Enso Shotokan Karate Club

You choose to join Enso Shotokan Karate Club in Birmingham, you will become part of this lineage of dedicated practitioners.

Enso Shotokan Karate Club is committed to preserving the traditions of Shotokan karate as taught by Shihan Cyril Cummins, 8th Dan. Shihan Cummins has trained for many years with esteemed organisations such as the JKA, KUGB, and NAKMAS. With a deep understanding and respect for the art, the instructors at Enso SKC strive to pass on their knowledge and expertise to their students.

Safety is a priority at Enso SKC, and all instructors are DBS-checked for the well-being and peace of mind of all participants. The club welcomes both beginners and experienced practitioners, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone to learn and grow.

Enso SKC holds training sessions at two convenient locations in Birmingham. On Thursdays, the club trains at the Clent Parish Hall, located at 40 Church Ave, Clent, Stourbridge, DY9 9QT. Sunday sessions take place at the Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Gym, situated at 20 Ashbrook Dr, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9FN.

The club offers two training sessions per week. On Thursdays, the training session runs from 19:00 to 20:30 at the Clent location, and Sundays' session is held from 13:00 to 14:30 at the Nuffield Rubery location. These training times provide flexibility for those with busy schedules, allowing them to find a time that suits them best.

To stay updated on the latest events, news, and announcements from Enso Shotokan Karate Club, individuals are encouraged to join the club's mailing list. By subscribing, you will never miss out on any important updates and opportunities.

Enso Shotokan Karate Club is led by Chief Instructor Sensei Austin Birks, 6th Dan. Sensei Birks brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the club. Other notable members of the team include Sensei Dave Prosser, 3rd Dan, who serves as the Welfare Officer, and Yvonne Skalban, 2nd Dan, who fulfils the role of Club Secretary, Website, and Social Media Administrator.

The philosophy of Enso Shotokan Karate Club is deeply rooted in the words of OSensei Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate. Funakoshi believed that the ultimate aim of karate is not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants. Enso, which translates to enlightenment, strength, and elegance in the Zen philosophy, encapsulates the essence of Shotokan Karate. It symbolises the constant pursuit of self-improvement, the development of inner strength and power, and the elegance found in the technical aspects of the art.

The Enso logo of the club embodies the concept of imperfection as a part of beauty. It shows an incomplete circle, reminding everyone that the journey of perfecting one's technique is an ongoing process. The teachings of Sensei Cyril Cummins, along with the guidance of previous generations, have shaped the principles and values of Enso Shotokan Karate Club.

If you are seeking a martial arts club in Birmingham where you can train in traditional Shotokan karate, improve your character, and become part of a supportive community, Enso Shotokan Karate Club is the place for you. Join the club, embrace the spirit of Enso, and begin an incredible journey of personal growth and development.