To Enquiry about Membership
If you require details about cost of training and joining the Karate and Kobudo Schools then please email: sensei.fredbateman@gmail.com
Our Organisation
Welcome to Kodokan Martial Arts (Established in 1992), where tradition and dedication are at the heart of our organization. We are passionate about preserving the essence of Karate (empty hand) and Kobudo (Okinawan weapons) as authentic forms of Budo (Martial Arts), far beyond the realm of mere sport.
We are a non-profit making organisation and no instructor takes a wage for their time in teaching the various classes. All the money goes into keeping the dojo (school) open.
At Kodokan, we believe that true Budo encompasses more than just physical techniques. Our students delve into the rich tapestry of these martial arts, embracing the language (Gengo), etiquette (Reigi), and philosophy (Tetsugaku) that accompanies these disciplines. This holistic approach equips our students with a well-rounded foundation of knowledge, enabling them to explore dojos worldwide, including the birthplace of these arts, Okinawa.
We welcome students of all ages, from 5-year-olds to senior citizens. New students can experience the first two lessons free of charge, in each school, exploring Karate (from 5 years) and Kobudo (from 14 years) to decide on their preferences and schedule.
Furthermore, we have taught students who have been novices to black belts from other schools who want to learn more than just the martial sport. Our strong sense of community and instruction quality often leads students to return to us when they relocate back into the area. This is a great credit to our instructors and students who make up our schools.
All our lessons are given by highly experienced Sensei (Instructors) and Shidoin (Assistant Instructors) with many years of experience. Unlike some groups, we don’t combine the collective years saying for example we have a total of 65 years of combined experience, as we believe in recognising the unique expertise of each instructor. Each Instructor continually receives guidance from a higher Sensei, ensuring that our students receive the highest level of knowledge transfer. This empowers our students with not only self-defence skills but also a resilient mindset suitable for today’s society. Furthermore, they embark on Continual Professional Development (CPD) programs to keep their knowledge current.
Our Instructors have Coaching, Safe Garding and First Aid Qualifications, and Enhanced DBS Checks and are fully insured.
Find Out More
Within the following pages, you will find further information relating to the different styles taught, which are:
- Anshin Ryu (Karate for 5yrs and up)
- Matayoshi Kobudo Kodokan International (Okinawa Weapons for 14yrs and up)
Class times and locations are given in the small window on each page. Further information can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions (General FQA page). So please delve into the site further and take a look at the plethora of martial arts information that is taught at:
Kodokan Martial Arts Darlington
Tel: 0780 782 7978
email: enquiry@kodokan.org.uk
Join us at Kodokan Martial Arts, where tradition meets expertise, and martial arts go beyond the physical, offering a life-enriching journey.
Teaching Aid Books for Anshin Ryu Karate
Anshin Ryu Karate-Do: Volume 1: Insight from 8th Kyu to 5th Kyu by Fred Bateman
Synopsis:
Anshin Ryu Karate-Do provides the students with an aid to their training for Tsuki (punches and strikes), Keri (kicks) and Uke (blocks) from White Belt up to Red Belt in Anshin Ryu Karate The book provides numerous photos and descriptions to explain each movement. In addition to this, the author has provided an insight into Renraku Waza (combination techniques), Kata (Form) and Bunkai (application of Kata). Furthermore, the book explains topics such as Etiquette, Dojo Geography, Warm Up Exercises and Ranking in Anshin Ryu Karate-Do.
Purchased on Amazon.
Kata of Anshin Ryu Karate by Fred Bateman
Synopsis:
This book explores the fundamental aspects of the five Pinan Kata along with their associated Bunkai within the realm of Anshin Ryu Karate. It presents an array of self-help and martial arts knowledge through an extensive collection of images, designed to serve as a valuable training tool for students. Within its pages, the book clarifies the traditional forms of the Kata and related Bunkai, giving a wide variety of Karate techniques, including throws, locks, etc. Thus not only facilitating the comprehension of Pinan Kata but also the practical self-defence skills. However, the book goes beyond the practical facets. It offers an insight into the historical significance of Kata, unveiling its origins and evolution within the realm of this martial art. This comprehensive resource extends an opportunity for aspiring students, and students interested in Karate, to enhance their physical development within the framework of Anshin Ryu Kata. Regardless of whether one seeks a foundational understanding of history or a practical approach to application, this book stands as an indispensable guide, charting the course for navigating Pinan Kata and Bunkai in the context of Anshin Ryu Karate.
Purchased on Amazon.