Forty years ago,Mendip Shotokan Karate Club was born at Coleford and has enjoyed a colourful and successful history to date, including members in the England National Squad, winners and finalists at the JKA England National Championships and medallists at the Karate Union of Great Britain Southern Region and National Championships from the old days!

Current Chief Instructor, Gary Scammell, was one of the original members and is still active in the club today. He recalls that training was rigorous then, but perhaps without the high standard of technical instruction available today from the Japan Karate Association,Mendip's parent association, that holds regular courses with top-level Japanese and British instructors.

Shotokan was the first style of karate introduced to mainland Japan in the early 1920s and is a traditional art, with strong emphasis on correct behaviour and conduct in and out of the Dojo (training hall), along with a scientifically structured programme of training for steady and genuine improvement in both physical and mental skills. It is suitable for ages six to 106, age is no barrier and training benefits co-ordination, flexibility, balance, concentration, strength, reflexes, self-defence and confidence.

Gradings, along with an exceptional training session, are held four times a year by Mr Y. Ohta, Chief Instructor of the JKA in England, or a senior JKA England instructor on the odd occasion that he is not available.This allows the students to measure their improvement by gaining a different coloured belt for each grade successfully attained. There are no shortcuts – you have to train regularly if you want to become proficient in this fascinating and rewarding art.

For those with a competitive streak, inter club, JKA National Championships and other open competitions are there to be entered into.Although the emphasis at Mendip is on Budo; traditional 'Shogai Karate',which means karate for life, the sporting aspect, whilst giving students a chance to test their skills, is not a major part.

Training at Chilcompton Village Hall is conducted by qualified instructors, Julie Morgan, 3rd Dan,Andy Forster, 3rd Dan, and occasionally, Gary Scammell, 4th Dan, and assistance from other black belts.

For class details and times at Chilcompton and Stratton on the Fosse, contact: Julie Morgan 01761 233268, Andy Forster: 01749 841260, or visit our website: http://www.mendipshotokan.co.uk">www.mendipshotokan.co.uk