SHOTOKAN KARATE
Shotokan is a style of karate developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi
Karate consists of 3 elements
KIHON (Basics)
This term refers to the fundamentals that are taught which form the basis of karate training.
KUMITE (Sparring)
Kumite are pre defined attacking and defence techniques practised mainly with a partner.
KATA (Forms)
Each kata consists of a choreographed sequence of movements performed alone by the individual. Kata allows the opportunity to study, practice and develop each individual technique to help form a greater understanding.
BENEFITS
Karate can help to improve overall fitness and flexibility, develop confidence and self discipline and reduce stress.
ALL AGES WELCOME
Students of all ages are, from young to old are welcome to join Ampthill Club
FAMILIES (Discounts may apply)
Karate is an activity which the whole family can enjoy together, many parents and children have made their journey from beginner to black belt together.
The Club Instructor Mrs D Debock (5th Dan) has been continuously training in Shotokan Karate for 35 years under the Chief Instructor Shihan Sahota and teaching for 19 years.
Mrs Debock has competed in various events in TISKA Championships competing in both individual and team events and regularly attends Master Courses held by the Chief Instructor in order to further practice.
Gusharan Sahota
Gursharan Sahota was born in Kenya, East Africa but moved to the UK at the age of 12. He took up Karate at the age of 14 in the local Bedford club and was awarded black belt 1st dan (shodan) four years later.
Now a 9th Dan, Gursharan has competed in a multitude of kata and kumite events, many at national and international level. But the most significant event in his career was the visit he made in 1984 to Japan. There, he fulfilled a great ambition by training in a Japanese dojo under the instruction of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa.
This experience proved to be a turning point for Gursharan. On his return to England, he realised the trip had been the inspiration he needed to dedicate his future to training and teaching karate as a way of life.
Gursharan’s first club was opened in Luton/Dunstable in 1981 and this is now the association’s hombu (HQ). Having been a teacher of the art for many years, he formed his own association in 1993 – TISKA (The Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association) which is now one of the biggest associations in the UK.
Gursharan’s love of karate has never diminished. He still teaches over 35 classes a week in the UK and regularly takes master classes internationally. All in all, he has brought hundreds of students of all ages up to black belt standard and beyond.
He is also involved in charity work, helping to subsidise trips for surgeons to third world countries to operate on underprivileged children. He has, for many years, funded many projects in India, and is at present helping to fund the building of a new school.
Gursharan lives in Buckinghamshire and is happily married with a son and daughter who already show signs of following in their daddy’s footsteps.
Contact your school instructor to get started
