Welcome To The Midlands Top Karate Club.
The Zenshin Karate Club was created in January 1998 by Shidoshi Craig Decke and his wife Desma, both from Perth in Western Australia. Since then, the club has grown from strength to strength over the years and has become one of the most successful club in the Midlands and is still growing. Currently we have 26 classes running EVERY week! We are also one of the few clubs in the entire United Kingdom to offer classes and grading programs that are designed specifically for students of certain age levels. We have a "Little Dragon's" programme for those who are aged between 4 & 8. We have a "Young Samurai" programme for those who are aged between 9 & 13 and we also run a "Senior" programme for those aged 14+
Karate is a form of self-defence that in its modern form originates from the Okinawan islands of Japan. The true origins of Karate may in fact be in China, or indeed India where Martial Arts have existed for thousands of years. Karate is a Japanese word that means "empty hand". Zenshin means to "progress" or to "advance" or "move forward".
The average class format involves learning basic striking, blocking & kicking techniques, as well as some grabs, holds and "streetwise" self defence. Students are also taught stances and Kata (pre-arranged sequences of movements that represent both attack and defence). Kumite (sparring) is also practised in class. This is primarily non-contact to allow the students to practise in safety and build confidence.
What benefits does Karate offer?
Karate improves fitness, co-ordination, flexibility, balance, reflexes, agility and gives the student more confidence, discipline, respect, patience, focus and a better general attitude. There are other benefits that most people don't really think of but are definitely there, like improved social skills and improved listening skills especially in children. This is especially positive for everyone involved when it helps them at school and at home. There is also a very social element to our classes and you are sure to make many new friends within just a few lessons!
Do I need any previous experience?
Not at all, Karate starts at the basic level whether you have lots or no previous experience. If there is a student who joins us with previous experience, we will not spend very long on the basic level with them, in fact once they have proved their ability, we will move forward immediately. The club's 3 different syllabuses are designed to increase in difficulty only as your ability increases. This will happen as you travel through the various coloured belts.
I am not very flexible, is this a problem?
Again no, everyone is different when it comes to flexibility and most of us were not very flexible when we first started. Flexibility is something that improves gradually over time.
The Sensei's are fully trained to take this into account when training and grading the students.
Is this club safe to leave my children with?
Absolutely! Our club is very particular when it comes to who can teach. All of our instructors are hand picked after many years of experience within the club. They are ALL fully police checked & cleared, fully first aid trained in case of an accident, and insured for public liability or injury. Also the club is a member of NAKMAS (National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools) who also enforce that each student is insured. All the instructors have certification on them at class at all times and this can be viewed if required by the parents.
Is it disciplined?
Yes, disciplined but fun at the same time. All students are paying to be trained in Martial Arts, and messing about will not be tolerated. There is also some basic etiquette and rules that students are expected to follow. Don't worry, it is not like an army boot camp! It has to be enjoyable, otherwise you won't return and we don't want that!
LATEST NEWS
LATEST EVENTS
DEMONSTRATIONS
About the club.
FOR A FREE
TRIAL AT ANY OF OUR CLASSES
We have some major changes coming to classes. These are:
CHANGES AT WEDNESBURY DOJO
Starting Monday the 20th February we will changing Wednesbury class into two classes running from 6.15pm to 7.15pm for all ages and 7.30pm to 9.00pm for Seniors and Young Samurais who would like a more challenging class.
Wednesday class at Wednesbury will be closed with the last class on 15th February. This will allow us to combine both evening into two larger groups on Monday.
CHANGES AT WOODFIELD DOJO PENN
Sensei Craig Bryce has been doing such a fantastic class on Sunday mornings at Woodfield Sports and Social Club that the number of students has outgrown the room we are in. So to help the students out starting Sunday 4th March we will be changing the class into two sessions running from 10.00am to 11.15am for all ages and 11.30am to 12.45pm for Seniors and Young Samurais who would like a more challenging class
NEW CLASS AT BROCKMOOR, DUDLEY
On Tuesday 6th March we are re-opening the Brockmoor location at:
BROCKMOOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
BELLE ISLE, BRIERLEY HILL
DUDLEY, DY5 3UZ
The class will run from 6.30pm to 8.00pm
NEW LADIES ONLY SELF DEFENCE CLASS
Starting Tuesday 6th March a "Ladies Only Self Defence" class will be opening at the Grammar School in Wolverhampton. It is open to all females age of 12 years and over with no upper age limit.
For further detail see our webpage here
LADIES ONLY SELF DEFENCE CLASS
OPENS MARCH 6th 2012