Training

We teach traditional Shotokan Karate and are affiliated with The Japan Karate Association England – JKAE. The club has been running for over 30 years and has had many successes locally, nationally and internationally. We welcome students from 6 – 60+, the only requirements being – good character and a willingness to give one’s best.

Venues and Times

Venue Time
Chilcompton Village Hall – Map Thursday evenings 6:30pm – 8:00pm – KYU grades – 7:30pm
Stratton on the Fosse Village Hall – Map  Monday evenings 6:30pm – 7:45pm – KYU grades – 7.30pm

Costs

Training per session £3 – (1st session free).

Licence is £30 renewable annually. From JKAE membership

Student Karate suit (Gi) from £15 – £25

Students can train for a few sessions to decide whether karate is for them, and then a JKAE licence is required in order to train. This provides membership benefits from the JKAE, eligibility to take grading exams and insurance for club members.

Beginners should wear loose comfortable clothes, a Gi (karate suit) can be purchased if the student wishes to continue training (see Julie Morgan).

THE VALUE OF COURSES

group photo

group photo

National and International courses are a great source of knowledge and inspiration for all grades of kareteka. If you are going to have a “Eureka” moment, chances are, this is where it will happen.

We are very fortunate here in the UK to have several JKA courses a year with very senior resident and visiting instructors. Many are open to all grades, but often there are few kyu grades below brown belt attending – why?

These courses enable you to see how that technique you are struggling with, or a combination of techniques really should be executed. How that kata should ‘feel’ when done right. Opportunities should not be missed, for the instructors demonstrating have made the Way of Karate their life and devoted untold time, blood, sweat and tears to reach that standard and they know, you never stop learning.

When you face a stranger on a course, whether you are an orange belt or a 4th dan, you really don’t know how they will attack, how hard they will press you, or how you will cope with their strategies. It is a challenge and one that is genuinely a big factor in improving your mental and physical abilities.

So if you can juggle the rest of your life to fit in at least one of the 3/4 day courses, try it. Usually, car sharing is an option and if you book well in advance and share a room, accommodation is not expensive.

Not only are the courses great for training, but you make new friends, catch up with old ones and strengthen bonds with your club members. The social side after a tough session is always a great event, there is much to be discussed and laughed about.