Forms
(kata)

In Wu-Wei Dao each grade is identified by reference to a particular form which contains an encyclopedic summary of the techniques taught at that particular level.

The forms can be divided into 2 categories, namely —

1.      single person forms which in turn comprise —

(a)           fundamental forms (heishugata) — teaching basics, posture, breathing, coordination and balance; and

(b)           combat forms (kaishugata) — teaching combat techniques, evasion and footwork.

2.      two person forms (embu) — applying the kata with a partner to groove effective responses to attacks.

Six different forms (kata) are taught at white belt, namely Fukyugata ichi, Fukyugata ni, Fukyugata embu, Gekisai dai ichi, Gekisai dai ni and Sanchin (Miyagi version).

Single person
(heishugata and kaishugata)

There are 2 distinct phases within white belt, namely:

1.      Fukyugata phase (white 1 and 2):  Fukyugata ichi is a fundamental kata (heishugata) that teaches basic moving in solid stances with simple blocks and counters.  Fukyugata ni is a combat version of the kata (kaishugata), utilising effective evasion.

2.      Geki sai phase (white 3 and 4):  Geki sai dai ichi and ni are strong, practical kata which act as bridges to the more complex tenchin (evasion) in Green belt.  The emphasis is on form, posture and plane of movement.

In addition the fundamental kata, Sanchin, is taught from white 2 onwards.

Two person
(embu)

There are 2 person versions of all the combat kata (kaishugata).  White belts are not expected to demonstrate the 2 person version of a kata at the same time as the single person version.  This is so as to ensure that enough time is spent perfecting the single person version first.  The only embu required at the white belt phase is the embu for Fukyugata ni (required for white 4).

Basics
(kihon)

The basics in the white belt grades are taken predominantly from the kata and embu.  There is a strong emphasis on basics throughout the white belt grades.  This is to ensure the long term development of the student by building strong foundations.  By the end of white belt there should be no errors in the student’s basic techniques.

Blocks
(uke)

White belt focuses on single head, chest and downward forearm blocking although the student is introduced to some combination blocks, notably mawashi uke (roundhouse block).

Punches
(zuki)

White belts learn single leading and reverse punches with the full corkscrew twist.  In the last 2 levels they also learn inverted and 2 handed punching.

Strikes
(uchi)

A comprehensive range of strikes are taught at white belt utilizing every part of the hand.

Kicks
(geri)

The 3 basic kicks taught during white belt are the front kick, roundhouse and side thrust (to the knee and higher).  Students also learn the stamping kick and foot sweep.

Stances
(dachi)

Students learn the 3 basic stationary stances and the 4 basic moving stances.  These stances appear in almost all the kata of Wu-Wei Dao.

Footwork
(ashi sabaki)

Emphasis in white belt moving is on deep stances, an “in and out” movement to protect the groin, no “telegraphing” and maintaining the same height.

Evasion
(tenshin)

White belts learn to evade attacks by moving at 45° back and forwards, sideways and by “opening” (pivoting like an open door to let the attacker’s force pass).  All white belt moving begins in heiko dachi (feet  parallel, shoulder width apart).

Falling and rolling
(ukemi)

White belts learn forward rolls, backward rolls and side break falls.  These are initially done from sitting or kneeling however by white 4 they are performed from standing without using hands.

Sparring
(kumite)

White belts do not practise free sparring (except those who are preparing for green belt).  Rather they practise the restricted or preparatory forms of sparring referred to below.  The emphasis is on form, correct direction and basic distancing.  The principal objective is to develop an effective, reflexive response to a threat while ensuring safety in training.

Basic
(kihon)

Basic sparring (kihon kumite) is practised standing in heiko dachi (feet parallel and shoulder width apart), this provides a forum for applying attacks and blocks in an isolated manner so as to focus on form.  It is often used as a platform for hand (and occasionally kicking) drills.

One step
(kihon)

One step sparring (ippon kumite) is a means of isolating one attack and one block with a counter.  It is performed with a full step and introduces evasion to basic sparring.  Ippon kumite largely takes the form of kata bunkai (applications).

Grappling
(tuide)

White belts learn locks and holds from the kata in the form of flowing drills (tuide bunkai).  There is one drill for Fukyugata and one drill for Gekisai.

Self-defence

At white 1 and 2 students are taught effective defences against some of the more common attack scenarios in order to give students an immediate repertoire of responses.

Arnis (Filipino weapons)

White belts learn to use the knife, a single stick, 2 sticks and a knife and stick together.  These techniques are taken from a combination of 4 different schools of Arnis — a Filipino art (also called Arnis de Mano, Kali and Escrima).