Starting any martial art is a journey that can last a lifetime!

Martial arts can be practiced by anyone at any age.

You do not need to be strong, athletic, or fit to begin karate, you will be supported in your training by the senior coaches and fellow students and will never be asked to do anything you are not capable of. You must of course advise the club of any physical or medical problems you may have before training.

Our oldest member is 63 the youngest 6yrs, we also encourage parents to start with their sons and daughters which also develops family relationships, why stand watching for an hour when you can join in!

Kids and adults can gain a lot from practicing karate

Its a good way of getting out stress and frustration, like a bad day at school/work.

It really teaches discipline over yourself, and also helps you learn to set goals which you may or may not achieve according to your commitment and to have more courage to try for dreams

We currently have 3 family groups with the club, mother and 2 daughters, father and son and father with son and daughter, and 2 of our coaches are brothers!

When you come to the club on your first night all you need is some loose and comfortable clothing. If after your initial lessons you decide you would like to continue you will need a license to practice, this is also your insurance this currently costs £20 per year. You will also need to buy your GI about £15-£25 which the club can arrange or advise where to obtain. We do not aim to make any profit from our club our lesson fees are £3.50 for children and £5 for adults. The money covers our room hire, insurances for our instructors and our registration fees, any extra is used to fund coaching and 1st aid courses, and basic expenses such as pads.

You will be made welcome by Bob who personally teaches all new members and of course by the other club members and coaches.

Starting anything new in life means understanding basics, the building blocks of your learning, basics are practiced at every grade in Shotokan, in fact they are re-examined at every stage of promotion.

The first few months in the club will be spent learning Kihon the basic moves, blocks, strikes and stances, Katas a series of combination techniques to develop an understanding of defense in both close range and against multiple attackers You will be also be shown basic but effective self defense techniques using techniques form other martial arts such as ju-jitsu.

You will be learning how to punch, strike and kick effectively as well as the application of joint locks and basic throws.

There is a lot to learn, you will at first feel physically awkward perhaps self conscious. You need not worry, everyone in the club started just the same way and all will be there to help you in your personal development. You will become more confident and complicated moves will start to become much clearer and with the explanation of their purpose you will start to understand why what you have started is a journey.

You will start to make friends, feel more relaxed and confident and your fitness will improve. Most importantly you will be enjoying yourself. We also meet following training in "the local office" for light refreshments and a good chat.