Shepshed school was opened by Mr Mortimer in 2011 after he returned from the Master course and his 4th Dan grading in Italy. The course and grading was run by 8th Dan Shihan G. Sahota
Shepshed school has a mix of grades from beginners to 3rd Dan Black belts.
Shepshed schoolis run on a Friday evening under the guidance of Sensei Mortimer who has 24 years experience in Shotokan Karate.
While you learn the 3 main disciplines of Karate :Khion, Kumite and Kata you will also gain:
Self Confidence Karate is one of the best builders of self confidence. Traditional Shotokan Karate training helps prepare a child for life, helping with issues such as bullying, the pressures of exams and the building of self esteem. Children like to perform, especially for the people they love and respect. With a little encouragement and support from the instructor, they will rise to the occasion and surprise themselves with their own achievements.
Etiquette Children are taught from the outset that Shotokan Karate is primarily a defensive and not an offensive martial art. Children learn how to be polite and respect their fellow students, instructor and parents.
Discipline A child’s concentration is enhanced if they learn to focus their mind on the job in hand, whether by learning a sequence of complicated techniques in Karate or by passing an exam in school. Many parents notice a marked improvement of concentration once Karate training has commenced.
Self Defence: Street violence, especially muggings, take place in every town in the country, and Shotokan Karate is an effective form of unarmed combat.
Health and Flexibility Shotokan Karate will help to improve your overall fitness and general wellbeing as well as help with mental health.
With regular training, flexibility and strength will improve.
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Mr G. Mortimer (4th Dan) has been training since 1996 under the guidance of Chief Instructor Shihan Sahota at his club in Kettering.
In June 2000 Mr Mortimer achieved the award of Shodan (1st Dan).
Within 17 years after being awarded his 1st Dan Mr Mortimer has achieved his
2nd Dan (Nidan) Oct 2002
3rd Dan (Sandan) Oct 2006
4th Dan (Yondan) Sept 2011
5th Dan (Godan) Oct 2017
Mr Mortimer has also competed in numerous competitions both National and his first International level when he was a Yellow belt against fellow karateka from South Africa and India this was held in Bletchley, Milton Keynes in 1997.
Over the years of competitions he has won 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in Kata, Kumite and Team Kata.
He has also attended master's courses held by Shihan Sahota in the UK, Italy (where he passed his 4th dan grading) and Dubai to further his development and understanding of Shotokan Karate.
Mr Mortimer is enhanced CRB checked and First Aid trained. TISKA is a member of the Governing Body
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Bow to Sensei (Teacher) as soon as you see him/her.
Be ready to start your lesson (Remove Socks, Shoes, Jackets - outside the Dojo).
Bow before you enter or leave the Dojo.
Students should address each other by Surname.
Line up in grade order, quickly and quietly.
If told to relax, straighten your Gi quickly and quietly.
If Sensei corrects you, you bow and respond "Oss Sensei".
Drinks or food should NOT be consumed in the Dojo.
At the end of the session, after the bow in your line, all students should approach Sensei for a final bow as a line of respect, as you do when you arrive for training.
"Hitotsu! Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuru Koto !" (One! To Strive For The Perfection of Character!)
"Hitotsu! Makoto No Michi O Mamoru Koto !" (One! To Defend The Paths Of Truth !)
"Hitotsu! Doryoku No Seishin O Yashinau Koto !" (One! To Foster The Spirit Of Effot !)
"Hitotsu! Reigi O Omonzuru Koto !" (One! To Honour The Principles of Etiquette !)
"Hitotsu! Kekki No Yu O Imashimuru Koto !" (One! To Guard Against Impetuous Courage !)
The Intermediate (Int) grade is for juniors under the age of 14 years, apart from the 1st Dan Intermediate grade, which is for Juniors and Seniors
Beginners | White Belt |
10th Kyu | Blue Belt |
9th Kyu | Red Belt |
8th Kyu | Orange Belt |
7th Kyu | Yellow Belt |
6th Kyu Int | Yellow with Green Tag |
6th Kyu | Green Belt |
5th Kyu Int | Green with Purple Tag |
5th Kyu | Purple Belt |
4th Kyu Int | Purple with White Tag |
4th Kyu | Purple/White Belt |
3rd Kyu Int | Purple/White with Brown Tag |
3rd Kyu | Brown Belt |
2nd Kyu Int | Brown with White Tag |
2nd Kyu | Brown/White Belt |
1st Kyu Int | Brown/White with Red Tag |
1st Kyu | Brown/Red Belt |
1st Dan Int | Brown/Black Belt |
1st Dan |
Black Belt |
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Shotokan Karate was founded by Gichin Funakoshi. (A man who is commonly referred to as "the father of modern-day Karate".)
Funakoshi had trained in both of the popular styles of Okinawan karate of the time: Shorei-ryu and Shorin-ryu. In addition to being a karate master, Funakoshi was an avid poet and philosopher who would reportedly go for long walks in the forest where he would meditate and write his poetry. Shotokan is named after Funakoshi's pen name, Shoto, which means "waving pines". Kan means training hall, or house, thus Shotokan referred to the "house of Shoto". This name was coined by Funakoshi's students when they posted a sign above the entrance of the hall at which Funakoshi taught reading "Shoto kan".
In 1955, the Japan Karate Association was established with Funakoshi as Chief Instructor. A handful of students and instructors that trained under Funakoshi passed their knowledge and experiance on to the continuing stream of prospective Karate-Kas. Funakoshi, is remembered as the master of Karate, he died in 1957 at the age of 88. Shotokan Karate is characterised by deep, strong stances and dynamic techniques.