About Chelsea Karate Club
Thank you for taking an interest in the martial art of Shotokan Karate and in joining us to train at Chelsea Karate Club. Here’s some further information you might find of interest about the art of Shotokan Karate, our club and my position within it.
Chelsea Karate Club provides an amazing atmosphere for its students to train in Shotokan Karate. At C.K.C we are motivated and dedicated to the sport of karate and providing a friendly environment that meets the needs of our students. The high standard of our club ensures we provide high quality training and compete on a international level. We have a great passion for the sport and lots of experience, enthusiasm and expert coaching. By becoming part of C.K.C you will significantly improve your technique and fitness whether you’re a total beginner or at competition level. With our top quality training, immense knowledge and high skill level, you can go as far as your ambition will take you.
Shotokan Karate as a style emerged in the 1930’s from ancient origins and has since spread the world over to become one of the most popular styles of Karate. Learning Shotokan means you are now never far from a dojo to train in and you’re joining a large community of Karateka to learn with. It is extremely versatile and can be practised as an art, for sport, as a combat sport or for self-defence. Traditional Shotokan Karate places emphasis on the path of self-development (budō). Modern Japanese style training emphasises the psychological elements incorporated into proper kokoro (or attitude) such as perseverance, fearlessness, virtue and leadership. Sport Karate places emphasis on fitness and competition. Training in Karate overall can therefore be considered a holistic pursuit, beneficial in life beyond the dojo in which you train.
I established Chelsea Karate Club in July 2003 when I first moved here from Iran. There is a huge tradition and culture of martial arts in Iran. Martial arts are regarded as one of the leading sports in the country. Iranian Karatekas, together with other athletes in Wrestling and Taekwondo are well recognised in the world, garnering many accolades. As a member of one of these renowned Karate teams myself, I decided to open C.K.C to continue my path in Shotokan Karate and teach children and adults what I’ve learned. Much of my focus is on the importance of participating for England in team sports and of passing on an art form which has endless benefits both physically and mentally.
With this in mind, the training programme at the Chelsea Karate Club has been designed for two types of people; those who would like to learn Shotokan Karate as a martial art to stay fit and those who want to compete in karate tournaments. Throughout the last 20 years we have participated in many British, European and Premier League competitions and we have achieved very good results. I truly believe that Shotokan is gaining more and more recognition worldwide, especially in the United Kingdom with people here more and more interested in learning Shotokan.
I’m looking forward to welcoming more students, both beginners and advanced, to take the club from strength to strength.
Farzad Youshanlou
Chief Instructor – 7th Dan Shotokan