Penarth Karate-do Shotokai could change your life too!

By Sue Provis

As a youngster I watched the TV series Kung Fu and the Bruce Lee films that were so popular, in awe of the physical accomplishment of each technique that flowed with almost effortless ease but I never had the nerve to begin to believe I could do anything that even remotely resembled this myself.

Some years later, at the age of 25, I had put on a few unwanted pounds. So whilst visiting the hairdresser I was complaining about needing something to keep the weight off.

Most people can go to the hairdresser and just offload, but I was offered a solution to my problem - 'if you are serious about getting in shape and training, you might just try this'!

As luck would have it, Alan Jones the hairdresser was also a Karate instructor and ran a club locally in Dinas Powys. Through Alan and the other members of the Karate-do Shotokai, I was offered an opportunity to overcome my shyness, and discover myself, and what I can personally achieve with my body.

I found that many of the movements, techniques and philosophies transferred into everyday life to make jobs easier and so, over time, I grew more confident, co-ordinated and balanced physically and mentally.

The Shotokai approach really suited me! I found training in a gym didn't have enough excitement, stimulation and interaction, but my training now had a real purpose and a focus.
Plus I was really enjoying the strong social aspect of the club they had regular gatherings and it was like being part of a family.
Unfortunately life became hectic and my training slacked and gradually dwindled and finally came to a halt. I took a sabbatical from Karate a 20-YEAR sabbatical!

That would have been that, without some influence from a friend.
Well would you believe it, when complaining to the same friend about being grossly overweight, completely unfit and feeling physically, emotionally and mentally worn out (when some family responsibilities had at last moved on), the same friend took me back to our old Karate club.
It had changed venue to Headlands School in Penarth, but many of my old clubmates were still in touch at the club.
Of course my body couldn't do what it used to, but can you believe, and much to my surprise, I realised that in some ways my body works better!
Along with this, the training methods have changed too, and are now much more user-friendly and tailored to individual capabilities.
Of course this suited me fine!

I'm really glad to be back where I belong. Each session I'm training with dedicated, disciplined martial artists with a high level of skill and personal accomplishment, who can demonstrate composure even in extreme conditions.
But most importantly they are willing to share their knowledge with me.
Here in the Penarth club there is a great camaraderie - a feature of the Shotokai is that we practise together to develop our partners, and in doing so we improve ourselves to cope with the greater challenge put upon us.
We are fortunate that in Jonathan de'Claire, the 4th Dan Black Belt who now guides the Penarth Shotokai club, we have an instructor who has experience of teaching at major international courses in the UK and abroad. He is highly qualified in Karate, sports science and nutrition.

Jon knows just how far to push us to help US to reach OUR potential.
He is supported by five other Black Belts, all with a vast knowledge, some with as much as 40 years experience and others who have recently gained their Black Belt.
Along with all the other grades, of which I am one, the club is very welcoming to new members.
The club heads off on regular weekend courses all around the country, and I've attended the last four week-long summer camps in Canterbury. It's never too late!
To add to this, I have recently achieved a Green Belt, something I really never thought I was capable of. But with some hard work and a lot of support from the club, it has been a possibility.
As a result, I regained my self-respect, improved my self-esteem, gained a busy social life and network of friends but most of all I am fitter, more supple and flexible, and I feel younger.
I don't say training with Penarth Karate-do Shotokai is easy.

However, if you wish to join a class which is about the individual, and if you have commitment, discipline and an interest in handing on what you have learned, then come and try it out with me.
It's a good time now, as the club is running a six-week beginners course in March.

For further infomation go to the KDS website - South Glam KDS