Matsuri Dojo Stevenage - Karate & kobudo

Arts styles. Our instructors are all registered with the Okinawa Karatedo Shorinryu Ryukyukan Karate and Kobudo Federation in Okinawa, Japan. They are fully insured, trained in first aid, and have undergone DBS checks to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.

At Matsuri Dojo Stevenage, we believe in guiding our students through every step of their martial arts journey. We understand that the path to black belt status can sometimes feel immense, which is why we focus on setting attainable short-term goals. These goals come in the form of belt promotions or gradings, with the first belt (yellow belt) being a realistic goal to achieve within approximately 12 weeks of training.

By consistently setting and reaching smaller goals, our students develop not only as martial artists but also as individuals. We believe that the discipline and perseverance required in martial arts training have a positive impact on personal growth.

Our main focus is on teaching Shorin-ryu Karate, a style known for its concentration of power (kime) into the target smoothly and accurately. This method of power concentration is practised through kata, which are patterns of movements that are both technically precise and naturally healthy for the practitioner. By maintaining relaxed, natural movements and punctuating them with focused releases of power, we minimise unnecessary muscle fatigue and preserve energy.

In addition to kata, we also emphasise kihon waza (basic techniques) for developing striking and blocking skills, as well as kumite (sparring) to put these skills into practise. Our curriculum includes a list of historically correct kata from the Shuri-te lineage, which have been passed down over hundreds of years. These kata teach students valuable fighting skills and offer a connexion to the rich history of Okinawan martial arts.

In line with our commitment to providing a comprehensive martial arts education, we also offer training in kobudo, the practise of weapons used in ancient Ryukyu. We teach historically correct kobudo techniques as taught to Ryukyukan members by Hanshi Nohara. Kobudo training improves dachi (foot, leg, and hip position) to generate power, conditions the arms and hands, and sharpens focus and awareness.

At Matsuri Dojo Stevenage, we pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of both the martial arts and modern teaching methods. Our goal is to help our students reach black belt excellence, and we will go above and beyond to support and encourage those who are committed to their training. We create a supportive and respectful atmosphere for learning and foster an open-minded approach to all martial arts styles.

To further enhance our students' learning experiences, we also organise training courses with world-class teachers from various martial arts styles. These courses provide valuable insights and techniques beyond the scope of traditional Shorin-ryu Karate, allowing our students to broaden their perspective and grow as martial artists.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist looking for a new club, Matsuri Dojo Stevenage welcomes you to join our karate and kobudo classes. Your first lesson is free, and upon joining, you will receive a free karate uniform to begin your training journey with us. We are open all year round, including school holidays, ensuring that you have ample opportunities to train and progress towards your goals.

For more information or to schedule your free trial lesson, please contact us at Matsuri Dojo Stevenage. We look forward to welcoming you to our dojo and helping you unleash your potential in Okinawa Shorinryu Karate and Kobudo.