elcome to the English Shotokan Karate Association Web Pages. These few pages of introduction will hopefully provide you with a general feel of the ESKA association as a whole, including it's background, size, the way it is run and some of the aspects of karate that are important to the association.

Although this web site is primarily designed as an information source for the current members of ESKA, we hope it will also provide something of interest for both the non-ESKA and non-karate visitors.

The Association

ESKA was formed in 1979 and is well established in the south east of England with approximately 16 clubs (about 800 members) dotted around the Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex areas (see "Club Guide" page for details). The main club or Hombu (HQ) is located in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and is run by Sensei Michael Nursey (8^th Dan).

The karate that ESKA practises is a very traditional style called Shotokan Karate, which was devised on the Japanese island of Okinawa, by the founder of this style, Sensei Gichin Funakoshi (1868-1957). For more detailed information on the origins of karate and the association see our "History page".

All ESKA instructors are regularly assessed and attend seminars to ensure they are kept up to date with the latest practices and regulations.

Along with the regular training (normally twice a week, but more for higher grades), the association holds several special courses and training events throughout the year. These are often taught by a guest instructor from other Shotokan karate Associations. Past courses have been taken by the English National Kumite Squad Coach – Ticky Donovan OBE (8^th Dan), the Chief Referee - Terry Pottage (7^th) & Sensei Michael Randall (8^th Dan & Chief Instructor of Shotokan Traditional Karate Organisation). Also, each year we hold an open day for all the clubs and students within ESKA, which incorporates a training session, demonstrations and a competition into a grand one-day event. For information on future courses and events view our "Calendar page".

Although ESKA takes Karate and training seriously, the association also has an active social side. Each year we hold a Summer Ball and a Christmas Dinner & Dance (open to all adult members) at which the Dan grade certificates are presented. The association arranges "social" training weekends, which have recently been held at Butlins in Bognor but in the past have also included trips to the Isle of Wight, with training on the beach! Throughout the year the many social events are well attended by members of the different clubs and range from birthday parties, weddings, barbecues, fancy dress parties, ten pin bowling, barn dances etc. Finally on the social side, some of the senior instructors of ESKA have inherited a liking for curries (from their instructors) and the Stevenage Dojo is often seen heading off to the local curry establishment, at least on a monthly basis anyway!. In fact, we do insist that all newly appointed Dan grades (no matter what level) are consummated with a visit to the curry house!!!

As ESKA practices a very traditional style of Karate, we also stress the importance of the Karate spirit and some of the traditional oriental ethics that form the basis of Karate. Emphasis is always placed on the guiding principles of Effort, Etiquette, Character, Courage and Truth. It is because of this training that karate students within ESKA become such competent Dan grades of such high standards.

The Clubs

All of our clubs have a friendly family atmosphere and are open to adults and children alike, many hold mixed adult / junior classes. Some of the bigger clubs do hold separate children and adult classes, in which case they are either taken during the same time or consecutively in the same hall, so families can still train together if they wish.

All ESKA clubs are run by Qualified Instructors who must hold an approved 1^st Dan grade (black belt) or higher and must be 18 or over. However most clubs within ESKA are run by 3^rd Dans and above, both male and female. Some clubs make use of Assistant instructors to ensure there are sufficient instructors to split the classes into sensible groups and manageable numbers, thus allowing students to be taught karate that is more specific to their grade or ability. All Assistant Instructors are registered on the Instructors training program and are normally higher grade brown belts that can only teach in the presence of a Qualified Instructor. As Sensei Nursey is an NVQ City & Guilds Qualified Assessor all our instructors both assistant and qualified are constantly monitored and assessed during teaching sessions and courses.

Our clubs hold their training sessions on different days throughout the week and for eager students it is possible to train every day from Monday to Sunday within the ESKA organisation. Visit the "Club Guide" page for specific details of our clubs and instructors.

Membership and Training Fees

Most clubs offer a 4 lesson induction, in which no commitment (other than a training fee) is required. After this induction, a membership and enrolment payment is required (see License and Insurance below) Often membership will include a free training suit (Gi) and a white belt. Training fees vary depending on training frequency, length of lesson etc. and most of our clubs require payment on a monthly basis, although alternative methods are possible if circumstances are explained e.g. shift work etc. Additional training at other clubs within ESKA is normally payable on a lesson by lesson basis.

