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The History of KMA Shotokan Karate

The KMA Shotokan Karate school was established in 2014 by Sensei’s Colin & Marie Kicks, Marie Kicks in early 80’s first started Karate at the Colchester traditional Karate Club under Les Birkin, In 2007 she encouraged her Husband Colin Kicks who was a body builder at the time at the Kenshinkai Gym in Barrow Suffolk to start practicing Shotokan Karate Under Sensei Glen Moulds where they both progressed to 5 kyu (Purple Belt).

In 2011 Colin & Marie moved to Haverhill where they Pursued Karate at the Toyakwai Karate Association under Sensei Joe Anderson, Sensei Joe progressed Marie and Colin to Shodan and also got them into competing at Club, International & World level, in 2015 Marie Kicks competing in the England Squad won a gold medal in Slovenia, they both went on to Compete for England all over the UK and other Countries.

The school offers adults and children aged “Three” years and over the opportunity to learn karate skills, improve their self-confidence and defence while keeping fit at the same time, our classed are open to all abilities including Adults and children with Adaptive needs.

Students are trained in the philosophy and style of traditional and modern Shotokan Karate.

However we are an open minded club and we do not limit ourselves solely to Shotokan style – we specialise in this, but tend to combine the training style with various martial arts styles for an even better understanding of the techniques.

Our aim to teach and perfect a range of techniques. We emphasise the importance of these techniques, and how to use them at your advantage.

"Being a self-defence school means that the technique we teach are as realistic as possible"

The classes are designed to learn self-defence in a semi contact manner, ensuring safety and control with respect and discipline making it suitable for everyone to learn and enjoy the training.

The school has a full curriculum with regular grading’s, regular club competitions under the Toyakwai Association and the WUKF Federation, Squad Training and seminars are on offer for the student to develop there skills. 

QUALIFICATION & GRADING

Based on the study and training of karate, students take part in a grading (exam) every three months for Kyu Grades (and as appropriate for Dan Grade) to assess their performance over the period. Successful students move to the next level which is recognised by a different colour and approved certificate.

OUR APPROACH TO TRAINING

Karate for us is about many things, but first and foremost is about training.

At our dojo we believe everyone's Karate journey is personal and different. While we'll do our best to encourage you, motivate you and push you to do better with yourself- it's up to you how quick you want to progress. Learning at your own pace is your right and our approach.

TOPICAL  CLASSES

Starting with warm up and stretching than concentrating on physical training to build the students strength, stamina and balance. 

The training advances to (kihon, katas & kumite) a breakdown of self-defenses techniques- takedowns - blocking & counter attack - pulling - pushing - grabbing - body shifting and so on.... Than into more technical training-  distance - awareness - speed and timing - targets and so on....

BENEFITS OF KARATE

There are many benefits of practicing karate, here are just a few:

  • Self-Discipline

  • Self-Defence

  • Self-Respect

  • Self-Confidence

  • Mental and Physical Co-ordination

  • Balance and Stability

  • Strength

  • Flexibility

  • Concentration

  • Sense of Well Being, and more....

MEMBERSHIP & LICENSE

All students need a valid license in order to practice the art of Shotokan Karate, which will be provided The Toyakwai Karate Assotiation. The license is renewed yearly and operates as a record book for the students which they get to keep, but must be produced for grading, courses and tournaments.

NEW STUDENTS

New students can join us at any time of the year First Lesson will be free. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced - coming from another club or style - we welcome you and will do our very best to accommodate you and your training.