Cambridge Temple Karate Club

Cambridge Temple Karate Club is a traditional martial arts school located in Cambridge, New Zealand. The club specialises in the Japanese system of Wado-Ryu Karate and has been established since 1992.

Led by Chief Instructor Sensei K. Henville, a 7th Dan Renshi and Chairman of the British Institute of Karate Organisation, the club is dedicated to maintaining very high technical standards. Sensei Henville is also a qualified English Karate Federation judge and has trained in Shotokan Karate as well.

At Cambridge Temple Karate Club, all serious students are welcome. Whether you just want to train or are interested in participating in tournaments, the club can accommodate your needs and help you achieve your goals.

The style of karate practised at Cambridge Temple Karate Club is Wado-Ryu, which translates to “way of peace” or “way of harmony”. This style was founded by Hironori Ohtsuka in 1934 and is a blend of Okinawan karate and the traditional Japanese martial art of ju-jitsu. Wado-Ryu focuses on fast, efficient, and natural movements.

Hironori Ohtsuka began his martial arts journey at an early age, studying Shindo Yoshin Ryu ju-jitsu under grand master Tatsusaburo Nakayama. Unlike other styles of ju-jitsu, Shindo Yoshin Ryu included striking techniques in addition to throwing techniques and joint locks. Ohtsuka continued his training in ju-jitsu while studying business administration at Waseda University.

Ohtsuka was introduced to karate in 1922 when he attended a demonstration by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate. He became one of Funakoshi's senior students and established the first karate club at Tokyo University in 1929. However, Ohtsuka eventually diverged from Funakoshi and decided to develop his own style of karate.

Travelling to Okinawa and learning from instructors who had taught Funakoshi, Ohtsuka combined Okinawan karate with the principles of ju-jitsu and kendo. In 1934, he founded Wado-Ryu Karate. Over the years, Wado-Ryu grew in popularity, and Ohtsuka received numerous honours, including becoming Japan's chief karate instructor in 1944.

Training at Cambridge Temple Karate Club takes place on Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Hills Road Sports and Tennis Centre. For more information, interested individuals can contact Sensei Ken Henville via phone at 01223 362321 or 07801 551689, or through email at TempleKarateClub@gmail. Com.

Cambridge Temple Karate Club is a dedicated and traditional martial arts club, providing high-quality training in Wado-Ryu Karate. Students of all levels are welcome and have the opportunity to learn from an experienced and accomplished instructor.