Karate in Richmond & Twickenham

Welcome to the website for Tora Karate - traditional Shotokan Karate classes in Twickenham, West London. Our aim is the teaching of traditional Shotokan karate and self-defence. At Tora, equal value is placed upon every individual, regardless of age, ability or gender. The first few sessions are free, so what are you waiting for? Come along and say hello - all are welcome!

Location

Our training sessions are held at St. Mary's University in Twickenham, in the Performance Hall (in the sports facility building). There is ample parking and there is also a café onsite.

St Mary's University College, Waldegrave Road, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 4SX

Training Times

Friday: 18:30 to 20:00
Sunday: 09:30 to 11:00

Membership

Membership of Tora Karate Kodo Kai (Tora Karate Academy) is open to those aged 8 years and upwards. You will need to fill out a membership form and abide by our code of conduct. Regular training is both necessary and enjoyable. Tora Kodo Karate Kai has a welcoming atmosphere. You will find families as well as individuals training with us from the local communities around Mortlake, Teddington, Kingston, Hampton, Sunbury, Feltham, Hanworth, Hounslow, and Isleworth. As well as those coming from other areas of Surrey and Middlesex.

Children & Karate

At Tora Kodo Karate Kai, we teach the martial art of Shotokan Karate which is well suited to children as well as adults. Children can quickly and easily master the basic techniques which in turn increases their motivation to continue and improve.

There are numerous benefits for children who study martial arts and the structured learning programme instils self-discipline, self-esteem and a level of commitment which can be beneficial in everyday life. Children are taught from the outset that Karate is a defensive not offensive martial art and to only use their skills in self-defence. Traditional Shotokan Karate-do helps to prepare children for life, through their training they are taught respect, self-confidence and enhanced concentration.

We actively encourage parents and carers to come and watch lessons and we will gladly answer any questions that you have. You are also welcome to talk to our Child Protection Officer who will go through our Child Protection Policy with you.

Now come and join our Tribe.

News June 2019

We are now half way through what has been a busy year for us at Tora and we have seen many new members in joining us on their Karate journey.

We have also had the pleasure of watching members passing black belt gradings, some of who have been training with us for many years and congratulations go to:

Mike Lally 1st Dan

Kate Lally 1st Dan

Josie Lally 1st Dan

Ben Pethick 4th Dan

We will be holding kyu gradings in July and we will be notifying those who will be invited to grade soon.

Please remember that, although we make regular checks, it is your responsibility to make sure that your licence is in date. Also, remember to bring your gum shield and mitts to every session; without them you will not be allowed to take part in kumite drills, meaning you will miss out on sparring.

Tora Karate Team

News December 2018

As we approach the end of 2018 we can now look back over our year at Tora.

During year we have seen a lot of students join us, both beginners and advanced, who wish to travel on their karate path in our dojo. Many have graded or re-graded and have moved through the ranks.

We have hosted our annual competition with our friends from Crouching Tiger, this was, as always, a hard but very enjoyable competition. You could see the effort that everyone put in to their training leading up to the day.

Our Christmas lunch took place at our usual venue. It was great to see everyone having so much fun and the food was excellent. We all had time to relax and talk over many subjects, (karate being a big theme).

Our first session in the New Year will be on Sunday 6th January 2019.

As usual, we would like to thank everyone who is involved with Tora, the instructors, students and our loyal support group, you are all so important and without you our dojo would not be as good as it is.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Tora Karate Team

News March 2018

It is great to see all of our students coming along to train with us and it is a good sign that they are making progress and enjoying themselves. We have also seen many new students joining us at the beginning of the year. Many thanks to everyone for all of your effort which you put into karate, we appreciate your dedication and commitment. Just don’t forget to keep training hard and as often as you can.