Karate at the Ham's Martial Arts is a balanced program, with equal emphasis placed on kihon (basics), kata (patterns), and kumite (sparring). Students are taught authentic karate using modern teaching methodologies. Our emphasis is on personal growth and development. The karate styles taught are Wado Ryu karate and Uechi Ryu karate.
This form of Japanese karate is an amalgamation of Okinawan karate and Japanese Jiu Jitsu. The emphasis of this style is avoidance of on-coming attacks through bodyshifting, followed by immediate counterattacks. This makes this style one of the more "softer" styles of karate. The footwork is light and agile. Attacks are quick and snappy. Since stances are high and loose, power generation is mainly done with sharp powerful hip movements. Wado Ryu is one of the main styles of Japanese karate.
Uechi Ryu is a powerful Okinawan karate style that emphasizes body conditioning. The stances are high to allow quick footwork. It is characterized by its use of circular blocks, single knuckle strikes, and kicks using the toes. It is very well known for its aggressive fighting methods and strength. The name Uechi Ryu was changed to Shohei Ryu for political reasons on Okinawa. This name was adopted by the Okinawa Karate-Do Association (Oki Ku Kai). The Oki Ku Kai is the largest Uechi Ryu style organization in Okinawa, with many of Uechi Ryu's most senior instructors in the group. Ham's Martial Arts is a part of this association and is currently their only Ontario representative.