Walsall School of Shotokan Karate

The number one choice in the area for those serious about Karate
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WHO WILL TEACH ME?

The Chief Instructor at the School is Steve Carless, 5th Dan.  Steve is a full time Karate Instructor with over 30 years experience practising and teaching Karate.  He is a former Champion who competed at National, European and World level.  As a full time instructor Steve can dedicate himself to ensuring that the Karate taught at the school is constantly developing.

 

Steve is supported by five fully qualified instructors from 2nd Dan to 4th Dan Black Belt with many years experience.  In addition we also have a number of qualified assistant instructors and trainee assistant instructors who are all Black Belt adults.

 

Standards are maintained by instructors continuing to be very active through training, competing and teaching.  They also attend specialist Instructor training classes to constantly develop their skills as well as refining the school's methods.

 

All instructors are First Aid qualified and have Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks.

 

WHAT WILL TRAINING INVOLVE?

Your training will primarily be structured around the three key elements: the kihon (basic techniques), the kata (forms), and the kumite (sparring).  Upon these three rest all technique, all speed, all strength and all progress in karate.  They are, in essence, one, and must be studied as one.  At Walsall School of Shotokan Karate, we emphasize all three equally and simultaneously.  Stretching, strengthening and plyometric exercises also form part of our classes to supplement the three elements.

 

WILL I BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN COMPETITIONS?

Karate is an exiting and very challenging sport.  We do not see competition as the primary goal of Karate.  However, students who wish to compete have the opportunity to attend and compete in local, national and international events through our Squad training program.  The Walsall Team has consistently won local and national competitions as well as having a number of students who have represented Great Britain at international level.

 

HOW DO I MEASURE MY PROGRESS?

You will be entitled to take grading examinations after set periods of time providing all minimum training requirements are met and you have met the sufficient technical standard.  At the school all students, irrespective of grade, are regularly assessed against the grading syllabus.  You will receive feedback about your progress and expectations are set for the next grading date.  The syllabus allows you to develop expertise in Shotokan Karate gradually and consistently within a structured grading program.

 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO ACHEIVE MY BLACK BELT?

You can achieve 1st Dan standard at our school within 3 years.  However, this is an exceptional performance by the most dedicated students.  Most recreational karate students acheive 1st Dan in 4-5 years.  A 5th Dan will have at least 20 years of experience and dedication.

 

A Black Belt only means you have a basic understanding and functional ability in the foundational techniques of karate.  At that stage you are now ready to begin learning: It’s the beginning of your journey not the end! In the early stages of your development the belt colour is of great importance, however as you develop past Black belt it’s the journey that matters most.

 

DOES THE SCHOOL HAVE OTHER EVENTS FOR ITS STUDENTS?

In January we hold Kangeiko, a seven day cold weather training that sets everyone up for the year.  We train at 6am every day.  Every July we have our Annual Summer Camp by the seaside.  This is open to all students with tuition from high rank instructors.  Black and brown belts also have the opportunity to attend national training sessions to focus on high level training.  We also offer the opportunity to train on courses with Senior European and Japanese Instructors.

 

On the social side, we hold our Annual Christmas Party and Awards evening in December and regularly organise events such as bowling nights for students, friends and families to get together.

 

The school has also organised and actively supported charity events since its inception.  Over the years the school has raised thousands of pounds in support of our nominated charities which are the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Acorns Children's Hospice and the Emily Bailes CCLG Fund.