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Welcome to TKA Shotokan Karate
"It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first".
G Mathie - 7th Dan
World & British Champion
About the TKA
Our Journey so Far......
Karate (Shotokan) as we know it today, originated from the Japanese island of Okinawa, lead by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, (in the early 1920's) & Sensei Nakayama from the JKA (Japan Karate Association).
Within the TKA, all our senior instructors have min 30yrs training with the JKA, our Chief Instructor, as this is being written, has over 4
Karate (Shotokan) as we know it today, originated from the Japanese island of Okinawa, lead by Sensei Gichin Funakoshi, (in the early 1920's) & Sensei Nakayama from the JKA (Japan Karate Association).
Within the TKA, all our senior instructors have min 30yrs training with the JKA, our Chief Instructor, as this is being written, has over 45yrs training
We at the TKA are affiliated to the AMA, the UK's largest Martial Arts Organisation. We encourage all our students to get out and discover Karate for themselves, many of our students have trained with and competed with many different organisations; WUKF World & European Championships (2200+ competitors), KWF (Sensei Yahara Group) JSKA (Sensei Asai Group) WTKO, WKC (Wado-Kai)
G Mathie Sensei - 7th Dan
After 30yrs as a member of the very successful KUGB organisation, having served as a member of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Scottish Region, Scottish National Coach for over 20yrs & achieving the black belt level of a 7th Dan.
The timing & opportunity arose to venture out of the comfort of a very big group and start my own gr
After 30yrs as a member of the very successful KUGB organisation, having served as a member of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Scottish Region, Scottish National Coach for over 20yrs & achieving the black belt level of a 7th Dan.
The timing & opportunity arose to venture out of the comfort of a very big group and start my own group the TKA.
I have to be honest, it was not an easy decision to make, but sometimes in life you need to make that leap & get out of your own comfort zone, there will always be an amount of fear & trepidation, but..
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy
At the TKA, we are committed to give every student the opportunity to be the best they can be and more.
Our class sizes allow our students to train in an environment that builds confidence allowing each student to maximize their full potential both Physically & Mentally, regardless of their age or ability (we have students from 4yrs old t
At the TKA, we are committed to give every student the opportunity to be the best they can be and more.
Our class sizes allow our students to train in an environment that builds confidence allowing each student to maximize their full potential both Physically & Mentally, regardless of their age or ability (we have students from 4yrs old to over 70yrs old).
The TKA "Here to help you on your Journey"
Karate for all Ages
Karate for Kids
Karate training has a variety of benefits for children of all ages.
We accept children from as young as 5 yrs old and encourage growth of character in an open friendly, positive enviroment.
Children can develop and build confidence; this can help them with life’s challenges such as making new friends and dealing with difficult situations such as bullying. It’s also an opportunity to learn new skills that can improve coordination, mental concentration & focus.
Karate for Adults
The TKA believes Karate can benefit & improve the lives of everyone regardless of age, gender, health & fitness. Karate can provide adults with the perfect environment to reduce the stress that comes with managing work, family & personal commitments
An excellent full body workout (approx 700 calories per hour) Karate practice can improve both physical & mental fitness while at the same time learning practical, effective self defence
Karate for Families
Karate is one of the few leisure activities where all members of the family can train alongside each other.
This is because of the discipline within the Dojo, which allows both adults and children of all ages to train together in a safe and fun environment at the same time.
Training as a family provides an opportunity for parents and children to build and grow together, working as a team to achieve their goals
Representing your Country across the World
National & International Competitions
At the TKA we provide direct access to the very best karate from across the globe, we are fully recognised by one of the largest the World governing bodies (WUKF) as National Teams.
Providing students of all ages (6yrs old to over 70yrs old) with the opportunity to represent their country.
Our TKA squads (Scotland, Ireland & England) have ample opportunities, should they wish, to travel the length & breadth of the country on a very competitive competition schedule, we also provide all students with the opportunity to then travel the world representing their respective countries.
Squad Training
Junior and Senior squad training is held once a month and is separate from regular training class sessions. The aim is to give additional specific tuition in competition karate, as well provide unique emphasis with regards to physical & mental attributes in karate. Performance and progress are extensively monitored in order to produce the best karate competitors in the country.
Building Success
Through the hard work, dedication and commitment of our squad members & coaches, (in the last 2 years) we have managed to show great signs of success:
WUKF European Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals - 2024/5
WUKF World Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals - 2024/5
WKA World Silver & Bronze Medals - 2026
WUKF British, Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals 2024/5
WUKF Scottish, Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals 2024/5
TKA Etiquette & Values
Etiquette & Values
The art of Karate places emphasis on developing both the character and the physical aspects of its students
The TKA aims to provide a positive platform; its foundations being built upon honesty, humility, respect and integrity. We are committed to helping you achieve your own personal goals, whilst at the same time developing life-long friendships with other members of our clubs, who are all on a similar path
At the TKA we look for all our members to adopt & embody these values, understanding that Karate is much more than punching and kicking. All our students and instructors must strive to exemplify our values, not just physically but in character.
