kokoro shotokan karate
Cardiff
Kokoro Karate is a traditional Shotokan karate school with a modern approach to
practical applications. At Kokoro we take an holistic approach to our training,
developing mind, body and spirit. We believe this empowers our students and
develops mindfulness, self-confidence, heath, fitness, concentration,
co-ordination and respect. The Class Instructor is Sensei Paul Cooper 4th Dan.
Paul has over thirty years of experience, achieving his black belt in 1987 with
Hanshi Shiro Asano 9th Dan, who was a direct student of Nakayama, the founder of
the JKA. Paul has trained internationally with many world respected teachers in
his karate career grading with the SKIF, SSKA and the Conroy Karate Group. We
are governed by NAKMAS (National Association of Karate and Martial Arts
Schools), the only martial arts body in Britain to hold a Government recognised
British Standards Quality Kitemark (BS:EN ISO 9001:2015) via the British
Standards Insitution (BSI) and is accredited to the Equality Standard: A
Framework for Sport at Intermediate level. Paul is a senior instructor and
examiner for the NAKMAS Governing Body and the club operates within the strict
policies and guidelines laid down by them. Our dojo is at The Old Library Sports
& Community Centre, Singleton Road, Splott, Cardiff, CF24 2ET Training is
suitable for men, women and children aged ten/eleven years and over. We do allow
children (primary school age) by prior agreement to train if a parent or
guardian trains as well in the senior class, we also offer our Kokoro Tigers
programme that is designed for children from 4/5 (school reception class) to
10/11 years old. Shotokan training is divided into three parts: kihon (basics),
kata (forms or patterns of moves), and kumite (sparring). Techniques in kihon
and kata are characterised by deep, long stances that provide stability, enable
powerful movements, and strengthen the legs. Shotokan is regarded as a dynamic
martial art as it develops anaerobic, powerful techniques as well as developing
speed.
