Newham Shoujin Karate Club

The Karate Club is run by Helen Pree 6th Dan and is based at Newham Leisure Centre. Helen Pree is a former 15 times England Kata Champion, England Kumite Champion, 5 times Great Britain Kata Champion, European Kata Gold Medallist, European Kumite Gold Medallist and World Cup Kata Bronze Medallist. Tony Solley 4th Dan and Judy Brown 3rd Dan also instruct at the club alongside other senior grade instructor assistants.

All Newham Shoujin Karate Club sessions take place at Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regents Lane, Plaistow, London, E13 8SD.


Days and Times

Age group	Wednesday (term time only)	Friday	Sunday
Shoujin Kids (4-10 years) Dragons (4-6 years) Cranes (6-8 years) Tigers (8-10 years)	4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm	6-7pm 6-7pm 6-7pm	10-11am 10-11am 10-11am
Juniors (11-15 years) Beginners Grades up to 7th Kyu Grades 6th Kyu and above	4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm 4.30-5.30pm	6-7pm 6-7pm 7-8.30pm	10-11am 11-12.30pm 11-12.30pm

Age group	Thursday 'Fighting Fit' session	Friday	Sunday
Seniors (16 years and above) Beginners Grades up to 7th Kyu Grades 6th Kyu and above	6-8pm 6-8pm 6-8pm	7-8pm 7-8.30pm 7-8.30pm	10-11am 10-11am 11-12.30pm

For more information please call 07508 070638.


About Karate

Karate is a Martial Art developed and practised over many years as a means of protecting oneself from attack; it is one of the most vibrant of all the Martial Arts. Present day Karate is categorised into four parts: self defence, mental conditioning, physical conditioning and sport. The mental feature of training means Karate can help individuals accomplish a superior state of personal being. It can help with achieving the ultimate goal of the mind and body working as one, promoting peace and harmony.

The values of Karate are numerous; in our everyday lives we often forget the value of exercise to both our physical and mental health. The training of Karate tones the body, develops co-ordination, accelerates reactions, and develops endurance levels. As all parts of the human body are involved when training, it is excellent in assisting overall physical health.

Karate sessions begin with stretching and cardiovascular warm-up exercises. Stances, punches, strikes, blocks and kicks are practised, developed and perfected in the main part of the session, both in basic and fighting forms. Fitness is also developed as part of the lesson with a series of strengthening, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance activities that are designed to benefit the whole body.

At competition level, there are two categories that participants can enter: Kumite and Kata. Kumite, or fighting, requires attacks and counter attacks to be executed on an opponent in order to score points by showing the judges strength and precision in the techniques delivered, whilst demonstrating an element of control. Kata comprises a series of choreographed activities that represent the competitor defending themselves in a multi attack environment, showing a mixture of elegance and supremacy in technique. Both provide a sense of self accomplishment for participants. There are many competitions held every year, from local club competitions to national and worldevents.