Offering Martial art, Karate Self-defence classes for kids and adults at Porchester Centre, London, W2, and the surrounding areas. Since 1998 to present.
The Sensei
About Sensei Ylli -
Instruction is by Sensei Ylli who is a Black Belt, 4th Dan.
Ylli started practicing karate in 1998 at The Porchester Centre with a JKA Japan Karate Association club. Since then he has taken part in many competitions, national and international karate championships. In 1999 he became a JKA grand champion in kata and kumite, and soon after was selected for the JKA English National Team.
He has trained in the traditional Shotokan Karate style ever since as well as in other martial arts styles. Since 2000, to the present day, he has been teaching karate to both children and adults.
Sempai
About Sempai Elvana - She is a passionate Karate-Ka and a Sempai. She started practicing Karate back in 2011 at our Dojo and has been practicing ever since. We are pleased to say that from 2022 she will be acting as a Sempai/Sensei helping and teaching.
A Brief History of our School
The school was established in 2011 by Ylli Sensei. However the school goes back to 1998 at The Porchester Centre where the current teacher (Ylli Sensei) started practicing Karate.
Over the years the school has changed names a few time. Currently the school is called Shotokan Fitness Karate School. We have been using the name since 2011 and hope to continue using it for a long time to come. We are pleased to say that the school still offers karate classes at The Porchester Centre.
More About Us
The school offers adults and children aged “five” years and over the opportunity to learn karate skills, improve their self-confidence and defence while keeping fit at the same times. Students are trained in the philosophy and style of traditional and modern Shotokan Karate. However we are an open minded club and we do not limit ourselves solely to Shotokan style – we specialize in this, but tend to combine the training style with various martial arts styles for an even better understanding of the techniques. Our aim is to teach and perfect a range of techniques. We emphasize the importance of these techniques, and how to use them at your advantage.
"Being a self-defence school means that the technique we teach are as realistic as possible"
The classes are designed to learn self-defense in a semi contact manner, ensuring safety and control with respect and discipline making it suitable for everyone to learn and enjoy the training. The school has a full curriculum with regular grading’s, regular club competition and in-house seminars for the student to develop.
Qualification & Grading
Based on the study and training of karate, students take part in a grading (exam) every three months for Kyu Grades (and as appropriate for Dan Grade) to assess their performance over the period. Successful students move to the next level which is recognised by a different colour and approved certificate.
Our Approach To Training
Karate for us is about many things, but first and foremost is about training.
At our dojo we believe everyone's Karate journey is personal and different. While we'll do our best to encourage you, motivate you and push you to do better with yourself- it's up to you how quick you want to progress. Learning at your own pace is your right and our approach.
Topical Classes
Starting with warm up and stretching then concentrating on physical training to build the students strength, stamina and balance. The training advances to (kihon, katas & kumite) a breakdown of self-defense techniques - takedowns - blocking & counter attack - pulling - pushing - grabbing - body shifting and so on.... Then into more technical training - distance - awareness - speed and timing - targets and so on....
Benefits Of Karate
There are many benefits of practicing karate, here are just a few:
- Self-Defense
- Self-Discipline
- Self-Respect
- Higher Self-Confidence
- Mental and Physical Co-ordination
- Balance and Stability
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Concentration
- Sense of Well Being, and more....
Membership & License
All students need a valid license in order to practice the art of Shotokan Karate, which will be provided by your Sensei. The license is renewed yearly and operates as a record book for the students which they get to keep, but must be produced for grading, courses and tournaments.
New Students
New students can join us at any time of the year. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced - coming from another club or style - we welcome you and will do our very best to accommodate you.
Private Classes
Interested on private class?
Class will be designed to suit your needs. Whether you want to learn self-defence, for fitness or both – we're happy to help you. Classes available to kids and adults, one-to-one or as a group for family and friends. For more info contact us.