We hope that this website will help you answer some of the questions that you might be asking yourself: questions not only about Shotokai and your local club, but also about yourself and your ability to take part in the practice of Karate.

We hope, having studied our website, that you will go along to your local KDS registered club, talk to the instructors and watch a practice. If you should decide to join and practice with us, you will, like many people before you, find that you are taking part in something that can be a most rewarding and invigorating way to spend your leisure time.

Why do Karate?

Past experience has shown that people take up karate for many different reasons. Interestingly, the number of people who join to learn self defense do not, in fact, represent the majority. Many people join to get fit, some join because it is something new and different to try out, and so on. Whatever the reason, those that persevere with the practice of karate invariably find it has much more to offer, both physically and mentally, than conventional sports.

Martial Arts: Fact and Fiction

Martial arts, like karate, have received considerable attention in recent years, especially through films and television. Martial artists are portrayed as being capable of astounding feats of strength, endurance and super-human athleticism. The reality of the situation is, of course, totally different. Although individuals like Harada Sensei are enormously gifted, karate will always be within the realms of the possible, where myth has no place.

Why KDS?

KDS is suitable for men and women and you don't have to be fit to begin - in fact many people start as a means of getting fit. All clubs have friendly and approachable instructors and interactive environments are encouraged in practice sessions.

Clubs Instructors

The club in your area can be found in the club listing section along with information as to the location and evenings and times of practice. The clubs are financed solely by the members' participation fees and all the money raised goes to the upkeep of the club and used to benefit its members.

The clubs are registered with the KDS and because of this, you can be assured that the level of instruction received will be of a very high standard. The KDS spend a lot of time to ensure that this is the case. All of our instructors are constantly under scrutiny, to maintain our expected high standards.