Licence and Insurance

Although ESKA holds full accident and indemnity insurance, not a single claim has been made against the association since it was started in 1979. This is an indication of the quality of the ESKA instructors and the sensible training methods they use.

All ESKA members, regardless of grade, must hold a current ESKA Licence in order to train or grade within the association (excludes the induction period for beginners). The licence is required so that the student is covered by the insurance held by the association.

Training

Karate training is broken down into 3 areas, Kihon (basics), Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring), collectively known as the "3 K's".

• Kihon (basics) is the practice of the individual blocks, strikes and kicks within karate.
• Kata (forms) is the practice of fixed routines or sequences of techniques against several imaginary opponents.
• Kumite (sparring) is the practice of techniques with real opponents.

Training within ESKA involves all 3 of these elements from beginner through to black belt and beyond. However as the student progresses a different emphasis is given to the training to improve the students karate

• 0-6 months is concentrated on learning the basic blocks, strikes and kicks and improving fitness and flexibility whilst installing the basics of etiquette and discipline, especially in the junior grades.
• 6-18 months, the emphasis is on making the techniques much stronger and improving technical detail whilst balance, suppleness and strength are improved.
• 18-36 months is concerned with learning more complex techniques, making the techniques quicker and more powerful and developing the karate spirit and installing effort alongside courage and character.
• 36 months onwards is preparation for black belt with recognition of and understanding the non-physical aspects of karate concerned with character and truth.

These timescales should be expended by 50% for junior grades.

Gradings

Kyu gradings (pre-black belt) are held every three months starting in March and usually occur on the second Sunday of the month.

Although it is common that students do grade every 3 months, they are not expected to do so and are only encouraged to when their instructor feels they have reach the necessary ability to obtain the next grade. A simple guideline for the lower grades is that with frequent training it should be possible to achieve the next grade after 20 lessons or more. A guideline of 30 lessons is used once the grade of brown belt is reached

The gradings are held at the Stevenage Dojo, with parents and relatives welcome to come and watch.

Dan gradings (black belt and above) are held twice yearly in or around May and December. Students wishing to grade can do so only after their instructor and Sensei Nursey believe they are ready to do so. Within ESKA it would take an adult student at least 4 years and a junior approximately 5-6 years to achieve Black Belt standard. After Black Belt it requires an additional 2½ years to 2^nd Dan, then a further 3 years to 3^rd Dan, 4 more to 4^th Dan, 5 to 5^th etc. All these timescales are considered minimum requirements.

Dan gradings are not open to spectators.

Potential Members

ESKA adopts a very 'OPEN DOOR' attitude to all new students.

New members can start training at anytime and no special clothing is required. To start training simply visit any of the locations, on the days and times in our "Club Guide page" and the club instructors will assist with your enrolment and any questions that you may have. You can start training there and then or if you prefer watch a class in progress before you decide to start.

If you have trained before in another style of karate or Shotokan Karate, but not under ESKA and you wish to start training with ESKA, simply bring your previous licence and present it to any of our clubs and instructors. It is probable that you will not need to start as a beginner as the club instructor will be able to assess your ability and ensure your are placed at the right level within our association.

Our "FAQ page" may already be able to answer any questions you already have.

Choosing a club

The best advice on choosing a club is to look at the club details on the "Club Guide page" and choose which most suits your needs. In general time and location are the 2 main factors involved as prices do not vary much from club to club. However you may have specific preferences which are not available at all of the clubs, for example, an adult only class, a female instructor or the grade of the instructor etc. Another important aspect for a beginner choosing a club is if there are other beginners, or lower grades, in the class as it reduces the feeling of isolation and any gap in ability. Ask our instructors of any forthcoming induction classes.

Finally, although the standard and quality of the clubs within ESKA is fairly consistent, the clubs do vary slightly with the personality of the instructor, for example, some may be slightly more relaxed, some may be more technically detailed, some may be more aerobically demanding etc. and again this may influence your choice.

In any case, if you are thinking of starting karate (or any martial art) the first step of choosing a club is relatively easy. The second step of walking into a training hall full of people in white pajamas with different coloured belts on can be a bit more daunting - don't let it be - our karate clubs are friendly and will welcome you as a new member with open arms!