Opportunity to connect with karate practitioners from all over the world and develop meaningful relationships within the community.
The Penarth Karate do Shotokai Club is located at the Headlands School Gym on 2 St. Augustines Road in Penarth. The club reopened in January 2023 after a sabbatical, and it has quickly regained its status as a thriving and welcoming community for martial arts enthusiasts. The club prides itself on providing a supportive atmosphere for both old and new members, and encourages a sense of renewed energy and vigour in training.
At Penarth Karate do Shotokai, they follow Harada Sensei's method of Karate, which is known for its fluidity and mobility. The style emphasises strong postures and focuses on helping students reach their personal potential. There are no shouting, breaking, or competitions to be concerned about. Instead, the focus is on steady progress and learning at your own pace.
The club takes both physical and mental preparation seriously, offering yoga-style stretches to improve mobility and range of movement, along with breathing exercises to clear and ready the mind. They also incorporate Pilates-style positional holds to strengthen core muscles and joints, as well as callisthenic movements to challenge weight transitions. After these preparations, students are ready for high-quality Karate practise.
The lead instructor at Penarth Karate do Shotokai is Jonathan de' Claire, who holds a 4th Dan rank. Jonathan has received all of his gradings directly from the world-renowned Master Mitsusuke Harada MBE. He has been associated with Harada Sensei for many years, travelling and assisting him in teaching on international Karate courses. Jonathan is also an experienced teacher of young people with special needs, including those with traits of Aspergers syndrome, and presently teaches Karate on the sixth curriculum at Headlands School.
The club welcomes prospective members of all ages, fitness levels, and previous martial arts experience. They encourage anyone with a willingness to become a better version of themselves to join, as they believe they can help every individual reach their personal goals. With Jonathan's knowledge and experience, along with the supportive community at the Penarth Karate do Shotokai Club, students can expect a fulfilling and transformative martial arts journey.
Training sessions are held every Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday sessions running from 19:00 to 20:30, and Wednesday sessions from 18:15 to 19:30. The cost is 5 per session, with a concession rate of 4 available. The club's location is at the Headlands School Gym in Penarth, and they can be contacted through mobile at 07875-430001 or via email at jdeclaire@live. co.
uk.
Overall, the Penarth Karate do Shotokai Club provides a warm and welcoming environment for individuals to embark on their martial arts journey. With experienced instructors and a supportive community, this club is dedicated to helping each student become a better version of themselves both physically and mentally.