Discover Shotokan karate-do with Shinai. Move, play and learn to respect yourself and others.
Greet. Listen. Say thank you.
One task, one small step.
I can pause and choose calm.
Shinai introduces children to Shotokan karate-do with a focus on SKDUN-Ukraine: respect, self-control and responsible practice.
SKDUN stands for Shotokan Karate Do of United Nations. Explore the organisation and its rules with your parents and coach.
Six friends to support you at every step.
Illia: “Not getting it yet? Ask your coach and try one small step!”
Illia, Sofiia, Sin, Olenka, Mykolai and Ai the Tiger Cub have a little introduction for you.
Roman Mykhailovych Maslyhan
Founder and coach of Shinai Sports Club. Athlete, teacher and researcher: three roles brought together on one journey.
Open the cards and meet your coach.
ILLIA ASKSWas the coach a beginner once too?+Yes! Roman went from his first lessons to becoming a Master of Sports of Ukraine. He has more than 30 years of training behind him.
SOFIIA ASKSWhy is he both a coach and a teacher?+Roman is a highest-category coach and a senior teacher. He combines karate coaching with teaching: helping children learn movements, listen to explanations and work together.
SIN ASKSWhat does research have to do with it?+Our coach also does research and holds a PhD. Researchers ask questions, investigate and look for explanations. Curiosity will help you too!
OLENKA ASKSWhat if I don’t win a competition?+Every match is a chance to learn. With your coach, remember what went well, thank your opponent and choose one small step for your next practice. Respect and effort matter whatever the result.
MYKOLAI ASKSWhy should a karateka know history?+History introduces us to Okinawa, Gichin Funakoshi and the teachers who passed their knowledge on. Ask Roman Maslyhan which Shotokan fact he would recommend remembering first.
AI ASKSWhat if I forget the task?+Pause and ask your coach to explain again. Break the task into small steps: look, name it, then try it with your coach. Mistakes are a normal part of learning.
Roman Maslyhan holds a PhD in specialty 076. His sports and teaching qualifications are listed separately.
Roman Maslyhan founded Shinai to teach karate. Children aged five and up discover Shotokan karate-do here: learning the basics, developing coordination, listening, following rules and respecting each other.
Visit the club website with a parent ↗Try these at your next lesson. Tick what you have done.
A real team begins with small acts of kindness.
Choose a lesson. Watch, try it with your coach and mark your progress.
Green: walk on the spot. Yellow: slow down.
Red: stop and stand calmly.
Clear the space around you. The game lasts 30 seconds, with no jumping or striking.
Sin: “Listen to the signal and move calmly. I’m with you!”
Move calmly and carefully.
Tap a card to discover its meaning.
42 terms · names and simple explanations
These words help you understand your coach. Learn techniques in the dojo, not from a glossary alone.
This is an introductory programme created for Shinai Sports Club. The coach adapts its pace and difficulty. Four weeks is a guide, not a deadline for mastering techniques.
More about Shinai Club ↗Plan for three lessons a week. At two lessons a week, spread the journey over six weeks. Ages 5–7: short play-based blocks. Ages 8–10: more repetition when ready. An in-person lesson is approximately 35–45 minutes with breaks.
Review respectful behaviour, vocabulary, attention games and gentle walking. Learn all techniques, kata and partner exercises with a coach. Do not strike people, furniture or walls.
Use a clear space and a non-slip surface, with water and an adult nearby. Start with a warm-up. No contact strikes, forced stretching, breath-holding or endurance contests. Stop and tell an adult if you feel pain or dizziness.
Praise a specific action: “You waited for your turn” or “You stopped at the signal.” A lesson mark records participation, not a technique assessment. The coach decides grading readiness under their organisation’s rules.
For parents and friends. Support Karate Sports Club “SINAI” through the Monobank jar.
Open Monobank jar ↗Support is voluntary. Every lesson and game remains available without a contribution. The link opens a separate Monobank page.