Kent Shotokan Karate Clubs - KSKC - was founded by Sensei Glen Wright,
6th Dan, in 1974. It was started by the hard work of a few senior karateka who were serious about their future and others in the martial arts group, with the aim of bringing together several karate clubs that trained in the Kent area.
The resultant KSKC was then in a position to monitor its member clubs, ensuring syllabus continuity and maintaining the high quality of responsible teaching standardsAll member clubs are monitored by theKarate England, which is the only recognised Karate governing bodyGlen Wright has trained with elite Japanese, European and British
instructors and continues to teach, as his instructor Sensei Ray Fuller, with passion and dedication. Glen's work with children extends outside of his own clubs, working with youth groups and teaching self-defence in schools
Member Clubs
Since it's conception, the KSKC has grown and now consists of over 12 clubs and more than 500 pupils. Although most of the clubs are based in Kent, we have clubs as far afield as Berkshire and Kenya.
Many of the clubs are run by Sensei Wright or his students, but other clubs that have admired the high standards and values have come to join the KSKC Every associated club is run by a senior black belt instructor - we do not allow brown belts to run their own clubs.
Within each club there are a number of assistant instructors resulting in an enviable instructor to student ratio.
The KSKC's modest size compared to many of the larger Karate associations is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. All KSKC clubs educate students in the three basics of shotokan karate - kihon, kata and kumite .
In addition, students are taught to respect the history and traditions of Shotokan Karate. KSKC students perhaps spend more time training to gain their black belt compared to other clubs or karate styles, but in return they are more commited, better trained and command a deep respect and understanding for Karate
The Grading System
The KSKC grades four times a year. Click here for grading chart
For younger children, an additional grade is added, the first belt they achieve being red with one stripe. This is because children are introduced to karate at a young age, often 4 years old. These students would potentially reach black belt ability after three years, at the age of seven. The KSKC feels that this is too young for them to understand the criteria of black belt and its true meaning. Additionally, young pupils find it difficult to remain motivated if they do not have goals to work towards and the achievement of being awarded a black belt at a young age essentially removes some of these goals. The KSKC also does not want to unnecessarily fail pupils in gradings which may damage their confidence and motivation. The introduction of an extra grade is one of a number of strategies that have been introduced to delay the age at which children attempt their black belt grading.
KSKC clubs pride themselves on providing a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere for you and your child to practice and learn karate. Clubs take on children from the age of 5 years of age and there is no upper age limit for students. Indeed, our oldest member is over 60 years old! The only limitation to your karate training is enthusiasm - physical fitness is not a necessity and strength is gained as your training progresses.
The KSKC runs three courses a year with input from up to 12 instructors on any one day. Regular competitions and gradings are overseen by the Chief Instructor and as a result all pupils become known as an individual, not just another member.
We can also put on self-defence or karate courses for your club or association.
For further details contact the Head Office .
