Welcome to Akagawa Karate
Traditional Karate with modern, practical teaching.
Akagawa Karate was founded in 2023 and since then we have been building a reputation for good, honest teaching of traditional karate mixed with modern methods for self defence and fitness. We are a traditional karate club based on Wado Ryu teaching. We are based in Lanner with another Dojo in Troon.
Akagawa Karate was founded by Jason Thompson, Rob Piper & Trevor Brookes. All three instructors had been training together for over twenty years with roots in the South West going back to the early eighties.
'
Our Teaching
Karate can be broadly separated into three main aspects, Kihon, Kumite, and Kata, all of which are important, but many say that Kata is the 'heart' of Karate.
The benefits of Kata are
- Endurance: Kata practice involves continuous movements, which elevate your heart rate and improve cardiovascular endurance.
- Strength: Many kata movements require the use of various muscle groups, promoting muscular strength and endurance.
- Flexibility: Kata includes a variety of dynamic movements that promote flexibility.
- Practice full force: Techniques can be practiced full force without the risk of injuring partners.
- Develops fighting spirit and fighting rhythms.
- Develops proper body mechanic, muscle memory, mindfulness, and breathing.
- Develops balance, coordination, focus, power, and technique.
- Offers practitioners the opportunity to practice proper stances and develop the necessary skills for self defence.
Kihon
Kihon means "basics" or "fundamentals". It refers to the practice and repetition of fundamental techniques, like stances, punches, kicks, and blocks, as a foundation for more advanced movements. Kihon is considered the building block of martial arts. It's the practice that develops the correct body mechanics, posture, and breathing needed for more complex techniques and sparring. Kihon involves repeated practice of basic movements, which helps ingrain the proper form and technique into the practitioner's muscle memory.
Kata
Kata is a defined set of defensive and offensive moves in a predetermined sequence. Almost all Kata begin with a defensive move. This is in keeping with the Karate ka's code, to only use Karate to defend yourself, or those unable to defend themselves. Kata, a Japanese word meaning "form", has a long and rich history in Martial Arts. Many cultures throughout time have used "dances" and physical movements to pass on their heritage to the next generation. The same can be assumed about fighting skills
Kumite
"Kumite" literally translated means "grappling hands" or in another word it means "sparring" and is one of the three main sections of karate training. Kumite can take many forms, from a one move set piece to a 'full contact' free for all. Akagawa Karate does not participate in 'full contact' competition type sparring, however, we do spar and we do use controlled contact as required as an aid to training.
Health Benefits
Karate offers a wide array of benefits, encompassing physical fitness, mental well-being, and personal development. It provides a full-body workout, enhancing strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health while also improving balance, coordination, and reaction times. Beyond the physical, karate cultivates mental discipline, focus, and self-confidence, and can be a powerful tool for stress relief and improved mental health
Lessons
Lessons are held at both our Dojo's at
Gemini Dance Studio, Lanner Every Saturday 2 - 4pm
and
Troon Village Hall, Troon, Every Wednesday Evening 7 - 9pm
Each lesson costs £4 for a two hour session with the first lesson being FREE!!!
Visual Progress
In karate, visual progress is primarily tracked through the belt system, where different colored belts represent a student's increasing skill level and understanding of the martial art. Each belt color signifies a step in the journey from beginner (white belt) to advanced practitioner (black belt)
The Dojo
A Karate Dojo is our dedicated training space, more than just a gym, where students practice and learn karate. It's a place of physical training, but also emphasizes mental and spiritual development, drawing from Zen Buddhist origins. The Dojo is a place of respect, discipline, and personal growth, where students strive to improve their character, skill, and understanding of the "way" (do) of karate
Start your karate journey today
Come and start your karate journey with us with an introductory FREE class at either of our Dojo's in Lanner or Troon.
To begin, message us by pressing the button below and fill in your details. You can also turn up at any of our Dojo's