Herts Karate Centre

KARATE: THE Hertfordshire Karate Centre first opened its Dojo (training hall) in London Colney’s Adventure World with 25 students in 1990, promoting their first Black Belt students in 1995.

Today they teach Martial Arts in Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans. Sensei Nigel Smart (Fourth Dan Black Belt) has since taught hundreds of students both the traditional and modern aspects of Goju Ryu Karate, which has strong roots in Japan.

Sensei Smart specialises in teaching Karate in ‘after school clubs’, delivering a one-hour programme to promote fitness, discipline and respect in young children.

He strongly believes children who take up a regular exercise regime and follow the discipline of Martial Arts are far more likely to develop self-confidence, which can boost their self esteem and help them prepare for challenges later in life.

HKC recently joined Shoseikan England (World Shoseikan Karate-do), a branch of the Japanese Karate Federation Goju- Kai, with clubs in London and surrounding areas.

They were very fortunate to have an impromptu visit and master class from chief instructor ‘Kancho Katsutoshi Ishihara (Ninth Dan WSK)

In July, 50 students hope to advance to the next Kyu grade (belt) including 20 attempting brown belt, under the watchful eye of Sensei Duffy (branch director- Shoseikan England) during a gruelling three-hour seminar and grading in St Albans on July 15.

In October the first Shoseikan English championships will take place where HKC students hope to win medals in Kata (set form movement) and Kumite (free style sparring).

In November the club will continuously kick and punch for one hour in an effort to raise funds for local charities.

n HKC are currently promoting beginners classes for adults and children on Wednesdays in Harpenden. If you are interested in learning Martial Arts, the Hertfordshire Karate Centre can be contacted on 07973 692664 or through the website www.hertfordshirekaratecentre.com