In January 2023 we opened the doors to Herts KDS Stevenage dojo. We had no idea it would build into the strong community club we see today.
Bringing strangers together in a safe and enjoyable environment; Challenging each other to improve our skills, fitness and strength. It’s our pleasure to watch as instructors, and a credit to the students for their commitment and hard work.
Originally an off shoot of the University of Hertfordshire UHKDS club, Herts KDS (based still in Tyttenhanger) was set up initially to develop the local Instructor group by Ali Woodward and Steve Hearson and for many years instruction was also provided by Simon (Beardie) Anderson.
With the opening of a 3rd adult club in Bushey in late 2024, it now practises in 3 locations (Tyttenhanger and Great Ashby, Stevenage and Bushey) and welcomes new members of all experience levels by arrangement for either or both venues.
There is a sister club for children in Aston near Stevenage (see separate club page), Herts KDS clubs cater for those 17 and up.
Please contact Phil Halsall at [email protected].
Getting started
If you want to try Karate Do Shotokai, your first lesson is completely free.
It is helpful to know in advance if you are going to visit us, so we can welcome you on the day.
We work hard, but our practice is friendly and informal. Many of our new members are either new to karate entirely, some have trained in other styles.
What happens during a practice
All you need for your first lesson are some sports (or loose) clothes, and a bottle of water.
Normally, we start the session with a 20 minute warm up (a mix of cardio and stretches). Don’t worry if you’re not very flexible or haven’t done exercise for a while, you can take the session as slowly as you need to. You’ll find it gets easier after each session!
The remainder of the session varies each week. We learn kata (learn more about kata), kumite (sparring), and practise how to move, defend, and attack through a variety of techniques. We don’t specifically run beginner’s classes, as our sessions can cater for both new people as well as graded members. The club has instructors who will take you through the stages of each training session.
Do let us know if there is anything that might affect your warm up and practice.
At the end of the session, we try to spend 5 minutes stretching the muscles we’ve used.
Instructors
James Barry, 3rd Dan
DBS; 1st Aid, SG.
Phil Halsall, 2nd Dan
DBS; 1st Aid FAW, SG.
Richard Plaskow, 1st Dan
DBS, 1st Aid, SG.
Training times
Tuesday – Great Ashby Community Centre
19:30 – 21:30
Wednesday – Charles Morris Hall
19:30 – 21:00
Thursday – St. Peters Parish Hall
19:30 – 21:00
Locations
Tuesday
Great Ashby Community Centre
White Horse Lane
Stevenage
Hertsfordshire
SG1 6NH
Wednesday
Charles Morris Hall
Tyttenhanger Green
St. Albans
Herts,
AL4 0RN
Thursday
St. Peters Parish Hall
Bushey
Watford
Hertsmere
WD23 1EA
Offers
Blue Light Card offer
Open to age 17+
1st session free
Free karate kit (worth £25) for the first 10 members
Membership per year - £25 (worth £50)
Training cost per month - £25 (2 hours a week)
