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About
Renshu Shotokan Karate Club in Cheltenham stands as a cornerstone for traditional karate enthusiasts. Here, the concept of "renshu" – endless and rigorous training – resonates deeply, aligning perfectly with the core principles of Shotokan Karate. Established by Simon Shepherd sensei, the HDKI general manager and grading examiner, Renshu has been a keystone in local community martial arts for years.
Dan, the dedicated instructor, has pursued martial arts since the age of 8, starting with Judo and moving through kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, and Shotokan Karate. With a Nidan black belt in Shotokan and a black belt in ITF Tae Kwon Do, Dan blends his diverse martial arts background into his teaching, offering students a rich training experience. Outside the dojo, he’s an Engineering Manager, motorbike enthusiast, and VW campervan restorer.
Renshu Karate Club proudly welcomes individuals from 7 to 69 and beyond, making it an inclusive, family-friendly environment. Safety is a top priority – the club is fully insured, accredited, and adheres to strict safeguarding protocols. Dan and the other instructors are DBS checked and first aid trained, ensuring a secure training atmosphere.
Here, you can expect no gimmicks or contracts – just pure, traditional Shotokan Karate. The club provides a welcoming atmosphere with strong connections to the wider karate community. Students dive into authentic Shotokan practices, including Kumite (sparring), Kata (patterns/forms), and Bunkai (self-defence applications).
Interested in joining? Renshu offers a free taster session – just complete the contact form. Families are welcome, and parents needn’t stay during their children’s training sessions. Wear loose clothing like tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt for your first lesson; karate suits are available for a competitive price of £20.
Renshu operates on a simple pay-as-you-train basis and accepts contactless card payments for convenience. So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the world of Shotokan Karate without the hassle of contracts, Renshu is the perfect place to start.