Member Testimonials

A special place

“For anyone looking into the club it is great, its welcoming and they help people not just in karate. They are kind and considerate especially the instructors.

I’ve been to a lot of clubs from different martial arts, most are not inclusive and just want money. This club ranks up with my old judo club in Miles Platting and Higher Openshaw in the 1980s under Sensis Leo and the late Pat Horrocks. It has the same ethos and community spirit which is lacking these days. In fact, it ranks higher and I would not say this lightly as Leo’s club was also a very special place.

Cherish it as this club is a special place.”

DS

I miss the club so much

“After seeing your posts recently, it has made me realise how much I love karate (yes, still love, present tense). I miss the club so much and even though I’m in Ireland the next two and a half years to finish my degree, part of me still wishes I could come to the club and attend training like I use to.

I am so grateful that I took up karate because I have actually had to use it during my time at uni, while technique wasn’t perfect and I was very rusty, it worked and I am so grateful for having had karate. I have had the chance to take it up at uni but haven’t done so, KSD is where I learned karate and in my heart, it will always stay that way.

One thing karate taught me and is something I have applied is if you get knocked down 10 times, rise 11. I remember doing that when Eric knocked me down continuous times and I chose to rise each time, that lesson helped me get to uni. When my Nana died and I chose to not give up and get the grades to get to Ireland. Thank you for instilling those lessons into me.

I wish you and the club all the best  and wish to one day take up karate again in your dojo.

OOOOUUUUUSSSSS! Thank you.”

Member currently studying at university

KSD – a second family

“I am just popping up out of no-where to say thank you.

I kind of just disappeared out of the blue to a few different foster placements in a short period of time, and so never really had the time to say bye or thank you to anyone, but I just wanted to say thank you, as a way of letting you know the three years I spent at the dojo, I learnt a lot, not just ways of protecting myself in the street, but appreciation for myself and others, and appreciation for what I have, it taught me gratitude and respect, and that even respecting people younger than you is very important when they have more experience.

The dojo was always a second family to me, and was always in my corner through everything that happened, and I never had the chance to properly thank you, so I am now, and the skills I was lucky enough to learn from a place of encouraging to bring out the best in people and I am thankful for every minute I spent there, and thankful for all the time you put in for the private lessons I had also.

Thank you.”

Former member

A Sensei who truly cares

“Awesome preparation from a Sensei who truly cares about the students and their welfare. The Karate instruction is second to NONE.”

A response to the safety measures we have in place post-Covid

Can’t wait for the next class

“Just wanted to say thanks to you and the team. I will admit to being nervous about the kids returning to class but you’ve done a great job of getting everything put into place safely – I know it can’t have been easy! The boys loved it tonight and can’t wait for the next class.”

Nervous parent post-Covid

A must go destination for your children

“The embodiment of old school karateka utilising the spirit of Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa, Japan), mixed with a modern approach exists in the Ken Shu Dojo Karate Club. The success of this dojo is due to the hard work of Sensei Daz Barber 6th Dan and his vision to pass on his knowledge and experiences to new generations (and old ones).

The dojo covers all aspect of kihon, kata, kumite and conditioning with a major focus on Dojo Kun (respect). A must go destination for your children to understand and learn respect, self-defence and discipline, and adults to train in a professional environment that aims to show true martial arts.

KSD Karate Club in a not-for-profit organisation (not like many McDojo’s), whose mission is to provide a place to go in the heart of the community.”

Adult member

A genuine love for the art

“If you’re looking for a good honest karate club that have a genuine love for the art and what they do then do yourself a favour and get on over to KSD, you wont be sorry.”

Adult member

Great teaching staff

“Great environment and perfect for anyone who’s determined, focused and willing to put in their all to get as much as possible. Great teaching staff and always a laugh, perfect for anyone new to the sport or of a senior grade.

Thank you so much.”

Adult member

Affordable karate

“Very nice place for kids to learn self defence and karate, staff are very nice and helpful. Prices are also affordable, if i compare it with other local karate centres then this one is cheap in price. My kids learn a lot from here.”

Parent

Making lockdown more bearable

“You guys deserve a medal for the way you have taken the club and all us members through this pandemic. The regular live lessons, homework and members content have kept us all fit, active and sane. You have made our enforced lockdown so much more bearable. I can’t thank you enough.”

Covid lockdown comment from a member