Lympstone Karate is a martial arts school located in Exmouth, New Zealand. It offers traditional Shotokan karate lessons that focus on teaching not only the techniques of the art but also fitness, co-ordination, flexibility, confidence, improved self-esteem, and a great way to make new friends. The school welcomes anyone from the age of 7 and above to join their classes.
The chief instructor, Marianne Fox, established Lympstone Dojo in June 2015. Marianne Sensei, as she is known, started her karate journey at the age of 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the Japanese Karate Association (JKA). During her training in South Africa, she competed in numerous local, regional, and national championships, gaining notable medals along the way. In 2001, Marianne Sensei achieved her black belt (Shodan) and currently holds a 3rd Dan.
After completing her education, she moved to England and is proud to be part of the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB). Marianne Sensei is involved in the KUGB IT working group, which focuses on the organisation's main website. She is also one of the KUGB Mental Health Ambassadors. The club frequently organises karate charity events in support of mental health campaigns, such as Mind and Time to Change.
Lympstone Karate is affiliated with the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB), which is the largest karate organisation in Britain. The style of karate practised at the school is Shotokan, which was founded by Gichin Funakoshi. The school emphasises that karate is more than just learning techniques; it is a martial art that aims to perfect character through dedicated training of the mind and body. The school offers classes for students aged 7 and above, with the first lesson being free and subsequent lessons priced at 5.
The classes take place at Lympstone Village Hall on School Hill in Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon. There are several class options available throughout the week, including beginners classes on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Other classes for all grades are held on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm and on Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. There is also a designated time slot for stretching, personal training, and any questions students may have.
The first lesson is always free.
Lympstone Dojo prides itself on being a traditional karate establishment with a welcoming and familial atmosphere. Sensei Marianne Fox provides superlative support both in the development of karate skills and the personal growth of her students. She is committed to being a guide through each individual's karate journey.
To get in touch with Lympstone Karate, you can contact Sensei Marianne Fox at Lympstone Village Hall, Lympstone, Exmouth, EX8 5JY. You can also reach her via phone at 0772914676. For more information, you can visit the school's website or contact them through their social media channels. The school's motto, an expression of the ultimate aim of karate, is attributed to Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate: “The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.