About Us

About Us

Ropley Karate Club was started by Sensei Andrew Morris, who had been a student of Sensei Gilliland for many years, indeed achieving his shodan in 1994.Although Sensei Andrew still lives with his family in the village, his profession frequently takes him abroad, consequently Sensei Gilliland agreed to continue the classes and ensure the club remained as focussed throughout.

Each student is pushed at the correct pace to ensure they are able to improve without be overwhelmed, training can be demanding, but is very enjoyable, the enthusiasm of the instructors and students alike ensure everyone benefits and learns important and diverse aspects of Shotokan karate.

As part of Gakushuin Karate International, we frequently attend courses of instruction, most if not all Gakushuin Courses are free to members, and tuition is wide ranging from specific basic and advanced kata or fighting techniques through to practical self defence where the emphasis is on simple, effective and often devastating techniques where defenders don't need to spend ages practising complex moves which might not work.

All aspects of Shotokan karate, which we believe are fundamentally for everyone, are underpinned by constantly evaluating each technique to ensure it is correct and effective, even the most simple techniques are analysed, and practised in wide a range of ways to ensure better understanding of not only how, but why .

The underpinning ethos of instruction is realistic and effective technique, able to be used by anyone, young or old, which instils confidence in their ability and helps develop their skills and abilities not just in karate. Whilst the term "Ikken Hisatsu" (to kill with one blow) is a basic tenet, we understand and use this in the context of maximum effect for minimum effort

New members are always welcome, minimum age for starting karate is generally 6 years of age, there is no upper age limit, children aged 5 may be permitted to train on an individual basis which is dependent on the child and their aptitude for karate generally. Karate is for anyone, though we accept not everyone will enjoy karate. Parents are welcome to remain and watch their child training, or indeed join the class and enjoy the activity alongside their child.

The class has a large number of ladies and girls training, many having started to be more confident, and to develop an element of self defence, all have come to enjoy karate for the wealth of benefits it gives, indeed it is a great source of inspiration watching any individual progress and become better in any activity, but doubly so at Ropley when watching our members increase their self confidence and overall levels of fitness.

We also enjoy frequent visitors to the club, and some of our current members travel significant distances simply to undertake training with Gilliland Sensei, many are either previous students, or have been members at other Gakushuin clubs and are therefore prepared to travel and learn from the "boss".

All that is required to start at Ropley is a willingness to learn.

Training Times:

Sunday 6pm until 7.30 pm
Tuesday 6.30pm until 8pm

Private and special lessons available on request

Contacts
Chief Instructor: sensei@ropleykarate.co.uk

Secretary: info@ropleykarate.co.uk