Okinawan Goju Ryu or 'Combat Karate' is a comprehensive martial art and is concerned purely with effective self defence. It encompasses both striking techniques (such as punching, kicking, elbowing and kneeing) and wrestling techniques (such as throwing, locking, choking and strangling) to form a fully-rounded fighting system. Training incorporates learning the techniques from across this martial art spectrum, and practicing them in the form of sparring and grappling, together with the use of pads and exercise. Weapons work is also studied, both in terms of how to use stuicks and knives (and other weapons), and in terms of how to defend against an attack.
New members are always very welsome, whether completely new to martial arets or having had a lot of experience in this or another system. Gradings take place at the end of each term, so there are plenty of opportunities to advance through the belts. Grading is not mandatory however and everybody is free to progress at their own pace.
Training sessions take place at St Matts gym every Sunday from 1pm to 3pm. Very occasionally this time might alter slightly due to the fact that the gym is sometimes booked up for courses and gradings by other societies. When this happens we will send out e-mails and post the training times on our Facebook group page as well as letting people know at sessions preceding the changes.
UWE students will also be very welcome to attend sessions at the University of Bristol. These take place at the Sports Centre (Tyndall Avenue, BS8) Saturdays, 11.30am; Sundays, 5pm and Mondays 8.30pm; and at the Students' union (Queens Road, BS8) on Thursdays, 7.30pm. We often go for a drink after training!
We also have courses on various topics throughout the year, but the highlight of the calendar is our Summer School: the various branches of our association from across the country come together to camp in Portishead for three days of undeniably intensive training in an environment that is nevertheless relaxed and fun. The Summer School is run by Sensei Daniel Lewis and Sensei Gavin Mulholland, the joint heads of the association, both of whom are graded at the 5th Dan Black Belt.
£3 per session.
Students who have been training in combat karate for a while will usually purchase a gi (white karate pyjamas), however, any loose fitting clothing (e.g. t-shirt and shorts or tracksuit trousers) is fine to begin with. it is a good idea to bring a bottle of water to each session too. Although injury is rare, members are also required to have insurance which is organised through the club.
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