Eric had more than 20 years experience in Karate and attained 4th Dan Black Belt status. The club currently boasts 8 Dan grade (Black Belt) students. Instructors are GNVQ qualified 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 TAISABAKI, Chinese based exercise system. This is on Tuesday evenings from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Taisabaki, literally means Body Movement, the system being
used at Shizendo is a combination of Taichi Chikung Karate and Yoga.
Our aim is to develop a fitness system to use all the muscles and
joints of the body in a relaxed and focussed manner.
We hope to create a feeling of well being and confidence.
The Origins of Karate
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 emphasises 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 practised forms of traditional Karate in the West
Shizen Do Karate Kai
Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:00 Juniors
Tuesdays 8:15 - 9:30 Seniors
Thursday 7:00 - 8:00 Juniors
Thursday 8:15 - 9:30 Seniors
Saturday 10:00 - 11:30 Juniors
Saturday 11:30 - 12:30 Seniors
Monday 7:00 - 8:00 Kids Karate
Monday 8:00 - 9:00 Taisabaki Adults
Contact Eric Cheshire 01902 730126 to confirm times etc.