Matt Beard is one of the passionate and dedicated instructors at Selby Shotokan Karate Club. With his 4th Dan black belt, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club. Matt is committed to passing on his skills and helping students of all ages and abilities to develop their karate techniques and grow as individuals. He is known for his friendly and approachable nature, and his ability to create a supportive and inclusive training environment for all members.
Alongside Matt, the club boasts a team of experienced instructors who are all volunteers. These instructors invest countless hours of their own time purely for the love of karate and their desire to engage with students. Their passion and dedication are evident in every training session, and they strive to provide high-quality, traditional Shotokan karate instruction.
The club was founded over 50 years ago by the late Gordon Thompson Sensei, who was a prominent figure in the early days of Shotokan karate in the UK. Since then, the leadership of the club has been taken on by several instructors, each contributing to its growth and success. The current head instructor, Paul Brant Sensei, has done a remarkable job modernising and reinvigorating the club. Under his guidance, Selby Shotokan Karate Club has built a strong foundation and continues to thrive.
The club welcomes members of all ages, from 6 to well into their 60s. Its diverse membership is its strength, as it fosters a sense of community and camaraderie within the dojo. While the club has affiliations with JKS England and JKS Japan, it understands that the majority of its members train karate as a hobby and a passion rather than as professional athletes. The club supports members in achieving their personal goals, whether it be improving fitness, building confidence, or winning medals.
Selby Shotokan Karate Club is committed to making karate accessible and affordable for as many people as possible. As a not-for-profit organisation, the club keeps its training fees low, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation. Training takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays at Barlby High School, starting at 6pm.
If you're interested in discovering the wide-ranging benefits of traditional Shotokan karate, Selby Shotokan Karate Club offers a completely free, no-obligation 2-week trial. Get in touch with one of the friendly instructors, Sarah or Simon, and embark on your karate journey today.