Local Asahi Shotokan Karate Club

 

Asahi Shotokan Karate Club is a local club teaching karate to people of all levels and all ages, led by Chief Instructor, Sensei Richard Scoot (6th Dan black belt). They take pride in offering great teaching with specialists in teaching neurodiverse children and adults with any additional needs and disabilities. They welcome people of all levels, whether it’s your first-time trying karate or you are returning after a couple of months or several years.

There are many benefits to karate, it can improve your physical health: stamina, strength, and balance. It also has many mental benefits, it can help boost your self-esteem and confidence, calms anxiety and is a wonderful way to relieve stress. There is also a very social and communal aspect in participating in a karate club, a fantastic way to meet new people and help each other improve and grow.

Karate is an ancient tradition with aspects of it being traced back some 1400 years. Its origins are a combination of two teachings, some of the physical fighting techniques being used by real Okinawan soldiers in combat after weapons had been banned, incredibly strong and very effective. The second half consisted of ancient Chinese philosophical teachings which brings the peaceful aspect of the sport. This combination led to the karate that is being taught and we know now, violent and efficient, but also the use of strict discipline and an emphasis on being non-violent. Many people refrain from doing martial arts as they are viewed as too violent however karate is more about self-control and discipline and how to, if it came to it, fight effectively with minimum damage.

The club recently celebrated its 10th anniversary Kangeiko (mid-winter training) in January during which members from all dojos participated, practicing all three sections of karate, Kihon (basics), Kumite (fighting), and Kata (forms). Over 70 people gathered to train for 2 ½ hours and finished with a community breakfast. Although this isn’t the only event that the club holds. Sensei Scoot is holding a Kumite course on the 23rd of June, and the club holds a session on Holkham beach each year. As you can see there are many things to look forward to outside of basic weekly training.

The club holds weekly sessions at multiple different dojos in Bedfordshire: Sandy, Potton, Clifton, Gamlingay, and Brampton. They have one class for younger children, and an adult class held afterwards. If you are interested in trying it out contact richard.scoot@virgin.net or look at their website, https://www.asahishotokankarate.co.uk/ for more details.