"Karate-Do strives internally to train the mind to develop a clear conscience, enabling one to face the world honestly, while externally developing strength to the point where one may overcome even ferocious wild animals. Mind and technique become one in true karate." 

--Gichin Funakoshi   

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How We Train

Our training lasts for two hours and starts with a comprehensive 10-15 minute warm-up and stretch to minimise the risk of injury.  We then train in three main areas: Kata, Kumite and Kihon.

Kata 
Kata are formal exercises.  The name means "forms" and they should be thought of as a fight against imaginary opponents.  They put together sequences of techniques - punches, blocks, strikes and kicks - that are both useful in sparring and unparalleled for developing technique.  Kata are used extensively in gradings and provide an excellent means of both building technique.  There are twenty-five standard Shotokan katas and Sensei Keith is a noted authority in them all, not to mention a gold medallist in competitive kata.    

Kumite
Kumite, or sparring, consists of fighting an opponent.  There are many styles of kumite, and the YSKC practices them all regularly to build strength, speed and fighting spirit, including some styles of fighting common in Japan but neglected in this country.  

Kihon
Kihon are basic techniques practiced in isolation - punches, blocks, strikes and kicks with no opponent.  Kihon practice is essential in building speed and strength and we practice it extensively.  

Most clubs practice some of the three areas but the YSKC is unusual in having a balanced approach that takes in all three and builds fast, strong, effective karate.      

Where We Train

We train on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 7pm till 9pm.  Training starts at 7, so please arrive in plenty of time.  Free parking is available at both dojos.  We have two dojos (training halls): St. Chad's Church Hall on a Monday and Fishergate Primary School on Wednesdays.  If you would like directions please contact us

1. On Monday we train at St. Chad's church hall on Campleshon road: 

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2. On Wednesdays we train at Fishergate Primary School, on Fishergate: 

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