Great Britain Karate, also known as GB Karate, is a renowned Karate club in Manchester, England. Established in 2005 by Chief Instructor Sensei George Best, an 8th Dan black belt, the club is affiliated with the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF). Their aim is to continuously improve the skills and abilities of their students.
The club boasts a network of clubs throughout England, with new clubs joining regularly. They offer a range of technical courses to enhance and elevate standards across the organisation. These courses include Kyu grade courses, Brown and Black belt courses, Gradings, Referee and Judges courses, and an Instructor qualification course. In addition, they also provide training for the GB Karate squad.
Great Britain Karate's National team has achieved great success in World and European championships, earning numerous honours in these prestigious competitions. They are dedicated to the development and growth of their students and strive to maintain high standards in the sport.
Karate is suitable for everyone, and Great Britain Karate welcomes individuals of all age groups, starting from children as young as 4 years old. They primarily focus on Traditional Shotokan Karate and emphasise the core fundamentals of the art, which include Kihon (Basics), Kata (Set Patterns), and Kumite (Sparring). By honing these skills, students acquire a solid foundation and comprehensive understanding of all the techniques.
Both individuals and clubs can train and join Great Britain Karate. Individuals can obtain a Great Britain Karate licence, and clubs have the opportunity to apply for affiliation through the club's website.
The official Great Britain Karate website serves as the governing body for Karate in England. The chief instructor, George Best, is an experienced and highly qualified 8th Dan black belt. With the assistance of fully insured and DBS checked instructors, they provide training and education across the Northwest region.
George Best, the chief instructor, has an impressive competition history and numerous achievements. He began his Karate journey at the age of 11, under the guidance of his father Sensei John Best, who also served as his chief instructor and mentor. George quickly displayed his potential by progressing through the Kyu grades and achieving his black belt 1st Dan at just 13 years old.
During his training, George excelled in many competitions, earning him a spot on the Karate Union of Great Britain England squad (KUGB). He vividly remembers the arduous training sessions conducted by Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, a 9th Dan black belt, that tested his physical and mental endurance. These sessions emphasised the importance of martial attitude, spirit, and technique.
George's first international event took place in Ireland, where he won all his fights in a team-friendly competition. This led to his selection for the European Championships in Turkey in 1984. Eager to succeed, George's determination caught the attention of squad coach Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda, resulting in his inclusion in the senior team kumite squad the following day. At the age of 16, it was a great honour for him to be part of the starting lineup for the England senior team.
Motivated by these experiences, George continued to train, focusing on developing his skills in both Kata and Kumite. His dedication and hard work earned him prestigious honours in the sport.