Kokoro Shotokan Karate

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.