Karate is a martial art that originated in Japan. Karate literally means “empty hand” and is a fighting system that involves the use of punches, kicks, strikes and blocks. Shotokan is a style of karate developed by Gichin Funakoshi, incorporating techniques from other martial arts, over a hundred years ago in the small Japanese island of Okinawa. Shotokan, a traditional martial art, is characterised by the use of deep stances and powerful moves.
About Us
Sensei Garry Harford has been running a dojo since 1982, starting in Poynton before moving to Salford and now at its new home in central Manchester. He prides himself on having taught many highly successful karate students over that time, including seasoned internationals. Garry himself was a member of the England squad which dominated European Shotokan Karate for many years, culminating in becoming World Champions in 1990.
Alongside Garry, there are a number of other instructors at the club, all experienced black belts, all willing to help you achieve your karate goals.
The Shotokan Karate Academy is affiliated with the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB), the largest Shotokan karate association in Great Britain. The KUGB runs many free training courses during the year and also holds annual Championships at which competitors at all levels are welcome.
Why Karate
- Karate is a good all round sport which has benefits on many different levels:
- Improved fitness
- Enhanced strength
- Self-defence
- Self-discipline
- Self-confidence
- Improved flexibility
The classes are varied, some classes are more physically exerting, others are more technical. Whatever your objective for training in karate, be it to improve your fitness level or to progress to competition, the classes will support you in striving for your goal.
Training Information
Dojo (Training Hall) Location
Trinity Sports Centre, Higher Cambridge Street, “Off Boundary Lane”, Manchester, M15 6NU.
Training Times
Tuesday: Beginners / kyu Grades - 18:00-19:00 Intermediate / Advanced - 18:00-19:30
Thursday - Brown and Black Belts Only - 18:00-19:30
Saturday: Beginners / kyu Grades (below brown belt) - 10:00-11:00 Brown and Black Belts Only - 11:00-12:30
Membership & Training Fees
The Academy is operating a monthly payment scheme and all members are required to set up a standing order for this. As a new member, you can train at the Academy for a maximum of 4 weeks before the standing order must be in place.
The monthly fee is:
- Up to 17 years old £30 per month
- 18 years old and over £40 per month
- Students (e.g. University) £30 per month
Payments are required to be made by Standing Order. Account details are shared during the membership sign up process.
Non-member fees (for members of other clubs or occasional visitors) are as follows:
- Up to 17 years old / Students (e.g. University) £6.00 per lesson
- 18 years old and over £8.00 per lesson
- You must also apply for a licence from our association, the Karate Union of Great Britain, via https://kugb.me. The licence is renewable annually, with current fees being £30 for adults and £25 for children.
Dojo Etiquette
- Always bow upon entering or leaving the dojo.
- Junior grades must bow first to their seniors.
- Instructors should be referred to as Sensei or by their appropriate title, and not by name.
- Nails must be kept clean and short enough to avoid scratching and cutting. Jewellery or watches should not be worn. If it is not possible to remove rings of earrings, they should be safely covered.
- You may be requested to remove your shoes upon entering the Dojo.
- It is polite to walk around the edge of the training area.
- It is mandatory to walk around the edge of the training area while class is in progress.
- Students are expected to arrive on time for classes. However, if they happen to be late, they should:
- Change into their training attire
- Warm up in the designated changing room
- Enter the dojo silently, walk briskly around the outside of the training area and kneel in front and to the side of the class, ensuring clear visibility to the Senseis
- Attentively watch for the Senseis' signal to participate
- Once the signal is given, they should continue kneeling, bow deeply, and then proceed swiftly and quietly to the back of the class until it is convenient to find a suitable position corresponding to their grade.
- Any behavior that is likely to offend the etiquette of the Dojo is not permitted.
Contact
More information will be uploaded soon. Please visit us before one of our classes and say hello! You can also email info @ shotokankarateacademy.co.uk
Disclaimer
As Karate is a physically demanding activity, students understand there is a risk of injury. Shotokan Karate Academy (‘SKA’) does not conduct health or fitness checks on students and participation in the lessons is at each student’s own risk.
To the extent permitted by law, SKA and its instructors are not liable for any loss, damage, injury or disappointment suffered in connection with lessons or any delays or failure (in whole or in part) to perform any of its obligations if such delay or failure is caused by something beyond its control, including indirect, consequential or special losses howsoever caused in connection with any aspect of the lessons. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude or restrict SKA’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, fraud or any other liability to the extent it cannot be excluded by law.