Karate Training

Training takes place at Modbury Memorial Hall, Back Street, Modbury, Ivybridge, Devon. PL21 0RF

  • Monday: 6:30pm-8:00pm  (£4.00 per person, family discounts available for more than 1 person training )
  • Friday: 6:30pm-8:00pm  (£4.00 per person, family discounts available for more than 1 person training)

The club welcomes new members.  FIRST THREE LESSONS FREE!

Please wear comfortable clothing which allows freedom of movement.  We train in bare feet.  Please arrive a few minutes early, in time to complete an information form before the start of the class.

For more information please contact Sensei Dave Hore on 07982659389; our Membership Secretary on 07866750299, or email us: info@ivybridgekarateclub.co.uk.

A Typical Training Session

Tsutahashi Karate Club’s dojo in Ivybridge, Devon, is in a modern gymnasium without peripheral noise or distraction which facilitates learning to the highest level.

A typical Karate class will consist of some of the following aspects of Shotokan Karate:

Warm Up

Every class will begin with a series of exercises to get the blood pumping and warm up the muscles, with stretches to increase flexibility and ease of movement, helping to prevent injury and cramp during the class. Students work at their own level under the instruction of the Sensei.

Kihon (Basics)

No matter your grade, it is important to practice and master the fundamental basics of karate and perfect them in order to form a solid foundation for more advanced and fluid karate. Kihon can be practiced in traditional style, with rows of students performing the same moves together (or increasingly complex sequences according to the grade of the students) under instruction from the Sensei. The aim is to focus on correct form and muscle control, so that the same moves can be performed with speed and precision at a higher level.

Kata (Set Forms)

A Kata is a set sequence of Karate techniques and movement – punches, strikes, kicks and blocks – against multiple imaginary opponents, intended to perfect karate techniques at your grade level as well as demonstrate the correct martial attitude. A Kata performed well is inspiring and uplifting to watch. KUGB Shotokan Karate has a total of 26 Kata of increasing complexity and difficulty as the grades progress, with multiple Kata per grade beyond brown belt. Traditionally, Kata are intended as a method to practice Karate on your own as well as a system to preserve the range of movements and style of Karate techniques when passed from Karate instructor to student through history and from club to club. This aspect of Karate is the main ‘art’ in this martial art.

Kumite (Sparring / Fighting)

Perhaps, instinctively, Kumite is what many people would feel Karate is all about. Karate has far more depth than just fighting or sparring, but this facet gives the student a chance to test their skills with an opponent (in a controlled manner and at a level suitable to their grade) and develop other important aspects of the martial art such as speed, accuracy, concentration and cunning! Tactics can be more important than fitness, stature and strength. Practicing Kumite develops confidence for self defence, enhancing reaction times, controlling body positioning and blocking and attacking power.

Kumite is nothing to be concerned by. There are different forms of Kumite depending on the grade of the student.

Gohon Kumite (Five-Step Sparring)

Beginners start with this very formalised type of Kumite with pre-determined attacks, blocks and counter-attacks, practicing good distance from the opponent and technique control.

Kihon-Ippon Kumite (Basic One-Step Sparring)

As grade, confidence and skill increases students perform this basic form of one-step sparring where the attacks are pre-determined but the blocks and counters are chosen by the student. The attacks increase in number and complexity with each grade.

Jiyu-Ippon Kumite (Freestyle One-Step Sparring)

Sparring becomes more fluid with increased movement and a greater need to control body positioning to effectively block attacks and counter-attack effectively and accurately. At brown belt level, attack types are pre-determined and defender’s block and counter attack(s) are improvised by the student. As the student progresses to black belt (Dan) grades attacks become unannounced and must be defended and countered through instinct and skill.

Jiyu Kumite (Freestyle Sparring)

Freestyle sparring where students can test their skills with a training partner in a controlled and respectful manner. Attack and defence is improvised and so this is a chance to react to the unexpected, try out various tactics and learn how to adapt to the various strengths and weaknesses of each opponent. Freestyle sparring is conducted in a manner such that all can learn from and enjoy the experience (A higher grade student will tone down their sparring level for a lower grade training partner rather than beat them to a pulp!)

Applied Karate/Self Defence

Some lessons may focus on applied Karate, which is a self-defence aspect of this martial art, simulating scenarios of attack ‘on the street’. Students practice techniques to effectively defend yourself in such situations with a training partner (or partners in the case of multiple-attackers).