Kata have been used by karate masters over the years for many reasons, e.g. to aggregate and help with the transfer of knowledge to their students, to help with training, conditioning, etc. But it is thought that when karate made it into the Okinawan schooling system thanks to Anko Itosu (and later onto the Japanese shores through Funakoshi), katas were systematically sanitised, with “dangerous” … Continue reading [ FEATURE ] The meaning of Bunkai (分解)
Source: MA-Mags Continue reading A modern (pictorial) history
Welcome to a revamped version of the CKA website. Use the contact form to provide feedback or alternatively talk to your Sensei, should you have any comments or ideas to enrich its contents. Continue reading [ FEATURE ] New CKA website
On 15 July 1993 the CKA, then known as Amersham & Chesham Shotokan Karate Club, first opened its doors as an independent karate club. Our head instructor Sensei Ashley Croft, then a Nidan, and Pat McAulife decided to leave the Katsu Academy. Ashley Croft This was done for a number of reasons; so that the club could be managed in ways that are most appropriate … Continue reading 20th Anniversary of Chiltern Karate Association
When most students take up karate as a hobby or sport they will tell you that they have come along to keep fit, or to learn an art of self defence. The goal for most karateka ultimately is to be awarded a black belt. Unfortunately, if this is the only motivation to train then there is very little to keep the impetus going after you have acheived this goal.
Two years ago after a lot of hard work and sweat i managed to get awarded my black belt, and was told by several different senseis within the club that i had now come to the end of my training as a beginner, and could now become a proper student! Continue reading “[ FEATURE ] Michael Thornton: Thoughts on my last grading”
We were pleased to once again host the internationally renowned Professor Rick Clark in May. Following an unfortunate fall whilst at Giants Causeway, we were unable to host Professor Clark for what seamed far too long. In his usual style we covered a vast number of techniques which I could only hope to describe here. We started with an arm lock combined with an upwards … Continue reading [ SEMINAR ] Rick Clark Course May 2011
