Since Karate Wales was formed more than a decade ago, with Vale Karate being a founding member, many Shotokan clubs have joined the Karate Wales Governing Body as an independent group, (Vale Karate included)
However, there has always been a sense of isolation through each club working independently.
Over the years, this has led to a reduction in the support infrastructure that a typical association would offer.
With that in mind, three of the most reputable, long standing and successful Shotokan clubs in Wales have decided to take a proactive step forward to improve this situation.
It is therefore my great pleasure to announce that Vale Karate will be joining forces with Koryu Karate and Zentai to create a new Shotokan association…. “Shotokan Karate Cymru”
Our clubs and students will benefit enormously from an alliance with friendly, like-minded and reputable groups like Koryu and Zentai. The sense of being part of ‘something bigger’ cannot be overlooked and will inevitably help to promote Shotokan Karate and strengthen our position in Wales.
On a personal note, it is a great privilege to be working alongside very good friends of mine and Welsh Shotokan legends Sensei’s Lyn and Kay Powell and one of the finest Shotokan instructors I’ve come across, Carl Peckham.
We are also in the fortunate situation in having former European and World Champions Leah & Luke Howard with us and a great all-rounder in Richard Powell!
So, what does this mean for us….
We have all spent many years building and maintaining positive reputations for our clubs, so it is important that we do not lose our identity as Vale Karate.
We will also remain an active member of Karate Wales Governing Body.
However, Shotokan Karate Cymru will undoubtedly bring our club members closer together by offering an additional layer of support, training and opportunities from within the association. For example, we will hold our own competitive training sessions, and development courses for everyone, not just our competitors. With the talented, knowledgeable and experienced Karate-ka within our groups, why wouldn’t we take advantage of this?
This alliance also provides a platform to work closer together competitively, forming our own Shotokan Karate Cymru squad. This allows our groups to pool our resources, and bring together some of the finest competitors, coaches and officials Wales has to offer. More details on this to follow….
Breaking tradition from the hierarchical structure of most organisations, it has been agreed that the founding members, myself, Carl Peckham, Lyn and Kay Powell will remain equal partners of Shotokan Karate Cymru. This decision has been based on the mutual respect we hold for each other personally and as Karate-ka. More importantly, that we all have an equal responsibility to promote Shotokan Karate Cymru for the collective growth & development of our students and the future of Shotokan Karate in Wales
It goes without saying, we all want what is best for our students, so these decisions are never taken lightly. However, I am confident that this is a step in the right direction. These are very exciting times for Vale Karate, and I can only see positive things emerging from our alliance with Koryu and Zentai.
I am sure there will be many questions, so please do not hesitate to reach out.
Please join us in the next chapter….. Shotokan Karate Cymru!