TKA (Takushoku Karate Association) is a renowned karate school located in Dunfermline, New Zealand. The school was established with the vision of providing exceptional training and nurturing the potential of every student. Led by Chief Instructor G Mathie, a 7th Dan and World & British Champion, the TKA is known for its dedication to the art of Shotokan Karate.
The roots of Shotokan Karate can be traced back to Okinawa, Japan, where Sensei Gichin Funakoshi and Sensei Nakayama from the JKA (Japan Karate Association) played pivotal roles in its development in the early 1920s. At TKA, all senior instructors boast a minimum of 30 years of training with the JKA, ensuring the highest standards are maintained.
TKA firmly believes in providing each student with the opportunity to excel and exceed their own expectations. The class sizes are deliberately kept small to create an environment that fosters confidence and encourages students to reach their full potential, both physically and mentally. Age or ability is never a barrier at TKA, as the school welcomes students as young as 4 years old.
Karate training at TKA offers numerous benefits for children. The school recognises the importance of character development and provides a friendly and positive environment for young students to grow. Through karate, children can develop confidence, build new friendships, and learn essential skills such as coordination, mental concentration, and focus.
Karate is not limited to children at TKA. The school firmly believes that karate can positively impact the lives of adults, regardless of age, gender, health, or fitness level. It offers a perfect outlet for managing the stress that comes with balancing work, family, and personal commitments. Additionally, karate provides an excellent full-body workout, burning approximately 700 calories per hour.
It also enhances physical and mental fitness, while simultaneously teaching practical and effective self-defence techniques.
One unique aspect of TKA is its focus on family training. Karate is one of the few leisure activities where all members of the family can train together. The discipline within the Dojo creates a safe and enjoyable environment for both adults and children of all ages to train side by side. Family training not only helps in building stronger relationships within the family unit but also allows parents and children to work as a team towards their goals.
TKA takes pride in providing its students with opportunities to represent their country in national and international karate competitions. The school is recognised by the World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF), enabling students to join national teams. TKA squads, including Scotland, Ireland, and England, have ample opportunities to participate in local competitions, and for those who aspire to go international, they can travel abroad to represent their respective countries.
To enhance the skills of aspiring competitors, TKA conducts monthly junior and senior squad training sessions separately from regular training classes. This specialised training ensures that students are well-prepared to compete at the highest level and fulfil their potential as athletes.
TKA (Takushoku Karate Association) stands as a prominent karate school in Dunfermline, priding itself on its rich history, exceptional instructors, and commitment to providing a welcoming and nurturing environment for students of all ages and abilities.