About Us
West Wilts Shotokai karate Club started on 31st October 2007 in Holt Village Hall for children aged between 6 and 15 years old. Then in March 2008 started another class at Trowbridge Judo Club.
We practice Shotokai karate and are a part of Severn Area which have clubs based in the Bristol and Bath Area.
Karate Ki-Do has been practicing at Trowbridge Judo Club for 10 years and has now become associated with Severn Area . It is a 16 yrs + adult group, practicing on Mondays 7.00pm – 9.00 pm.
Shotokai Karate
Shotokai Karate is a style, which emphasises a relaxed body with fluid movement, strong spirit and deep understanding. We are not competition orientated, nor do we shout or break bricks. We encourage movement and timing with correct body condition to build a formidable system of defence.
Instructors
DAWN DUNN, 4th Dan Black Belt
I started practicing karate in 1999 after being invited to a taster session with Severn Area Shotokai Karate. Having found the event both challenging and fun, I realised that it was something I really wanted to do. I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey of karate-Do ever since. Over this period I have been lucky enough to participate in many events both home and abroad, including trips across Europe and Canada. I have met many inspirational people (especially my Sensei Maria Marfleet) who have helped to encourage me to achieve a greater level of ability and understanding of the practice of karate.
I have lots of experience teaching children and adults through Severn Area Shotokai. Starting my own club is a great opportunity to pass on the benefits of karate and I really enjoy seeing others achieve their grades. I would encourage anyone who is interested to have a go themselves as there is so much to be gained from it, whatever age and fitness level.
Outside of karate I enjoy practicing yoga and running and have completed the London marathon and many local distance events. I also enjoy music and particularly playing the piano, when I’m not doing karate of course!
STEPHEN LUCAS (3rd Dan Black Belt)
Steve started practicing Shotokai karate-Do with the KDS in 1981, practicing at Trowbridge Judo Club under Mohammed Yachou. He then went on to practice at Redbridge School in Southampton.
Steve later met Gavin Healy (4th Dan) and together in 2000 they formed The Karate Ki-Do Association, based at Trowbridge Judo Club, which he now runs with Dawn. The club has now become a part of Severn Area Shotokai.
KATRINA MORTON
Katrina Morton has been practicing for 6 years starting in 2002,
She gained her green belt in 2004.
After a 4 year break ( to have 2 children) she has now returned to
help Dawn with the Monday eveining childrens class . She is also
continuing her own practice, now working towards her blue belt
Karate History
Karate is a traditional Japanese martial art that has been developed over many years as a form of self defence.
Karate-do derives its name from three Japanese words:
'Kara' = empty
'te' = hand
'do' = way
Hence Karate-do means "The Way of the Empty Hand' or in other words, unarmed self-defence.
Karate is an ancient martial art which originated in Japan. One of Karate’s great masters is Gichin Funakoshi (born 1868) who brought karate from the island of Okinawa to mainland Japan and is responsinble for introducing karate to mainland Japanese and the rest of the world.
In the UK, Shotokai karate was introduced by Mitsusuke Harada (1963). He was born in 1928 and practiced at the original Shotokan dojo in Tokyo (1943). He was given his 5th Dan by Gichin Funakoshi in 1955 (the highest Dan awarded in Shotokai karate) and still practices karate in the UK to this day (as of 2010).
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