A NEW Karate club has opened in Abergavenny to specifically cater for families and kids at parent friendly times.

Kokoro meets twice weekly at the Abergavenny Community Centre setup and is led by Sensei Ashley Conlan who has been studying martial arts for over 30 years.

Ashley started martial arts when he was a student at university. Upon graduation he went to work in Japan, where he studied Iai-do, achieving 2nd Dan as a closed student of Yamaguchi Katsuo, a world-renowned leader in the swords arts of Japan. Ashley was the only second foreign student to ever have trained under this master. After a brief time studying Goju Ryu Karate in Japan he returned with his Japanese wife to the UK. He studied Wado Ryu Karate with Shihan Ritchie Noblett reaching 1st Kyu. After moving to Abergavenny he again changed Karate styles, to Shotokan and for 10 years trained under Sensei Ken Whittington. During this time he was awarded his shodan under JKAe. After 30 years studying Budo he looks forward to the future of opening the first HDKI Karate club in Wales.

Ashley said he set up the club because of a lack of clubs catered specifically to families and kids in Abergavenny (and at parent friendly times!). The beginner’s class runs from 6-7pm every Wednesday.

Ashley explained, “Karate is for everyone but its especially beneficial for kids! The benefits of martial arts training don’t stop in the dojo. A boost in confidence, increased fitness levels and self-discipline will also help your child navigate the academic and social aspects of school, effect their behavior at home and have an all-around good influence as they develop into an adult.”

And for anyone concerned about the dangers of Karate, Ashley added, “This is a major misconception. We practice Karate in a safe, controlled environment. There is no contact, and all the blows are aimed at a distance from the training partner. It actually takes more skill to stop a punch before it makes contact. Accidents are very rare, much less than in mainstream sports.”

Ashley also stresses that another misconception about karate is you need to be fit and athletic to participate.

“That’s absolutely not true,” revealed Ashley. “If you are overweight, uncoordinated, inflexible, lacking self-confidence or self discipline, you may actually have the most to gain by training. Results should not be expected overnight, but regular training will lead to improvement. Nothing of real value is ever obtained with ease.”

For those interested, Kokoro’s trial program consists of two weeks of free lessons (two classes). Interested parties should turn up at the 6pm Wednesday class or email them on [email protected] with any questions.

Pictured is the club’s youngest member - Alanah Velarde-Reese (Orange Belt).