Club Information

The East London Shotokan Karate Club is a newly established club based in Newham and Dagenham. 

We have recently celebrated our first year of opening and our club has recenrtly been recognised as one of the most promising shotokan karate clubs in East London.                                          

The ELSKC is affiliated to the Japan Karate Association England (JKAE)

Instructor Profile

Membership 
We have a membership ranging from beginners (white belts) to black belts aging between 6 and 60. We have an open door policy and encourage children and women, beginners and advanced students irrespective of gender, race or ethnicity.  As a registered member you will receive a 'Free Karate Suit' and an affiliated ELSKC Membership Certificate to certify you as a member of our club!

Outcome of learning Karate
Our Instructors have long record of technical excellence and competitive success but we also focus on all aspects of shotokan karate including self-defence, strength, flexibility, health related exercise and general fitness.          This can all be achieved with regular and dedicated training.

JKA England
The Japan Karate Association of England (JKAE) is a steadily growing association of karate clubs formed in 2003 as the official England branch of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) World Federation,                       "Keepers of karate's highest tradition".

JKAE objectives are:
· To Promote, teach and practise traditional JKA Karate
· Organise and regulate JKA Karate gradings, training sessions, events and championships
· Provide members with such services and support as may be available through their membership of JKAE.
· Do all such other things as are incidental and or conducive to the furtherance of the objects of JKAE.
The JKAE website (www.jka-england.org) is regularly updated and invaluable source of information about the association, its news, events and administrative information. You can also download membership application, renewal form, booking forms and directions to many events organised by the association.                                                                                                       
The primary objective of the Association is to teach and foster the development of authentic JKA Karate. This will be achieved under the leadership of Sensei Yoshinobu Ohta and by way of regular training courses, grading examinations and championships.
The following section will explain a brief history of karate. This is just an outline of the different aspects of Shotokan karate and a more detailed guide into the features and benefits offered by the style of karate taught at ELSKC.
It is by no means an exhaustive guide to karate but should provide a useful introduction to those new to this fascinating martial art…

What is Karate-do?
Karate-do is defined as an empty-handed art of self-defence. The hands and legs of the exponent are trained in techniques whereby even surprise attacks can be warded off by instinctive and defensive actions.

A very important aspect of Karate-do training is the character building and development. This can enable the karate practitioner to conquer various obstacles (tangible or intangible). Dedicated training helps the karateka (karate practitioner) to train the mind to overcome mental obstacles like fear, anger and frustration. These can be controlled given the environment the karate practitioner is exposed to.

Karate has been developed through long years of history and tradition.     The ultimate goal lies not in winning or losing, but in fostering spiritual and physical comprehension through serious and dedicated practice.

History
There is no official record of the origin and derivation of Karate-Do. It is known however that it came to Okinawa from China. The origins of this Chinese method of fighting is found in a discipline set by the Indian monk ‘Boddhidharma’ who is also known as ‘Da Mo’ in Chinese or ‘Daruma Taishi’ in Japanese. He set forth from the western shores of India (Kerala) to the Shaolin Temple in China. Karate was then brought to mainland Japan by 'the father of modern karate; Master Gichin Funakoshi.

Features and Benefits
Students of karate learn punching, blocking and kicking techniques along with respect and control of their actions. The development of fitness, flexibility, self-discipline and self-confidence are just a few of the many benefits karate can bring to a practitioner.

Training
A typical session will include a 10 minute warm-up and stretching session then some or all of the following three fundamental elements of karate training:

Kihon (Basic techniques)
Basic techniques include various different punching, kicking and blocking techniques either performed on their own or in combination.

Kata (Forms)
Kata are set forms, sequences of anything from 20 to 80 techniques which in some ways resemble both a fight against multiple invisible opponents and a graceful sequence of moves. For the first few grades students are expected to learn one kata per rank starting with the simplest combination of punching and blocking to complex sequences involving various punching, kicking, blocking, evasions by way of body shifting, throwing and grappling techniques. Strenuous sessions will usually conclude with a warm-down.

Kumite (Sparring)
To begin with all students learn simple sparring techniques within a rigidly structured format. This then gradually becomes more complex and evolves into freestyle fighting.

What is coming next?
We will be publishing a monthly newsletter to provide you with an update as to what is happening in the club; also information regarding grading examinations, competitions and other club related events.

The Instructors also award “Student of the Month” to the best students that show the most dedication and commitment to their training.        

It could be you!...