SSKI Watford Club is a traditional Shotokan karate association located in Watford, New Zealand. The club is known for its hard-working and friendly atmosphere, offering a place for everyone to learn and practise karate. SSKI is part of Seishinkai Shotokan Karate International, an association that follows the teachings of Shotokan Grand Masters Gichin Funakoshi and Masatoshi Nakayama.
The association has clubs in various countries, including England, USA, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and India. The headquarters of SSKI are located in England. SSKI organises several competitions and squad training sessions throughout the year. The association holds annual events such as the National Championships, which is a tournament for karate practitioners of all levels.
Additionally, there is an Association Kata Tournament for participants to showcase their kata skills.
For those interested in competition karate, SSKI offers regular squad training sessions. The association has a powerful National Team and has produced champions at the World, European, and National levels. Referee courses are also available for those interested in officiating competition karate matches.
SSKI holds annual courses with world-class instructors, including Sensei Richard Amos, Sensei Steve Ubl, Sensei Dave Hazard, and Sensei Aidan Trimble, among others. The association encourages students to attend courses held by other groups and associations, promoting a well-rounded karate education.
Seishinkai Shotokan Karate International prides itself on staying away from the politics of karate. The association is a member of the WTKO (World Traditional Karate Organisation) and the Shotokan Alliance. This commitment allows the club to focus on providing high-quality training and creating a welcoming environment for all.
Being a member of SSKI Watford Club comes with several benefits. Members receive top-class tuition in traditional JKA (Japan Karate Association) style Shotokan Karate. They also have access to a professionally structured instructor training programme, referee and judge training courses, as well as regular national and international championships. The club also offers training in Okinawan Kobudo, a traditional weapons system.
Overall, SSKI Watford Club is a karate club that values tradition and prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive environment for members to learn and grow. Whether one is a beginner or an experienced practitioner, they can find a place at the club to pursue their karate journey.