Welcome to the

Reading & Hailsham Karate Clubs

Lessons are held at; -

A member of the Southern Shotokan Karate Association - SSKA

At the TJSKA you will learn one of the oldest and most effective types of self-defence known. Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate is very disciplined and all students must treat the art and fellow students with respect. It is especially important to remember that Karate is for self-defence and is not something with which to show off or seek confrontation.

We use the non-contact style of karate.

A normal lesson is usually broken down into 4 parts; -

The Warm Up - This takes place at the start of every class and lasts about 20 minutes. It is very important that the warm up is very thorough. Its purpose is to warm up, relax and stretch the various muscle groups that will be used in the following lesson. This minimises the risk of the muscles becoming damaged whilst performing Karate techniques. At the end of the lesson there will be a 'warm down' period to allow for stretching.

Basic Training - (Kihon)- These are various Karate moves (kicks, blocks, punches and strikes) performed usually to a count of 1 - 5 without a partner in line work. The aim is to perfect each part of the technique through continuous repetition so that the moves become automatic and instinctive.

Kata Practice - (formal exercises) This is a series of techniques, put together in a set formation, usually  changing direction at various points. All the Kata's were designed to help the Karate student master their techniques without having to be with a partner (like shadow boxing). They can be performed anywhere and should be practised daily to reinforce what was taught in the training session. Interpretation of the techniques within the kata's is also given, this is called Bunkai.

Kumite - Sparring between students is very controlled with minimum or no contact being made against the partner. Even at a high-grade level, no full contact striking is allowed. Contact is simulated by using pads and punch bags etc. Control is the key element here.

Self Defence - Although all of the techniques you need to defend yourself are contained within our Kata, I occasionally introduce various self defence techniques & teach them to the whole class (regardless of grade) to add interest. This includes street awareness skills, aspects of the law concerning "the right to defend yourself" & conflict management skills etc. These extra subjects are not part of the SSKA syllabus or tested, but they are included during "normal lessons" & form part of your training. i.e. you won't have to attend & pay for extra classes to receive this material, as you may do in other clubs in the area.

Supplementary - from time to time I use various sized pads to allow you to practice your kicking & punching techniques.

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Prices correct at time of publication.

Updated: Friday, 16 February 2024