LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
OKINAWAN SHORIN-RYU KARATE TRAINING SESSIONS COMING TO READING SOON!

Under the Sports Project, IMAAD will be supporting a new branch of the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate club in Reading. We would like to know if you are interested in attending the training sessions.

The club is still under development, but the hope is that training sessions will be made available in the next few months, subject to funding decisions.

This new and all-encompassing martial art club will be held in Reading (venue TBC) and will run on either Friday night, Saturday or Sunday for approximately 1½ to 2 hours. As this is a new project under Imaad, we will initially be aiming at the adult group (16 years plus) with view to holding sessions for children and older adults should demand allow it.

About the club
The basic premise of the club is to teach people ways to protect themselves on the street. The club also indirectly improves self-confidence and health as there is a direct focus on improving fitness, stamina and flexibility.

You may have noted in previous editions of the IMAAD newsletter what specific techniques the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate style covers. Here is a brief recap of techniques the club will cover:

· Self-defence
· General fitness (stamina, flexibility and strength)
· Kicking
· Punching
· Leg and arm blocking
· Sequences/patterns of kicks, punches and blocks, known as kata
· Sparring
· Basic Tai-chi
· Occasional sessions of Shiatsu massaging

NB:- This club’s focus is on individual improvement and will not be run as a competition-based club. However, opportunities to progress to higher belt levels will be held regularly.

· All abilities and experiences are very welcome, including absolute beginners.
· An annual membership fee of £15 will be required.
· An annual insurance fee will be required (amount TBC, but at the Southampton club insurance is £10).
· Sessions will cost £2 per session for members and £3 for non-members.

· There will be one session a week initially.
· All equipment (e.g. punching gloves, kicking pads etc) will be provided.
· Students will be expected to purchase their own uniform or gui (can be arranged through the club).
· The venue will be easy to get to by public transport, but will also have car parking.

Training will be led by Principle instructor, Ali Taner (3rd Dan), and junior instructor, Shabnam Khan (3rd Kyu). The Southampton club’s instructor, Stephen Chan (1st Dan) may also occasionally teach. The club is open to all young adults and will be taught in a Muslim-sensitive environment.

If you are interested in attending this new and exciting club that will teach you the necessary skills to protect yourself in the street, please submit your CONTACT DETAILS (name, email and telephone number) to karate@imaad.org and we will let you know more details of the club as and when we arrange them.

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