Thame Shotokan Karate Club is a martial arts school located in Thame, offering classes to people of all ages and abilities. The club is led by Chief Instructor Gursharan Sahota, an 8th Dan black belt with a wealth of experience in karate.
Gursharan Sahota's passion for karate began when he started training at the age of 14 in a local club in Bedford. He achieved his black belt just four years later and has since competed in numerous kata and kumite events at national and international levels. One of the highlights of his career was a visit to Japan in 1984, where he trained in a Japanese dojo under the guidance of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa. This experience inspired Gursharan to dedicate his life to training and teaching karate.
In 1993, Gursharan founded TISKA (The Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association), which has become one of the largest karate associations in the UK. Through TISKA, Gursharan has trained hundreds of students of all ages and brought them up to black belt standard and beyond. He continues to teach over 35 classes a week in the UK and leads master classes internationally.
Thame Shotokan Karate Club welcomes students of all ages, from 4 years old to adults. The club encourages families to train together and believes in the power of karate to build self-confidence and self-discipline. Karate is also an effective form of self-defence and can help children improve their focus and concentration, which in turn benefits their school life.
The club offers beginner classes in Princes Risborough every Saturday at 11 am and in Thame at 2 pm. These classes provide a free trial period for newcomers to develop their balance, coordination, self-confidence, and discipline. The club is proud to have Mr. Hogan, a 5th Dan black belt, as the class instructor, with the assistance of his wife, a 4th Dan black belt.
In addition to regular training, TISKA holds national competitions annually, providing opportunities for students to showcase their skills and compete. The club is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth and achievement.
Thame Shotokan Karate Club's Princes Risborough classes are held at the Princes Risborough School Sports Centre, while the Thame classes take place at the Girl Guides Hall on Southern Rd. With a focus on developing well-rounded martial artists, the club welcomes students from all backgrounds and abilities.
For more information on Thame Shotokan Karate Club, including contact details, class schedules, and upcoming events, please visit their website or connect with them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.