Discover Traditional Shotokan Karate Classes in Manchester
At TKSKR Karate Club, we take immense pride in offering martial arts classes in Manchester, providing you with a comprehensive introduction to Shotokan Karate. This traditional style of Japanese martial arts, founded in the early 20th century, emphasises several key principles:
Deep Stances
Providing stability and strength, these stances form the foundation for powerful techniques.
Linear Movements
Designed for effective strikes and blocks, promoting efficiency in combat.
Kihon, Kata, and Kumite
The three core components of our training that enhance skills, discipline, and understanding of karate.
Philosophy
Shotokan Karate emphasises discipline, respect, and self-control, making it about cultivating a strong mental attitude as much as physical prowess.
Structured Training for All Levels
With its structured approach, Shotokan is suitable for both beginners and seasoned martial artists. Our classes foster personal growth, fitness, and confidence, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a balanced mix of technique and mental focus.
Your Karate Sensei
Our team is comprised of highly qualified instructors, each with years of experience in Shotokan Karate. Here's a brief introduction to our key sensei:
Andrew Durant
6th Dan ~ Chief Instructor
Andrew has been training and teaching karate for over 48 years. Starting in 1978 in the style of Wado Ryu, and changing to Shotokan when he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1983. He has represented England (GB), The RAF & Tri-Service as a competitor and Referee, and became the Chief Unarmed Combat Instructor in the RAF Regiment, and was instrumental in forming the RAF Association and RAF Federation status in its own right. He was awarded his 1st Dan (in Shotokan) in 1993 and continued through his Dan grades to 6th Dan in 2018. He is also proficient in Kendo and Krav Maga, and incorporates this in his teaching syllabus throughout his clubs.
Simon Francis
3rd Dan ~ Assistant Chief Instructor
Simon joined TKSKR as a 2nd Dan and graded to 3rd with Sensei Durant in June 2011, where he became the Assistant Chief Instructor after becoming a 3rd Dan. He took a short break from the club, due to work and family commitments, and returned when his two daughters became interested in taking up Martial Arts, and resumed his position where he left off, and he is responsible for maintaining the high standards and discipline (that is set) within the clubs.
Adam McMurdock
3rd Dan ~ Assistant Chief Instructor
Adam started training as shy 7 year old, but persevered, and became one of the youngest students to gain his 1st Dan (Black Belt) in 2013 at the age of ten (3 1/2 years later), with his long standing friend and training 'cohort' Faiz. They have both started in the club as white belts, and they have both graded together (all the way) to 3rd Dan. He is responsible for ensuring the students follow the syllabus for each of the Kyu and Dan grade's, and he is known as the 'oracle' when it comes to knowing the 26 Shotokan Katas.
Faiz Mohammed
3rd Dan ~ Senior Instructor
Faiz is a committed Martial Artist who holds the rank of 3rd Dan, and has practiced Shotokan karate within TKSKR for 19 year. Discipline, tenacity, and a respect for the tradition of Karate has shaped his path. Faiz also started training at the age of 7 (a short while before Adam), and forming a 'training bond' and a 'lifelong' friendship, as they both graded through their (Black Belt) Dan Grades to 3rd Dan in 2022. Faiz has been an instructor (like Adam) for over a decade, and is committed to preserving the values of Shotokan; its techniques, philosophy, and spirit - passing them on to students of all levels.
Paul Maddocks
2nd Dan ~ Instructor
Paul joined TKSKR as a 3rd Kyu (Brown Belt) to encourage his daughter into becoming involved in Martial Arts. He graded to 1st Dan in March 2019, and became a 2nd Dan in May 2022. His daughter graded to 1st Kyu, but decided to leave the club before taking her 1st Dan (Black Belt) to follow her aspiration of joining the Air Cadets. However, Paul has remained, and his dedication, patience and attention to detail knows no bounds, which he passes onto the students with vigour, which makes him a very valuable asset to the clubs.
The Story of TKSKR Karate Club
Founded over 20 years ago, TKSKR was established to introduce the traditional values of Shotokan Karate to local communities across Manchester and the North West. From our humble beginnings, we have evolved into a thriving network of students and instructors committed to the principles of discipline, respect, and lifelong learning.
Our name, TKSKR, stands for Tora Kokoro Shotokan Karate Ryu. Which Translates (in English): Tiger Heart Shoto's Way Empty Hand School; reflecting our dedication to teaching the art as it was intended. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and community, encouraging camaraderie among our members, making martial arts in Manchester accessible to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of karate can I learn?
At TKSKR, we offer self-defence classes focusing on Shotokan Karate, which encompasses various techniques, forms (Kata), and sparring (Kumite).
Is karate for attack or defence?
Karate is fundamentally a self-defence martial art. We teach students how to effectively defend themselves while developing confidence, control, and discipline.
What age groups do you teach?
We warmly welcome students aged 5 to 65+, making our classes inclusive for children, teenagers, and adults alike.
How to combat knife attacks?
We provide specialised training on how to remove weapons from aggressors as part of our comprehensive self-defence curriculum.
Begin Your Karate Journey Today
Whether you're completely new to martial arts or returning after a break, we at TKSKR offer karate in Manchester and are here to support your journey towards growth, fitness, and confidence through traditional Shotokan Karate.
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