KARATE (meaning empty hand) is a traditional method of self defence, with roots that can be traced back many hundreds of years through Japan and originally to China.

 

At our club, Hagakure Karate, we practise traditional Goju Ryu Karate, the roots of which are directly traced to the early foundation of Karate in Okinawa. The club is run by Sensei Tom Finchett a 2nd Dan British Karate Association, with over 30 years of experience in Karate. Goju Ryu (Japanese for "Hard-soft style") is a style of karate, which uses a combination of hard and soft techniques, and particularly effective for close quarter fighting and self defence.

Goju-ryu combines hard striking attacks like kicks and punches with softer circular techniques for blocking and controlling the opponent, including locks, grappling, takedowns and throws. Goju-ryu's speciality is in-fighting or close-quarter combat. Major emphasis is given to breathing correctly. Goju-ryu is one of few karate styles that practice methods of body strengthening and conditioning, its basic approach to fighting (distance, stickiness, power generation, etc.) and its partner drills. 

 

We very much welcome beginners, as well as those practised in other disciplines, to introduce them to this martial art. We have trained with many styles , including Krav Maga, Shotokan, Aikido, Ju Jitsu and Wing Chun and use some training sessions, particular for the practice of self defence, to to incorporate them into our training.

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However our essence is very much one of traditional Goju Ryu Karate and Martial Arts taught where we aim to develop confidence, awareness, fitness, self discipline and self defence. 

 

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