The club is dedicated to the promotion and teaching of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do.
We welcome new members of any age and ability, style or association.
Whilst retaining traditional training methods, the club has a successful competition
record in recent years (several members being picked for the Great Britiain Team to compete
in the 2007 European Championships in Sardinia and 2009 World Chanmpionships in Greece).
Training is comprised of:
- Kihon - Punches, kicks, blocks, stances, strikes
- Kumite - Builds up to free fighting
- Gohon - 5 step sparring
- Sanbon - 3 step Sparring
- Kihon Ippon - 1 step sparring (basic form)
- Jiyu Ippon - semi free sparring (introduction to freestyle sparring)
- Jiyu Kumite - freestyle sparring (most complex and challenging form of fighitng)
- Kata - Sequences comprised of punches, kicks, blocks, strikes and stances. These get sequentially more difficult
By practicing Karate you will benefit from the following:
- Improved tone & muscular strength.
- Higher cardiovascular fitness.
- Weight loss.
- Faster reactions
- Greater concentration (especially children)
- More confidence in yourself and your abilities.
- Meet new people and make new friends.
Kyu Gradings are held every 3 to 4 months. All examinations are assessed by Hanshi Asano
9th Dan. In order to qualify for grading, a minimum of 20 training sessions must be attended.
Good spirit and attitude must be shown and a suitable improvement in the student's Karate.
Kyu Grades:
- 10th Kyu - White Belt (beginner)
- 9th Kyu - Red Belt
- 8th Kyu - Orange Belt
- 7th Kyu - Yellow Belt
- 6th Kyu - Green Belt
- 5th Kyu - Purple Belt
- 4th Kyu - Purple Belt with white stripe
- 3rd Kyu - Brown Belt
- 2nd Kyu - Brown Belt with white stripe
- 1st Kyu - Brown Belt with 2 white stripes
Dan Grades:
Every student's initial goal in Karate is to attain their Black belt. Achieving this level shows significant improvement in not only
the student's Karate ability but also their spirit, fitness and general well being.
The rank of 1st Dan should be viewed as a beginning to the study of Karate. The techniques you will have learned to date
can now be developed and improved in your quest to become a true martial artist.