Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Traditional Wado-Ryu Karate Classes in Horsham
Established in 1972, Horsham Karate Club (Samurai Enlighten Mushin Karate Academy) has been delivering traditional Wado-Ryu Karate instruction across Sussex for over five decades. Led by Chief Instructor Paul Elliott, an 8th Dan Shogo Kyoshi with extensive martial arts expertise, we provide structured classes for all ages and abilities. Our curriculum emphasizes core principles of discipline, respect, and personal development through physical literacy components like agility, balance, and coordination. Affiliated with the British Wado Federation, European Wado Federation, and International Wado Federation, we maintain rigorous standards in both technical instruction and instructor qualifications. All our instructors hold certifications in first aid, child protection, and specialized karate teaching methodologies.With multiple training locations across Horsham, Broadbridge Heath, Cranleigh, and Billingshurst, we offer flexible class schedules for children, adults, and competitive athletes. Our holistic approach combines martial arts training with mental resilience development, self-defence awareness, and traditional Japanese philosophical teachings. Through regular guest instructor workshops and competition participation opportunities, we ensure students receive comprehensive martial arts education that preserves authentic Wado-Ryu principles while remaining relevant to modern practitioners.
Services
Karate Classes
Tai Chi Instruction
Self-Defence Training
Competition Preparation
Children's Martial Arts
Adult Karate
Weapons Training
Meditation Practice
Pushing Hands Drills
Chi Kung Exercises
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 8th Dan Chief Instructor with 50+ years martial arts experience
- Fully certified instructors in child protection and first aid
- Affiliated with three international Wado-Ryu governing bodies
- Structured classes tailored to individual progression needs
- Proven track record in competitive karate success
Associations and certifications
- British Wado Federation
- European Wado Federation
- International Wado Federation
What people say
Expert instruction
Supportive community
Structured progression
Family-friendly environment
Competition opportunities
Services
Wado-Ryu Karate
Our Wado-Ryu Karate classes follow the authentic teachings of Master Hironori Ohtsuka. Students learn core techniques including blocking, countering, and striking through katas and practical drills. The curriculum develops physical attributes like speed, strength, and suppleness alongside mental discipline. Classes cater to all ages and abilities, with specific programs for children, adults, and competition training.
Tai Chi Instruction
Our Tai Chi classes teach Yang Style forms including the 24-form and Cheng Man Ching short form. Sessions focus on improving balance, coordination, and flexibility while incorporating meditation and breathing techniques. Students learn fundamental principles of movement, energy circulation, and gentle self-defence applications through structured practice of forms and pushing hands drills.
Self-Defence Training
Self-defence programs emphasize mental awareness as the primary defence mechanism. Students learn situational awareness, aggression management, and legal considerations alongside practical techniques. The curriculum includes response strategies for various scenarios, body language interpretation, and de-escalation tactics while maintaining compliance with UK self-defence laws.
Competition Preparation
We prepare students for British Wado Federation competitions through specialized kata and kumite training. The program develops competition-specific skills in forms demonstration and controlled sparring. Students receive guidance on tournament rules, scoring systems, and mental preparation while maintaining safety as the top priority during training sessions.
Children's Karate
Our children's karate program focuses on age-appropriate physical development and character building. Classes improve coordination, balance, and concentration while teaching respect, self-discipline, and etiquette. The curriculum uses merit badges and a colour belt system to track progress, with specialized exercises designed to maintain engagement and motivation for younger students.
People
Paul Elliott
Chief Instructor
8th Dan Shogo Kyoshi with 50+ years martial arts experience. Founded Horsham Karate Club in 1972 and holds multiple international instructor certifications. Specializes in Wado-Ryu Karate and Tai Chi instruction.
Ray Brown
5th Dan Instructor
5th Dan black belt with 20+ years teaching experience. Specializes in junior student development and competition preparation. Holds current instructor certifications in child protection and first aid.
Hayley Jeffries
3rd Dan Instructor
3rd Dan black belt with 15 years martial arts experience. Trains and teaches adults and juniors, with university-level martial arts leadership experience. Specializes in kata instruction and student motivation.
Julie Jeffries
3rd Dan Instructor
3rd Dan black belt who started training in 2010. Focuses on adult and junior instruction, emphasizing parent-child training benefits. Holds current instructor qualifications and child protection certifications.
Fallon Rayman
Guest Instructor
2nd Dan former EKF Kumite England Squad member with international competition experience. Provides specialist sparring instruction and competition training guidance to advanced students.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Wado-Ryu Karate and Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, both taught in their authentic forms with direct lineage to their founders.
Are there age restrictions for classes?
We offer classes for children aged 6+ and adults of all ages, with specialized programs tailored to different age groups and ability levels.
Can I try a class before committing?
Yes, we offer two free introductory lessons for all new students to experience our training environment and teaching methods.
What should I wear for my first class?
For your first session, wear loose comfortable clothing. We provide training uniforms for purchase after your initial trial period.
Do you offer competition training?
Yes, we provide structured competition preparation for British Wado Federation events, including kata and kumite training for all experience levels.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors hold current certifications in first aid, child protection, and specialized karate teaching methodologies through recognized governing bodies.
