Rob Lewis is the Sensei (Instructor) at each of the following Southern Shotokan Karate Association (SSKA) Clubs:

Clevedon	- Strode Leisure Centre	Saturday 6.00 - 7.30pm
Cricklade	- Cricklade Leisure Centre Swindon	Monday 6.30 - 8.00pm
Swindon Link Centre	- Swindon Link Centre	Thursday 7.00 - 8.30pm
Taunton	- Castle Sports Centre	Saturday 11.30am - 1.00pm
Witney	- Henry Box School	Tuesday 7.00 - 8.30pm
	- Wood Green School	Friday 6.30 - 7.30pm
	- Windrush Leisure Centre	Friday 8.00 - 9.30pm

The training sessions are much the same at each of the clubs. There is always a warm up period followed by practice in the formal movements and exercises which are characteristic of Shotokan Karate. In addition to these weekly sessions, every couple of months Rob takes a two hour lesson on a Sunday morning. These extra sessions take place at the Windrush Leisure Centre and concentrate on a single technical aspect.

Students new to karate start by learning the basics (Kihon).

• They will learn the etiquette of the Dojo and how to address the instructor.
• They will learn the correct way to stand in different situations.
• They will learn the basic punches, strikes, kicks and blocks.
• They will learn the first formal set of moves - Kata Kihon. (There are many different Kata and you can learn more about them by clicking here).
• They will learn how to breath correctly - this being essential to the correct application of Shotokan Karate.

As they progress they will build on these foundations.

• They will learn more complex Kata
• They will learn how to spar (Kumite). First with set moves, then progressing to semi freestyle and finally freestyle.
• They will learn combinations of different punches, strikes, kicks and blocks.

Students will progressively learn more complex and challenging techniques. The programme of training is such that those who practice regularly will make steady progress through the grades, their physical and mental stamina increasing in line with their technical ability. The colour of the karate belt is an indicator of how far the student has progressed (the colour sequence of belts can be seen at the left hand side of this screen).

Students train hard in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Rob and the senior members are always prepared to help the less experienced.

The Clubs welcome new members. If you want to find out more, why not come along to one of the training sessions. Alternatively, you can contact Rob Lewis on

07880 938342. Rob can also be contact by e-mail.

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