The Okinawa Shotokan Karate Academy - Bexleyheath is a prestigious karate club located in Bexleyheath, Kent. With a strong focus on the traditions of Shotokan Karate, the academy provides a comprehensive programme that supports the development of forms and practical applications of the art. The instructors at the Okinawa Shotokan Karate Academy are highly skilled and dedicated to passing on their knowledge and expertise to students of all ages.
The teachings at the academy revolve around the three core aspects of karate: Kihon, Kata, and Kumite. Kihon refers to the basic forms of karate, including blocks, punches, kicks, strikes, and stances. Kata involves practising a set pattern of moves to showcase the perfection and transitions of forms. Bunkai, the analysis and application of kata, is also an important part of the curriculum.
Kumite focuses on building self-defence skills, starting with basic one-step attacks and blocks and progressing to complex sparring patterns and fully freestyle sparring.
Karate is known for being a well-rounded discipline that develops the mind, body, and spirit. The Okinawa Shotokan Karate Academy welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and experience levels who are interested in studying this wonderful art form. Whether you are a complete beginner, an existing student, young or old, the academy is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.
The academy offers a variety of classes to cater to different age groups and skill levels. There are special karate classes for kids that focus on age-appropriate training and skills development. Adults and women also have dedicated classes that allow them to train and progress at their own pace. Additionally, the academy offers extra coaching classes upon request for those seeking additional guidance and practise.
Class schedules and locations are as follows: In Bexleyheath, the academy holds exclusive women's classes on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, and kids' classes on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 6 pm. Other locations include New Eltham, where kids' classes are held on Mondays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, Sidcup, where kids' classes are held on Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and adults' classes from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, and Welling, where kids' and adults' classes are held on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. There is also an Abbey Wood Club, where all ages and grades are welcome to join classes on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and senior grade kids from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
To find out more information or to get in touch with the Okinawa Shotokan Karate Academy - Bexleyheath, interested individuals can contact the head instructors. Sensei Sam Mansfield is the head instructor at the Bexleyheath location, Sensei Amelia Senft leads the New Eltham classes, Sensei Paul Claremont is the head instructor for the Sidcup and Welling classes, and Sensei Graham Leggett leads the Abbey Wood Club.
Those interested can also visit the academy's website or social media pages for updates on news and events, as well as to view the academy's gallery of achievements and activities. The Okinawa Shotokan Karate Academy - Bexleyheath prides itself on being a place where individuals can gain fitness, health, flexibility, agility, determination, perseverance, patience, discipline, respect, awareness, control, coordination, balance, reflexes, and focus.
