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Kancho Kanazawa poster promoting may 10th event
General
Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa to Lead First Training Course at Kobushi Karate Club

Kobushi Karate Club is proud to announce that Kancho Nobuaki Kanazawa 8th Dan will be leading his first-ever training course in Bamber Bridge on Sunday 10 May 2026, hosted at Kobushi Karate Club. The event marks a significant moment for karate practitioners across the region and forms a key part of Kobushi Karate Club’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

The course will be delivered under the banner of the Shotokan Karate Kanazawa-Ryu International Federation (SKKIF), one of the world’s most respected karate organisations and internationally recognised for preserving the principles of traditional Shotokan karate.

This special course is open to all karate associations, reflecting Kobushi’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity and the sharing of traditional karate knowledge. Karateka of all backgrounds are welcome to attend, regardless of affiliation, although places are limited and filling quickly.

Kobushi Karate Club, based in Bamber Bridge, has built a strong reputation over four decades for high-quality instruction, community spirit and close ties to SKIF. Hosting Kancho Kanazawa in Bamber Bridge is seen as a milestone event not only for the club, but for the wider regional karate community.

Chief Instructors of Kobushi Karate Club, Joanne  and Andrew Titterington, highlighted the importance of the course as part of the club’s anniversary year:

“We are incredibly proud to welcome Kancho Kanazawa to Preston as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations. Opportunities like this are invaluable for karate practitioners, and it reflects how far Kobushi has come over the last four decades. Opening the course to all associations is very important to us — karate is about learning, respect and coming together as a family.”

The training course will focus on traditional Shotokan karate principles, offering participants the chance to deepen their technical understanding, refine fundamentals, and experience instruction rooted firmly in SKKIF teachings. Events of this nature also provide a rare opportunity for practitioners to train alongside karateka from different clubs and styles, strengthening connections across the martial arts community.

As Kobushi Karate Club celebrates its 40th birthday in 2026, the Kancho Kanazawa course stands out as one of the flagship events in an anniversary year that also includes social celebrations and charity fundraising. The club continues to honour its founding values while creating memorable experiences for current and future members.

With limited spaces remaining, early interest has been strong, and attendees are encouraged to secure their place as soon as possible.

For further details about the Kancho Kanazawa training course, including booking information, interested participants should contact Kobushi Karate Club via its Facebook page or by email a11dyt@googlemail.com.

This landmark event promises to be a highlight of the karate calendar in Preston and a fitting celebration of 40 years of Kobushi Karate Club.

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mixed flavoured smarties
General
Smartie Challenge for March

As continued charity fundraising efforts, March Challenge is to fill an empty Smartie container with money collected to raise funds for JP8, the person collecting the most money will receive a FREE KARATE LESSON!

As part of Kobushi Karate Clubs 40th Anniversary through 2026 the club have a planned range of celebrations and activities, highlighting the clubs strong bond within the community and charity commitments.

Want to find out more about our club come on down to our training at Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre Tuesday or Thursday from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. We are open for new members of all abilities, beginners or returning students, aged 6 and over. FIRST LESSON FREE

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General
Kobushi Karate Club Bamber Bridge Celebrates 40 Years with Fundraising Challenges for JP8 Charity.

Kobushi Karate Club Bamber Bridge is celebrating a major milestone in 2026, marking 40 years as a community karate club, by launching a year-long fundraising effort in support of JP8 Charity.

Throughout February, the club is kicking off its fundraising with a fun and inclusive challenge: collecting 2p coins with the aim of lining them up side by side to cover the full perimeter of the karate club. Every 2p donated brings the club closer to its goal, and all contributions—no matter how small—are warmly welcomed.

The fundraising initiative reflects the club’s long-standing commitment not only to martial arts training, but also to giving back to the local community. Funds raised during the year will go towards supporting the valuable work of JP8 Charity.

Kobushi Karate Club trains every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm and is open to new members aged 6 and over, welcoming beginners and experienced martial artists alike.

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General
Our new Site is Live

Welcome to Kobushi Karate, your online resource for all things Karate! Whether you’re a seasoned black belt or just starting your martial arts journey, we’re here to provide you with valuable resources, inspiration, and a supportive community. Discover expert training tips, find local classes, and connect with fellow Karate enthusiasts that are here in Preston Lancashire.

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Kihon
Unleash your Inner Power

Karate, a centuries-old martial art, offers a plethora of benefits beyond self-defense. It’s a comprehensive training system that combines physical fitness, mental discipline, and character development.

Physical Benefits:

  • Enhanced Fitness: Karate is a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination.
  • Improved Posture: Regular practice helps develop good posture, preventing back pain and improving overall physical appearance.
  • Stress Relief: The physical exertion and focus required in karate training can be a great stress reliever.

Mental Benefits:

  • Increased Focus: Karate demands concentration and attention to detail, improving your ability to stay focused in other areas of life.
  • Boosted Confidence: As you progress in karate, you’ll gain confidence in your abilities and overcome challenges.
  • Self-Discipline: Karate instills discipline and self-control, valuable traits that can be applied to all aspects of life.

Character Benefits:

  • Respect: Karate emphasizes respect for others, including instructors, fellow students, and opponents.
  • Patience: Learning karate requires patience and perseverance, as progress is often gradual.
  • Humility: Karate teaches humility, recognizing that there’s always more to learn and that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

Whether you’re looking to improve your physical fitness, develop mental discipline, or build character, karate offers a rewarding and empowering journey.

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General
A Brief History of Karate

Karate is said to have originated with Bodhidharma an Indian Buddhist monk. Bodhidharma travelled to the lands of the Liang Dynasty in China around 1,400 years ago, a very far and challenging journey across towering mountains, dark valleys and mighty rivers.

It was whilst in China he lectured Emperor Wu of Liang about Buddhism and whilst there spent nine years gazing at a wall in meditation in a Shaolin monastery in Henan Province. After his death, Bodhidharma is said to have been burried at the foot of Bear Ear Mountain. Some time later temple priests were carrying out repairs, discovered an engraved chest at the site of the wall that Bodhidharma had spent nine years gazing.

In the chest were two texts:

  • The Marrow Cleansing Sutra ( cleansing of the mind, so its true light may shine )
  • The Muscle Modifying Sutra ( refers to the training of the body to achieve exceptionally strong sinews )

In Karate, there are two styles of Shorin-ryu ( Shorinji-ryu ) and Shorei-ryu. Each of these two styles has its own distinctive character. Shorei-ryu adopted the text of the Muscle Modifying Sutra, whilst Shorei-ryu places emphasis on the spirit.

It was whilst Bodhidharma was teaching his students that he realised the path to enlightenment neccessitated training to cultivate physical and mental fortitude. It takes an iron mind to forge an iron body and through toughing ones body informs the mind. It was at this point that Karate was born.

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