The TISKA Derby Shotokan Karate Club was established over ten years ago. The club has students ranging from the age of 5yrs up to adults. we have children, Gents, Ladies and Families training. The classes are mix but students are also divided in grades and train in groups. The TISKA Derby club train weekly on a Sunday under the guidance of Sensei D Popat 5th Dan Black Belt.
Training sessions at the Oakwood Community Centre, Springwood Drive, Oakwood, Derby, DE21 2SU
Whilst you learn the 3 main disciplines of Shotokan Karate:
· Kihon (Basics)– These are individual or combinations of basic techniques that consist of Punching, Striking, Blocking and Kicking.They can be performed in a stationary position or stepping in different stances
· Kata (Form/Pattern)-A Kata consists of a combination of basic techniques performed in a set pattern. This is mainly practiced alone to allow the practitioner to visualise the enemy attacks, but you will also get an opportunity to test out an application of the kata with a partner, known as Bunkai.
· Kumite (Sparring)– This part of the training is mostly practiced with a partner, which consists of pre arranged techniques for both, the attacker and blocker.
As well as covering these three areas, we also focus on building
Fitness
Self Awareness
Self Defence
Confidence
Respect
Self Discipline
Throughout the year, gradings are held regularly, where students can take an exam for their next grade, with many young students this promotes self confidence and a sense of achievement.
You will also gain:
Etiquette: Students are taught from the outset that Shotokan Karate is primarily a defensive and not a offensive martial art. Students learn how to be polite and respect their fellow members, instructor and parents.
Discipline: Learn to focus their mind on the job in hand, by learning a sequence of complicated techniques in karate.
Learn: Self defence skills, Develop fitness & flexibility, Become more confident & maintain self esteem, Make new friends and have fun.
Each of the aspects of Shotokan Karate is carefully and methodically practiced. Through meticulous and constant training, participants of all ages are encouraged to develop their own karate ability at their own pace, Initially physical contact is avoided but as you increase in ability you will be encouraged to participate in controlled sparring with your club members.
Mr D Popat 6th Dan Black Belt(Godan) has been training since 1994 at the TISKA Leicester Club under the Chief Instructor G Sahota 9th Dan(Shihan). Mr Popat took up karate as an activity with his daughter and was awarded 1st Dan Black Belt(Shodan) 4 years later. Mr Popat has competed in numerous competitions at national and international level over the years with 1st places in Kata, Kumite, team Kata and team kumite. He has attended masters courses in the Uk, Italy, Dubai & Spain to further develop & understand the art of karate.
As Mr Popat has always trained in Shotokan Karate with his family, this idea has been maintained through all of his clubs where he promotes a good family atmosphere where all students train hard, keeping fit and having fun.
Gusharan Sahota
Gursharan Sahota was born in Kenya, East Africa but moved to the UK at the age of 12. He took up Karate at the age of 14 in the local Bedford club and was awarded black belt 1st dan (shodan) four years later.
Now a 9th Dan, Gursharan has competed in a multitude of kata and kumite events, many at national and international level. But the most significant event in his career was the visit he made in 1984 to Japan. There, he fulfilled a great ambition by training in a Japanese dojo under the instruction of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa.
This experience proved to be a turning point for Gursharan. On his return to England, he realised the trip had been the inspiration he needed to dedicate his future to training and teaching karate as a way of life.
Gursharan’s first club was opened in Luton/Dunstable in 1981 and this is now the association’s hombu (HQ). Having been a teacher of the art for many years, he formed his own association in 1993 – TISKA (The Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association) which is now one of the biggest associations in the UK.
Gursharan’s love of karate has never diminished. He still teaches over 35 classes a week in the UK and regularly takes master classes internationally. All in all, he has brought hundreds of students of all ages up to black belt standard and beyond.
He is also involved in charity work, helping to subsidise trips for surgeons to third world countries to operate on underprivileged children. He has, for many years, funded many projects in India, and is at present helping to fund the building of a new school.
Gursharan lives in Buckinghamshire and is happily married with a son and daughter who already show signs of following in their daddy’s footsteps.
Contact your school instructor to get started
