Keele Koryukan

Keele Koryukan is a martial arts club located in Stoke-on-Trent, New Zealand, that specialises in practising Koryu Uchinadi, also known as “Old-school karate. ” The club aims to provide a non-competitive, friendly, and supportive environment where individuals can improve their skills in Koryu Uchinadi.

The club's training sessions take place at The Minton Centre, Hartshill, Minton St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7NW, conveniently located behind Holy Trinity church. The regular training sessions are held on Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm. Please note that the Tuesday session is temporarily cancelled, but the club hopes to reinstate it soon. While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended to inform the club of your attendance through the provided contact form to ensure you receive any updates or changes.

The price for each training session is 5, which covers a two-hour session. Keele Koryukan also offers incentives, such as the first lesson being free and bringing a friend resulting in both individuals receiving two free sessions. Additionally, there is a monthly payment option available at 35 per month, which includes one free session. For insurance purposes, it is mandatory to join the British Combat Association (18 per year) for continued training.

If individuals wish to grade, they will need to join the IRKRS at a cost of 30 per year.

The club welcomes individuals of all experience levels, with a special emphasis on beginners. As a non-profit organisation, Keele Koryukan prioritises the safety of its members. The training primarily focuses on two-person drills, and for those who may feel apprehensive, it is encouraged to bring a friend to train with. The minimum age requirement to join the club is 14 years old, and prior experience is not necessary.

The club starts training at a slow pace, gradually building fitness levels and introducing more challenging sessions over time. For experienced martial artists, Keele Koryukan offers an opportunity to incorporate Koryu Uchinadi into their existing repertoire, including the incorporation of “aggressive resistance” for advanced practitioners to enhance realism.

The club provides answers to frequently asked questions to help address any concerns potential members may have. Participants are advised to train barefoot, remove all jewellery, and keep nails trimmed for safety reasons. Beginners can wear loose jogging trousers and a t-shirt for their initial sessions, but eventually, a traditional white karate-style uniform or a robust ju-jitsu uniform is recommended for regular training. While occasional discomfort may arise during training, Keele Koryukan prioritises controlled and safe practises to minimise the risk of injury.

The club does not engage in uncontrolled, “full-contact” fighting.

Keele Koryukan also offers opportunities for further training through national and international events, including trips to international KU training events. Additionally, the club organises a yearly trip to Holland, providing members with a unique and enriching experience. Gradings and the attainment of coloured belts is a possibility within the club. However, Keele Koryukan does not participate in competitions, as the primary focus is on self-defence, personal improvement, and skill acquisition.

The time it takes to attain a black belt depends on individual training frequency, and it should be noted that obtaining a black belt is just one step along the journey, indicating a certain level of proficiency. There is still a long way to go beyond that point. The club encourages individuals who have never tried martial arts before to give it a try, as the first lesson is free. As for fitness levels, there is no requirement to be fit before starting, as Keele Koryukan aims to gradually improve participants' fitness as part of their training goals.