Uppingham Shotokan Karate Club, located in Oakham at Uppingham Sports Centre, is a martial arts school offering classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Led by the Chief Instructor, Gursharan Sahota, who has a wealth of experience and expertise in Shotokan Karate.
Prospective students are encouraged to try a beginners free trial class to develop balance, coordination, self-confidence, and discipline. Families are also welcome, making it a great opportunity for bonding and learning together.
To assist beginners in their journey, Uppingham Shotokan Karate Club provides the TISKA app, specifically designed for complete beginners in Shotokan Karate. This app takes them through the fundamentals step by step, all the way to achieving the prestigious Black Belt (Shodan) rank.
Gursharan Sahota, the Chief Instructor, was born in Kenya, East Africa, and began training in Karate at the age of 14. He was awarded his black belt 1st dan (shodan) at the age of 18. Now an 8th Dan, he has competed in numerous kata and kumite events at national and international levels. The visit he made to Japan in 1984 to train in a Japanese dojo under the guidance of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa proved to be a turning point in his career.
Upon his return to England, Gursharan realised that his trip to Japan had inspired him to dedicate his future to training and teaching karate as a way of life. In 1981, he opened his first club in Luton/Dunstable, which has now become the hombu (HQ) of the association. In 1993, he formed his own association, TISKA (The Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association), which has become one of the largest associations in the UK.
Gursharan's passion for karate has never wavered. He currently teaches over 35 classes per week in the UK and conducts master classes internationally. He has guided hundreds of students of all ages to achieve black belt standard and beyond. Additionally, he is actively involved in charity work, helping to fund trips for surgeons to operate on underprivileged children in third-world countries.
He has supported various projects in India and is currently involved in funding the construction of a new school.
Uppingham Shotokan Karate Club can be found on various social media platforms, including the Tiska Facebook Group and Tiska Instagram. The club prides itself on providing a welcoming and supportive environment, keeping students informed about the latest news and events, grading opportunities, the syllabus, and contact information.
Overall, Uppingham Shotokan Karate Club offers an exceptional martial arts experience for individuals and families, under the guidance of Chief Instructor Gursharan Sahota. With a focus on skill development, personal growth, and community involvement, the club is a testament to the power and positive impact of Shotokan Karate.