Ripley Aiwakai Karate Club is a renowned Karate club located in Ripley, Derbyshire. With a welcoming atmosphere, the club caters to beginners of all ages and abilities, emphasising that Karate is for everyone. Training takes place at the Ripley Leisure Centre on Derby Road, making it easily accessible for the local community. The club can be contacted at 01773 514727 for any inquiries or further information.
Training sessions are held on Tuesdays from 7:00pm to 8:30pm and on Thursdays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm for juniors only. The first session is free of charge, allowing interested individuals to try out Karate before committing to regular sessions. After the first session, the cost is 5 per session, with family rates available, ensuring affordability for everyone.
Ripley Aiwakai Karate Club keeps its members updated with the latest news and updates through its active Facebook group. By clicking on the provided link and becoming a member, individuals can stay connected and informed about the club's activities.
The club has a rich history, dating back over forty years, making it one of the oldest and most established martial arts clubs in the region. It was established by Mick Ryde, who began his Karate journey in 1975 at the age of thirty-three. Mick took over the running of the club in 1980, and under his guidance, the club flourished, attracting numerous students who trained under his expert instruction.
Mick Ryde Sensei, holding the rank of 5th Dan (JKF Wado-kai), was highly respected in the Karate community. He emphasised the importance of traditional Wado Ryu Karate, instilling both the traditions and the rigorous spirit of the style. Mick's approach created a friendly and informal atmosphere within the club, encouraging everyone to strive for the highest standards.
The club enjoyed great success under Mick's leadership, producing many champions at regional, national, and European levels. Mick's technical knowledge and skill were unparalleled, and he imparted his expertise to his students, enabling them to reach great heights in competition. Mick also contributed significantly to the Karate community, serving as the general secretary of the Wado Aiwakai Karatedo Federation and playing a crucial role in the organisation of England Wadokai. As a highly regarded kumite referee and kata judge, Mick had the honour of judging at the World Championships in Japan.
Despite the unfortunate passing of Mick Ryde Sensei in 2022, Ripley Aiwakai Karate Club remains dedicated to training in the spirit and style that Mick intended. His legacy will never be forgotten, and the club is grateful for all that he has done.
Ripley Aiwakai Karate Club continues to excel as a friendly, informal, and inclusive club. They invite interested individuals to come along, watch training sessions, and join in. As members of the Wado Aiwakai Karatedo Federation, they follow traditional Wado Ryu Karate and receive guidance from K. Sakagami Sensei (8th Dan), ensuring the highest standards of training.
The club is also a member of the English Karate Federation (EKF), further highlighting their commitment to excellence.
To get a glimpse of the club's activities, interested individuals can browse through the gallery and watch videos available on their website. These resources may aid in learning the moves of the art and give an insight into the training sessions at Ripley Aiwakai Karate Club.
Overall, Ripley Aiwakai Karate Club is a well-established and respected Karate club in Ripley, offering top-notch training, experienced instructors, and a supportive community for individuals of all ages and abilities.