HARPENDEN KARATE CLUB
Miranda’s karate blog
HARPENDEN JKA
The Karate Blog
Articles and stories expanding and exploring our favourite subject – the wonderful world of karate.
New karate student: Emily’s first grading
We catch up with Emily following her first grading, together with 13 of her fellow students at Harpenden JKA. You've just completed your first karate grading - exciting? Well ... yes, but the thought of standing up in front of the examining Senseis, and a largish...
New karate student: Emily’s first few months training
Birmingham-born Emily is a PhD student, currently based at Rothamsted Research. She joined Harpenden JKA in September as a new karate student and this is how she's getting on.You've just started training as a new karate student - how's that going for you? I'm enjoying...
Karate Kicks with Sensei Dave Paulus
Sensei Dave Paulus is a great friend of Harpenden JKA. A 5th dan, with his own club (Yushikai Karate Academy) in Billericay, he's a skilled and experienced instructor. He's also awesome at karate kicks. Which is why I asked him to run a special 2 hour course dedicated...
Karate, kids and exercise
Exercise improves health - we all know that. Trouble is, that's a really boring thought for adults let alone youngsters, especially if you really don't like exercise. Kids and exercise is the hot health topic. If we don't get them into the habit of moving around more,...
Karate and mental health benefits – it’s a no-brainer
Did you know there are strong, positive links between karate and mental health? Apart from the obvious self-defence and physical health benefits, karate training is extremely good for both your brain and your mind. As a fitness enthusiast (understatement of the...
Proper karate or just looking pretty?
Sensei Adel Ismail is famous for asking his students this question! It's all part of his no-nonsense approach to karate combined with a great sense of fun. We experienced this winning combo first hand during his 3 hour masterclass at De Havilland Campus Sports Centre...