Bristol Shotokan Karate Club - we are a small club based in North Bristol, England, with karate-ka at all levels from 10 kyu to 3rd dan.
Shotokan Karate came to Britain in the 1960's and is a Japanese unarmed defence system, only used to defend yourself when being attacked. Clubs soon opened up all over the country, and has continued to be popular form of fitness and self development.
Chief instructor at Bristol is Sensei Ed Starks, 3rd Dan. Ed started shotokan training in 1974, at the Bristol Shotokan Karate Club based in Totterdown YMCA , training under Sensei Bill Winfield. Ed originally joined for self defence reasons but soon found that there was a lot more involved. Obtaining a high level of fitness, speed and confidence appealed to Ed, he enjoyed sparring (kumite) and kata (which is where you practice set moves with imaginary opponents).
In 1993 Totterdown closed due to refurbishment of the property, and that is when Bristol Shotokan moved to the hall of the Holy Trinity in Horfield. Ed is now helped by Sensei Guy March (1st Dan), former student of Sensei Bryan Gideon of Backwell SKC.
We are affiliated to the KUGB, who are an association consisting of over 400 clubs, all of which practice Shotokan Karate. We have regular gradings in Bristol from Sensei Bob Poynton (7th dan) of the KUGB.
Group photo with some of Bristol Shotokan's
present members (126k)...
For more information please email: Bristol Shotokan
