EARLIER this month karate practitioners travelled from all over England and Wales to meet and train with local karateka in the Abergavenny Leisure centre.

The training was conducted by one of the world’s leading Karate Sensei Mr Ohta, a professional instructor from Japan who now lives in London.

The training course and grading was arranged by the Abergavenny Shotokan karate club in order to mark the creation of the Welsh branch of a karate organisation called JKA ( Japan Karate Association ) Wales.

The JKA is the oldest and largest karate organisation in the world, is based in Tokyo, Japan and has branches throughout the world.

JKA Wales is now recognised as the official representative for Wales to the JKA World Federation organisation.

Abergavenny Karate Club also has the honour of being the “Hombu Dojo” ( central club ) for the JKA in Wales. This is a prestigious honour for all the members of the club who all live in and around Abergavenny.

The three hour training session consisted of karate Kihon ( basic movements), Kumite ( sparring methods ), and Kata ( techniques directed in multiple directions ).

This was then followed by a Dan (black belt) test for a few of the participants.

Abergavenny Karate Club is proud of its role as the representative for the JKA in Wales and looks forward to welcoming any enquiries from anyone who is interested in this fascinating martial art.

All are welcome from age 7 - 70. You don’t have to be fit and supple! All can learn at their own pace. The club meets at the school gym opposite the entrance to Abergavenny leisure centre on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm. More details can be found on their Facebook and the website site.