Welcome to Bilston Community Association

Though the name Shizen-Do Kai is quite new, the group has been established for over 30 years at various locations. It was originally founded by The Late Eric Cheshire as Bilston Karate Club who had over 20 years experience in Karate and attained 4^th Dan Black Belt status. Shizen-Do Kai is now a UK based group for Traditional Karate and Applied Martial Arts with several clubs within the Midlands area. Shizen-Do Kai is part of and affiliated to The British Combat Association, Internationally recognised as one of the largest and most respected Associations for Martial Arts and Combat Sports.

The Bilston club currently boasts 10 Dan grade (Black Belt) students. Instructors are fully qualified, first aid and CRB checked and are under continuous training themselves.

While Shizen Do seeks to maintain all of the essential disciplines and basic techniques of the Wado school , we believe there is much to be learned from incorporating techniques from other styles . We therefore practice Kata (form) and combat techniques from other sources.

At its best Karate teaches self-discipline , self-defence and confidence and is one of the best forms of fitness training for all ages and both sexes. The minimum age is 6 years. There is no upper age limit - we find that many people take up or return to karate in middle age . There are also opportunities to take part in competition Kumite (sparring) and Kata though this is not compulsory

We are now also providing Applied Martial Arts classes. This is on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Applied Martial Arts classes cover aspects of Karate with Boxing, Thai Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and grappling for a good all over body workout and an effective self defence class.

We hope to create a feeling of well being and confidence. We are a friendly group open to all new members.

The origins of Karate (empty hand) can be traced back as far as 520AD to the nomadic monk Bhodidharma, who developed a system of exercise and self-defence based on animal movements. This developed over time into the many styles of Kung Fu still taught in China today. With the influx of Chinese immigrants to the Japanese island of Okinawa in 1392 , the art was passed onto the Japanese although it wasn't until the early 20th century that it became popular on mainland Japan . In particular Gichin Funakoshi founded one of the most popular styles - Shotokan around 1921

Wado Ryu Karate was founded by Hironiro Ohtsuka around the same time incorporating some moves from Ju Jitsu. Unlike Shotokan, a power styles whose stances are much longer, Wado emphasizes speed. Wado Ryu (meaning Way of Peace) was first imported into Britain in the 1960s by Tatsuo Suzuki and has become one of the most widely practiced forms of traditional Karate in the West

Shizen Do Karate Kai
Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 Juniors
Tuesdays 7:30 - 9:00 Seniors Applied Martial Arts Class

Saturday 9:00 - 12:00 Open Dojo Session - usually last Saturday of every month (PLEASE CHECK DATES WE ARE OPEN)

Karate - Shizen-Do Karate Kai

Session Times at Bilston Community Centre

Session Times at Idsall Sports Centre, Coppice Green Lane, Shifnal, Shropshire