Martial Arts Education Centre

The Martial Arts Education Centre teaches three main styles, a Shotokan based Karate, Japanese Ju Jitsu and Matayoshi (Okinawan) Kobudo.

Karate

Karate originated in Oknawa and was later taken to the Japanese mainland.  Karate means 'empty hand' and so does not usually have any weapons involved although some forms do.  At the Martial Arts Education Centre the style of Karate taught is based on the Shotokan system and involves Kihon (basics - punches, blocks, kicks and combinations), Kata (patterns), Bunkai (application of the moves in Kata) and Kumite (free sparring).  All this is taught in a graduated way so that beginners can grasp the basics first.

Classes are available from ages 6 years and up.  There is are classes for the 6 and 7 year olds, 8 to 12 year olds and teenagers and above. We even have morning classes specifically designed for the mums who can drop the kids off at school and then go and have some fun for themsselves!

Ju Jitsu

Ju Jitsu is a complete form of self defence involving locks, chokes, throws and takedowns, escapes and some weapons.  The Samurai would have studied Ju Jitsu in addition to their sword so this art is many hundreds of years old.  In addition to the old studies, modern day practices and self defence problems are now also incorporated (such as defences against guns).

Becasue throws, locks and chokes are involved classes for this style start at the age of 8 year.  Classes are avaialble for the 8 to 12 years of age bracket and teenagers and above.

Kobudo

Kobudo is the study of weapons.  We teach the Matayoshi style from Okinawa.  Initial weapons taught are the Bo (6 foot staff), the Sai (3 pronged metal truncheon), the Tunkua (or Tonfa - a wooden baton) and the Nun Chaku.  There are a total of 13 weapons that can be learnt.

The classes for kobudo are for aged 10 years of age and up.