Beckenham Shotokan Karate Club

Established over 12 years ago by Sensei Roger Fabri, the Beckenham Shotokan Karate Club practices the authentic martial art of Shotokan Karate. The club is affiliated to Japan Karate Association (JKA) and as such has close connections to the latest teaching techniques from the JKA headquarters in Tokyo, as well as giving access in the UK to regular courses run by senior visiting Sensei from JKA Japan.

Karate may be defined as a weaponless means of defence. It consists of dynamic offensive and defensive techniques using all parts of the body to their maximum advantage. Karate can also be described as a martial art, or fighting method, involving a variety of techniques, including blocks, strikes, evasions, throws, and joint manipulations.

In each category the beginner is given instruction at the most basic level until the techniques become spontaneous to him. As the student progresses technically, he progresses physically and his practice demands greater stamina. At this stage he involves himself with the more intricate and difficult katas and more dynamic forms of kumite. As the student approaches black belt level, technique, stamina, speed and coordination become natural tohim as a result of strong practice. It is at this stage that the serious student discovers that he has only just begun his study of karate.