Congratulations to the latest karate students at GTC who have recently passed their grades with great results! They are among over 100 karate students who have trained with Senseis Dave, Gem, Mick and Frank in the nearly 30 years since they transferred karate to GTC from the former London Underground Sports Association when it was disbanded.

“We’d all worked locally for London Underground for many years and enjoyed karate, so we decided to look for a new home. We were delighted when we linked up with Gunnersbury Triangle Club and have been training students at two classes a week ever since,” explains Sensei Frank.

Dozens of their students have achieved black belt qualifications and many more have trained to other levels.  There’ve been local business people, schoolchildren, teachers, nurses – even a British Gymnastics champion. Sensei Mick explains that there are several different forms of karate, and the GTC group focuses on Seiki Juku, which translates to True Spirit.  It is not just a style of karate it’s a philosophy which emphasises safety, discipline and the building of confidence.

“It’s very rewarding to see kids start karate with no experience and train hard over several years to get their grades. A lot of them move on as teenagers but karate gives them confidence and discipline to take forward in their lives,” says Sensei Gem.

Karate training at GTC is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.00-6.30pm.  However, from 6.00 to 6.30pm is dedicated to extra training for those preparing for their next grades.  The main day for training is Tuesdays as Thursdays is for the higher grades.

“Adults and juniors can train together, and we recommend family lessons.  We offer training in self-defence and urban awareness especially aimed at women and young girls,” explains Sensei Dave.Come along for a free karate session on any Tuesday and find out more.  All ages and experience welcome.   Contact Sensei Mick on 0790 8561334  or  Sensei Gem on 0750 3921592.