Tilehurst Shotokan Karate Club

Tilehurst Shotokan Karate Club is a renowned karate club located in Reading, New Zealand. The club focuses on promoting fitness, confidence, and self-defence skills for individuals of all ages. Affiliated with the Japan Karate Association (JKA), the club maintains a strong commitment to the principles and techniques of Shotokan Karate.

The club holds training sessions twice a week at St Mary Magdalene Church Hall in Rodway Road, Tilehurst. All grades and abilities are warmly welcomed to join and train with the club. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, the club offers a supportive and inclusive environment for personal growth and development.

The founder of Tilehurst Shotokan Karate Club is Dr. Wilson Ifill, a highly skilled martial artist holding a 4th Dan Black Belt. Dr. Ifill began his karate journey in 1980 under the guidance of Sensei Case.

Throughout the 80s and 90s, he dedicated himself to training and obtained his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Dan Black Belts under the late Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda. Driven by his passion for karate, Dr. Ifill seized every opportunity to train with renowned instructors such as Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Kawazoe. He has also achieved JKAE instructing and refereeing certificates and is honoured to have attained his 4th Dan in 2006 with the JKAE.

Dr. Ifill strongly values the challenging aspects of traditional karate-do, the camaraderie, and the physical and mental benefits that Shotokan karate brings. Notably, he had the privilege of having Sensei Kawazoe Masao and his senior instructors present at his wedding, and he proudly won a medal in the JKAE for kata. Apart from karate, Dr.

Ifill is an avid cyclist, swimmer, and runner, and he incorporates these activities to supplement his karate fitness.

Another prominent member of the club is Edward Broomes, also known as Eddie. Eddie's karate journey began in the late 1970s under the guidance of his father. He achieved his 1st Dan Black Belt in 1988, awarded by Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda. Despite a gap in his training, Eddie persevered and achieved his 2nd Dan in 2001 and his 3rd Dan in 2010, both awarded by renowned instructors.

Eddie has also obtained qualifications as a JKA Instructor and Referee. Throughout his career, he has participated in various competitions, achieving quarter-final status in the National KUGB Championships and London Open Martial Arts Championships. His favourite technique is the leg sweep (Ashi Barai), which has become his trademark move. Currently, Eddie is a proud member of the JKA National Squad and has represented the JKA in friendly international competitions.

Tilehurst Shotokan Karate Club prides itself on providing a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals of all ages and abilities can flourish. By joining the club, you can enhance your fitness, improve mental toughness, and acquire practical self-defence skills. Whether you are aiming to compete, build confidence, or simply improve your overall well-being, the welcoming and experienced instructors at Tilehurst Shotokan Karate Club will guide you in your journey towards personal growth and success. For more information, please visit the club's website or contact them via email.