricing" section for updated times.
Q: What is the minimum age?
The minimum age to start is 6 years old.
Q: Can I get a black belt online?
Yes, you’ll also have access to an instructor through your members login. Earning your Black Belt Online isn't a shortcut, but it's a great way to achieve that goal at your own pace.
Q: Can I learn karate at home?
Yes. You can Learn Karate at Home! Attending live-streamed classes allows you to learn the same way as everyone else. You will have access to class recordings offline to catch-up if you missed a class.
Q: Is there a belt above black?
Yes there are 10 black belt levels. These include: Shodan (1st Dan), Nidan (2nd Dan), Sandan (3rd Dan), Yodan (4th Dan), Godan (5th Dan), Rokudan (6th Dan), Shichidan (7th Dan), Hachidan (8th DAn), Kudan (9th Dan) and Judan (10th Dan)
Q: “Are the rank certificates/credentials different for online students versus classroom students?"
No. All of our students, both virtual and in dojo, receive the same rank certificates and belts. Our goal is to provide all students the same opportunity to train and achieve regardless of their physical location.
Q: "How long will it take to get my Black Belt?"
WKO is not a “fast-track” program but a structured program that requires training and time in order to achieve each belt rank to ensure each student meets the certification requirements established by the grading committee. It typically takes 4 - 6 years to earn a black belt.
Q: Can you skip belts in karate?
WKO is not a fast-track program. Karate skills are acquired through years of training. Skipping belts, or rushing through the ranks to black belt is counterproductive and you will not truly have mastered this martial art.
Q: "How Many Belt Tests to Get my Black Belt?"
Every new student starts as a white belt. There are 5-7 color belt tests including: yellow, orange, green, blue, brown. Youth may have an additional purple and red. Please Refer to "Karate Belt Levels".
Q: "I've done karate before will I have to start from the beginning?"
No. If you have earned a rank in a karate style, we will honor that rank. You will provide copies of certificates. You will have to learn our syllabus to progress in rank.
Q: "How will I be graded?"
Students are required to join a grading being run by Sensei Darren. This grading is the same as the grading in-person students go through.
Q: "What style of karate will I be learning?"
The style of karate you will be learning is Wado which means means the “way of peace/harmony”. Wado is one of the four major styles of karate in Japan and perhaps the purest form of karate-do (the way of the empty hands).
Q: "Are There Any Grading Fees or Other Costs?"
Belt Tests - There is a $20 grading fee plus the cost of shipping your belt and certificate. Shipping costs will vary depending on your location. There is a nominal annual fee for membership that makes you a member of the SWKKF, WTKA and WKF organizations. Your membership covers access to the instructional videos from white belt to black as you achieve each rank, as well as access to live-streaming and recorded classes, weekly training tips & techniques, and other free training resources.
Optional Services:
- Personal Training 1-to-1– at an hourly rate of $40/hr cdn - booked directly with a senior instructor under "Plans and Pricing" section.
- Ad-hoc Clinics and Events - There are optional clinics and events throughout the year monthly hosted by WKO or affiliate organizations. Registration fees generally between $10-$15/student cdn, depending on the host organization. (e.g. women’s self defense or weapons training)
Q: “Do I need to be fit before starting Karate?”
No. Attending our classes will work on your fitness and strength while learning martial arts. You can train at your own pace as you build your energy overtime and more challenging belt ranks.
Q: "Will I need a training partner or specialized training equipment"
Yes and No. Yes it is recommended to have striking shields and heavy bags for impact training. Partner work is always encouraged to learn free-style fighting and practical application of techniques.
Q: “I have a past injury / medical condition. will I still be able to use this system?”
We have many students who have experienced health problems. You will need to be able to perform the techniques in order to pass a grading, however, we do make accommodations to allow for any age or other restrictions that students may have. We ask that we are made aware of any accommodation requirements upon beginning your training.
Q: "What computer equipment do I need to use the WKO Virtual Dojo?"
The interface is similar to using other commonly used desktop and online applications. Everything is user-friendly and easy to follow and can be used on any PC, Mac or mobile device.
Q: "What is included in the CLASSES?"
Wado Kai techniques include: punching, kicking, blocking, striking with open hand, joint twisting, and trapping techniques. Wado students use kata (a sequence of techniques done in certain order against imaginary opponents), kihon kumite (prearranged sparring) and kumite (free style sparring).
Q: "Can I speak with my instructor online?"
Students can contact your instructor to post questions, send videos and receive feedback.
Q: What time are the classes?
Class times are listed under "Plans and Pricing" section. The only requirement is your PC and an internet connection.
Q: "How soon can I get started?"
You can sign up for your classes in the "Plans and Pricing" page and complete the checkout process. “Join Now” button in the top menu bar on the right side of your screen. This will help you keep track of all of your bookings and manage your profile directly.
Q: Question: Will I need to submit videos of my training and skills learned?
In order to ensure you are mastering the skills and techniques in the video training, joining the live classes will provide feedback. If you cannot join live, uploading videos on yoru progress will allow Sensei Darren to provide feedback. In order to receive a belt, you will have to join a club grading and be evaluated like every other student.
Q: What Associations/Affiliations do you maintain?
Answer: We have several associations in which we are a part. WKO is the online extension of our local club, Dynamic Karate Association, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We belong to the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation (SWKKF), World Traditional Karate Association (WTKA) and the World Kobudo Federation (WKF).