G.I.F.T. Martial Arts UK

4th & 3rd kyus will be informed individually as to when you will be assessed, normally 6 months between each test 2nd kyus will be assessed at the national gradings in either Bournemouth or Wirral by the EGKA grading panel headed by Sensei Ernie Molyneux.

Local North London Karate coach Kevin Goodman currently runs specialized karate classes for local special needs schools and youth clubs. He heads up an organisation called GIFT (Giving Individuals Fitness & Training through) Martial Arts UK and also teaches mainstream karate classes in the evenings.

GIFT was born out of the lack of specialized teaching techniques for individuals (mainly children) who are classed as having special educational needs and physically disabled. Kevin says, Alot of karate clubs, even the largest ones, are not willing to adapt their syllabus or teaching methods to accommodate students who have any type of disability. The attitude seemed to be one of, you're welcome but if you can't keep up with everyone else, tough!

Kevin has a teenage son with a severe learning disability so he knows 1st hand what its like to not have certain activities available which will cater for an individual with special needs and the frustration that goes along with that.