Dojo (Training Hall) Code of Conduct
1. Bow on entering and leaving the Dojo.
2. Address any instructor as "Sensei" whilst in the Dojo.
3. "Oss" is a sign of respect and is used generally in Karate especially in the following situations: -
a. Upon receiving any advice or command from the instructor, the student must reply by answering "Oss".
b. When bowing at the start and finish of the class.
c. When bowing to your partner during Kumite.
d. In any other appropriate situation, for instance during grading and competitions.
4. Train at least twice a week.
5. No-one is to leave the class without first obtaining permission from the instructor.
6. Any member arriving late must take up a kneeling position at the front of the Dojo and await permission from the instructor before joining the class. On receiving permission bow then join the class.
7. Finger and toe nails must be kept clean and short.
8. Gis must be kept clean and in good condition.
9. Jewellery must not be worn during training. If you can't get a ring off then tape must be wrapped around it.
10. Students must treat other with respect.
11. Members must not smoke, swear, chew, spit or commit any other act likely to offend the etiquette of the Dojo.
12. Members must not use their skills in any offensive way outside the Dojo.
Our Classes - Scotland
TKA Dunfermline
- Baldridgeburn Community Centre, Dunfermline KY12 9EH
- Tuesday's - 7pm to 8:30pm (All Grades).
- Townhill Community Centre, Dunfermline KY12 0EN
- Friday's:- 6:30pm - 8pm (All grades)
- https://tkakarate.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/TKA-Takushoku-Karate-Association-683274418461410/
- gordon@tkakarate.com
- 07881345508
Taka Kai - Bishopbriggs
- Shotokan Karate Club based in Glasgow. Auchinairn Community Centre
- Mon and Wed. 7:00pm-9:00pm
- https://tkakarate.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/takakai.karate
- gordon@tkakarate.com
St Fillans - Karate Club
- Shotokan Karate Club run by Alex Duncan 4th Dan
- Held in the Sandison Hall St Fillans
- Classes are on Wednesday nights - 6pm to 7pm
- Contact Alex - 07936 515262
Our Classes - Nr Ireland
Limavady Karate Club
Weekly Training -----------------------
Monday 18:30 - 20:00
Tuesday 18:30 - 20:00 - Brown & Black only
Thursday 18:30 - 20:00
Saturday 10:00 - 11:00 (Adults Only)
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009581826491
Our Classes - England
Sonkei Karate Clubs
Through her knowledge gained, over a period of more than 25yrs, and the level obtained (6th Dan Black Belt), Sonkei Karate Clubs were set up by Noreen Small Sensei, as a way to pass on this knowledge.
Noreen is a highly respected practitioner, having been taught by many of the countries most highly respected Shotokan Instructors.
As a fellow karate practitioner (Karate-ka) & Instructor (Sensei), Noreen still continues to seek out various course to attend, train and learn from, to ensure her teaching skills and own training remains at the highest level.
Sonkei (Japanese word meaning "Respect"), are a friendly, family orientated club with an emphasis to encouraging fitness, stamina, strength, self esteem with the aim to promote good mental health.
On arrival, new members receive a warm friendly welcome, with our students age from 6 to 60 years+, male & female, so don't be letting your age, health or lack fitness put you off.
To help our students understand how well they're progressing we use a coloured belt system, where by every 3 months, should you be ready, we hold a new belt test, called a grading, where the students sit a physical test, to show what they've learned & if successful achieve a new belt.
We encouraged all our student to train regularly, min twice a week to help them better understand and progress more easily.
Sonkei Morpeth
Sensei Noreen Small
ATAC Community Hall
Mile Rd, Widdrington Station
Northumberland, NE61 5QL
Training Times:-
Mon & Thurs - 6pm to 7pm
Sonkei to Hokori
Hokori has an amazing beginning thanks to its incredibly successful predecessor Sońkei.
A decade ago, and having not trained for 20 years, Sensei Chris took his daughter into a dojo ran by Sensei Noreen Small with no intention of becoming a student again himself. Fast forward 15 minutes and he had been 'gently persuaded' to join the class.
10 years on and Sensei has guided me to some significant milestones in my life as a karateka. Words can't express the level of gratitude I have. If I can lead half as well as I've been led, Hokori will be a success
Hokori Karate Club
Sensei Chris Hulse
Training Hall (Dojo)
Birtley Community Church, 6 Edward Rd, Birtley, DH3 1HG
Weekly Training Times:-
Wednesday 5:30pm - 7pm
Thursday 5:30pm - 7pm
Social Media / Contact Info:-
Dojo Code
Dojo Code
Character
Exert oneself in the Perfection of Character
Sincerity
Be Faithful & Sincere
Effort
Cultivate the spirit of Perseverance
Etiquette
Be Respectful & Courteous to others
Self Control
Refrain from Impetuous & Violent Behaviour
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SPIRIT FIRST then Technique