PSKO Karate Club - Havant Church

PSKO Karate Club - Havant Church is a friendly and family-run club that focuses on Traditional Shotokan Karate. Located in Havant on the Hampshire coast, the club is proud to be run by Chief Instructor Michael Fletcher (7th Dan) and Instructor Samantha Lewington (3rd Dan). The club welcomes students of all ages and experience levels, from 7-year-olds to adults.

Beginners can attend classes at Havant Leisure Centre on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, multiple classes are held on Mondays at St Michael & All Angels Church. The club's instructors are fully qualified and have been DBS and Child Protection checked. They are also trained in First Aid, ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.

The club offers classes for beginners, juniors, and adults at various times throughout the week. At Havant Leisure Centre, classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 11am. The cost per class is 5. At St Michael & All Angels Church, classes are held on Mondays.

Juniors and adults can attend the 5:00pm to 6:00pm class or the 6:00pm to 7:00pm class, also at a cost of 5 per class.

PSKO Karate Club - Havant Church has a rich history associated with the name “The Phoenix. ” The Phoenix Dojo was the first location of the club, run by Sensei Fletch from the 1980s to the early 2000s. The Phoenix symbolises the cycle of life, representing change, hope, and growth throughout life. It is seen as the heart and soul of the organisation.

The club has specific rules that all members are expected to follow while in the dojo. These rules include no eating, drinking, chewing gum, or smoking, no wearing of jewellery during training, bowing upon entering and leaving the dojo, showing absolute obedience to instructors, tying back long hair, sitting cross-legged when resting, and not being late for training. Respect for instructors and fellow students is also emphasised, and the misuse of karate knowledge may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the club.

The club also holds gradings every four months for all members, providing an opportunity to measure progress. The club follows a belt system for grading, ranging from beginners (10th Kyu, white belt) to advanced (1st Dan, black belt). Students from 10th Kyu to 2nd Kyu are eligible to grade every four months, while higher grades require a minimum of eight months of training. Further Dan grades are held less regularly and involve intensive training over a period of years.

During gradings, students are evaluated on three key elements of karate: Kihon (basics), Kata (forms), and Kumite (sparring). It's important to note that nobody is guaranteed to pass a grading, as each student's performance and proficiency are assessed thoroughly.

PSKO Karate Club - Havant Church offers a welcoming and supportive environment for anyone looking to learn and practise Traditional Shotokan Karate. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, the club provides a place where you can develop your skills, improve your fitness, and build character through the practise of karate.