Blackpool & Wyre Shotokan Karate Ryu.

                                                        International Japan Karate Association.

   Y.M.C.A. Poulton Community & Youth Centre, Breck Rd, Poulton, Lancs. Tel: 01253 895115 or Ron on:  01253 876995.

History of the Club:  The club has been founded the best part of 40yrs, the original instructor being Mr. Jack Green Sensei. There has always been a Japanese influence on the club originating with Kanazawa Shihan in the sixties to the present I.J.K.A. Ireland and European Master, Kato Sadashige Shihan. 8th. Dan.

Masters that have influenced the club in the last 10 yrs, have been the late ASAI KANCHO, KANAZAWA KANCHO. Our present Master  KATO SHIHAN, YAMAGUCHI SHIHAN, ABBE SHIHAN, KAGAWA SHIHAN and YAMADA SENSEI.   

The club motto is:  Kokon Muni No Michi.   (There is only one way). A Japanese Zen saying meaning, not only our way but the way of the Martial Disciplines. 

We aim to help people to come to terms with one's self in order to conquer the psychological and spiritual side of life. In fact Karate has the same aim as Yoga and some of the Chinese disciplines.

Getting rid of our self doubts and inadequacy through the Martial Arts.

Making sure that in this violent age you can 'survive' in the street.

To bring together all races, creeds and denominations without any barriers. The club aims to be non political in Karate terms and otherwise, and any visitors to the club are most welcome to train with us. 

To nurture an attitude of friendliness and respect between all Karate-Ka (practitioners) of Karate. There is also an exchange of information between members re: health, diet, treatment of injuries and other problems. We have in our club physical education teachers, physiotherapists and Chi-Kung teachers.

We also aim to get rid of some of the mystery that still surrounds some of the techniques of the Martial Arts. Also to put over to the student that there are in effect no secrets to Karate and the Martial Arts. All the techniques are in accordance with well-known scientific principles and most of it is simply hard work. In fact the Japanese principle of   PRACTISE,  PRACTISE and more PRACTISE

The club is non profit making and is run under the auspices of the Y.M.C.A. and all monies are returned ultimately in one form or another to the members. Some of the ways the money is returned are help given to members to go on courses, a monthly newsletter, and Karate magazines and Karate equipment.