Kodokai Karate Club

Kevin Leigh here, just a quick note about the Kodokai Karate Club and all the exciting things happening at our martial arts school in Watford.

Kevin's not just any instructor; holding a 7th Dan black belt, he's leading the charge at Kodokai. Our club is affiliated with the Shotokan Karate Kanazawa Ryu International Federation (SKKIF) and follows the teachings of Kanazawa Soke, the 10th Dan founder of SKIF Japan.

At Kodokai, we’re all about traditional Shotokan Karate. From set to free-style fighting, we focus on fitness, flexibility, speed, strength, self-awareness, and discipline. We keep our teaching straightforward and effective, helping students not just learn techniques but also use them when it counts.

Whatever your age or skill level, Kodokai aims to bring out the best in you. We even have regular visits from top Japanese SKIF instructors. Plus, we offer short induction courses for those curious about joining. If you fancy a go, give us a ring at 07733361045.

Training happens at YMCA Leavesden Country Park in Watford. You can join us in the Sports Hall on Mondays (8:00 pm to 9:30 pm) and Wednesdays (7:45 pm to 9:15 pm). We’ve also got special squad training on the last Wednesday of the month and Brown & Black Belt Yudansha classes every other second Monday.

Kodokai’s journey with SKKIF started back in June 2002 after leaving Jin Sei Kai. Under Kevin’s leadership, we’ve become one of the top clubs in Hertfordshire, regularly participating in SKKIF courses, competitions, and organising events to keep our training fresh.

Kevin’s been in the karate world for years. He started in 1977 with ASKA, earned his 1st Dan black belt in 1982, and continued to rise through the ranks. In 2002, when we re-joined SKKIF, he got regraded to 4th Dan and then achieved 5th Dan in 2005. He even led the SKKIF UK squad in international competitions in 2009.

At Kodokai, we’re committed to top-notch training and staying true to the principles of Kanazawa Soke. We strive for technical excellence and continuous improvement, standing out in the martial arts world.

Looking forward to seeing you in the dojo!