Karate is a system of self defence and physical culture originally developed and refined in Okinawa and Japan. The word is formed from the Japanese words Kara (empty) and Te (hand), symbolising that its practitioners - Karateka - are unarmed, but use their hands and feet for blocking and striking. Training is conducted within an environment based on certain Japanese cultural practices.

The KUGB - Karate Union of Great Britain - is a democratic body controlled by its membership and operates under an approved constitution. All positions on its committees are elected at the Annual General meeting by its members. Its fully audited accounts are presented annually for approval by the AGM.

It consists of over 400 clubs, all of which practice Shotokan Karate. It was established in 1966 as a democratic and non-profit making organisation for the development of Shotokan Karate and is affiliated to European and World Shotokan Karate Bodies. It has clubs established in many Sports Centres, Universities and Schools.

It is by far the largest and most successful single-style association in Great Britain with currently almost 11,000 members.

The KUGB has worked with many establishment bodies over the years to develop standards and guidelines to help ensure that its instructors teach in a safe and professional manner. These include:
• A Karate syllabus for GCSE and A level in Physical Education approved by the AQA, Edexcel or OCR Examining Boards
• A tailored First Aid approved by the Red Cross
• Approved Guidelines for its Instructors with the Open College Network - OCN
• Approved Guidelines for Teaching Children with the Child Protection in Sport Unit
• Registered with the Criminal Records Bureau providing the facility for its members to be police-checked.

Karate can be practiced by men, women and children. Our students range from the very young to senior citizens. Anyone who is in reasonable health can train at karate. Karate students will improve their health, self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem. Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in the behaviour of children who train regularly at KUGB clubs. This is because of our disciplined training structure and the emphasis placed on good etiquette.

Due to insurance rules the minimum age is 5 years old.

Karate is a reasonably inexpensive pursuit. The club fees are low compared to many other sports and hobbies. The main equipment needed is a Karate suit and belt. You also need to purchase an annual KUGB licence to enable to grade and for public liability insurance.

We do not charge a membership fee, see the club information to see which charging scheme applies in your area.

All clubs are under the instruction of qualified Black Belts who regularly train with there seniors instructors and training courses.  All instructors are CRB checked (Police Check) and also have an extra Instructor Qualification.  All Senior instructors also carry extra public liability insurance and regularly travel to special training courses to maintain the standards taught within the clubs.

As we are mebers of the KUGB we are lucky that the standard of our karate is maintained by the KUGB Technical Committee whose members range from 6th to 7th Dan.

The physical training required to reach a high level of skill in Karate promotes overall good health, fitness and well-being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required, help build a strong, confident and determined character. There is a ‘Dojo Kun’, or training code, which not only ensures a disciplined training environment, but serves as a tool for improving behaviour, so that a true Karateka will only use their fighting skills as a last resort.

Training is structured into three main sections - Kihon (fundamental techniques), Kata (formal exercises) and Kumite (sparring). Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different levels or grades of students. Kumite will be introduced as basic blocking and counter-attacking, but will progress to free-sparring which develops the timing, reflexes and co-ordination necessary for self defence and competition.

The classes are always taught at the ability of the students.

Karate is an exciting and challenging sport. The KUGB has competed Internationally since 1968 and has achieved numerous World and European titles in both team and individual events. There are club and Regional events for all ages and grades, with opportunities for selection to the KUGB English, Scottish, Welsh and British Squads. There are separate championships for children and for students who are in full-time education at Colleges and Universities.

KUGB students are entitled to take grading examinations after set periods of training. The gradings are conducted by Senior Examiners, and there is a grading syllabus for all levels. Coloured belts are used to denote grades.

There are 9 grades below Black Belt. These are known as Kyu grades with 9th Kyu, orange belt, being the lowest and 1st Kyu, brown and white, the highest.

Achieving a KUGB Black Belt
There are 10 levels of Black belt or Dan grades, starting at 1st Dan. Students can achieve 1st Dan standard in 3 to 4 years, with regular training and instruction. It then takes a minimum of 2 more years to achieve 2nd Dan, 3 years to 3rd Dan etc - which means that all Technical Committee members - all 6th Dan and above - will have at least 25 years Karate experience.