Hertfordshire KDS

1 year ago we opened to doors to Herts KDS Stevenage dojo. We had no idea it would build into the strong community club we see today.

Bringing strangers together in a safe and enjoyable environment. Challenging each other to improve our skills, fitness and strength. It’s our pleasure to watch as instructors, and a credit to the students for their commitment and hard work.

Originally an off shoot of the University of Hertfordshire UHKDS club, this was set up initially to develop the local Instructor group by Ali Woodward and Steve Hearson and for many years instruction was also provided by Simon (Beardie) Anderson.

The club now practises in 2 locations (Tyttenhanger and Great Ashby, Stevenage) and welcomes new members of all experience levels by arrangement for either or both venues.

Please contact Phil Halsall at hertskds@gmail.com.

Getting started

If you want to try Karate Do Shotokai, your first lesson is completely free.

It is helpful to know in advance if you are going to visit us, so we can welcome you on the day.

We work hard, but our practice is friendly and informal. Many of our new members are either new to karate entirely, or have trained in other styles.

What happens during a practice

All you need for your first lesson are some sports (or loose) clothes, and a bottle of water.

Normally, we start the 2 hour session with a 20 minute warm up (a mix of cardio and stretches). Don’t worry if you’re not very flexible or haven’t done exercise for a while, you can take the session as slowly as you need to. You’ll find it gets easier after each session!

The remainder of the session varies each week. We learn kata (learn more about kata), kumite (sparring), and practise how to move, defend, and attack through a variety of techniques. We don’t run beginner’s classes, as our sessions can cater for both new people as well as graded members. The club has instructors who will take you through the stages of each training session.

Do let us know if there is anything that might affect your warm up and practice.

At the end of the session, we try to spend 5 minutes stretching the muscles we’ve used.

Instructors

James Barry, 3rd Dan
DBS; 1^st Aid, SG.

Phil Halsall, 2nd Dan
DBS; 1^st Aid FAW, SG.

Richard Plaskow, 1st Dan
DBS, 1^st Aid, SG.

Training times

Tuesday – Great Ashby Community Centre
19:30 – 21:30

Wednesday – Charles Morris Hall
19:30 – 21:30

Locations

Tuesday

Great Ashby Community Centre
White Horse Lane
Stevenage
Hertsfordshire
SG1 6NH

Wednesday

Charles Morris Hall
Tyttenhanger Green
St. Albans
Herts,
AL4 0RN

Offers

Blue Light Card offer

Open to age 17+
1st session free
Free karate kit (worth £25) for the first 10 members

Membership per year - £25 (worth £50)
Training cost per month - £20 (2 hours a week)