Wado-Ryu Karate in Horsham West Sussex

29/07/2026

HORSHAM KARATE CLUB – SUMMER TRAINING VENUE
Our Summer Training Sessions will be held at the Scouts Hut throughout the summer holidays.
Whether you're an existing student wanting to keep your training going or someone who has always wanted to try karate, we'd love to welcome you.
New beginners are welcome
Friendly, traditional Wado-Ryu Karate
Children, juniors and adults
Qualified, experienced instructors
Venue:
Scouts Hut
Swindon Road
Horsham
West Sussex RH12 2HF
To book a free taster session contact Paul Elliott 8th Dan 07778058482 [email protected]

07/06/2026

Today we held an excellent SEMKA/BWF Kata Course attended by 20 dedicated students who spent the day exploring the deeper principles and applications contained within some of Wado-Ryu's most important kata.
The course examined in great detail:
• Naihanchi Kata
• Seishan Kata
• Tensho Kata
• Rohai Kata
Students studied the traditional Wado principles contained within these kata, including body movement, tai sabaki, kuzushi, centre-line control, timing, distancing, relaxation, power generation, and the health, skill-development, and internal energy aspects hidden within the forms.
A special highlight of the day was the presentation of 4th Dan certificates to two outstanding members of our association:
🎖️ Julie Jeffries was present to receive her certificate in person.
🎖️ Hayley Jeffries, who is currently living and teaching English in Japan, joined us online and was presented with her certificate via the internet, allowing everyone on the course to share in this special occasion.
We were also delighted to welcome a group of eight students who travelled from Rochester under the instruction of Phill Shepherd. Their commitment to making the journey and contributing to the course was greatly appreciated and added to the positive training atmosphere throughout the day.
Both Julie and Hayley have demonstrated many years of dedication, commitment, and service to Wado-Ryu Karate-Do, and their promotion to 4th Dan is a well-deserved recognition of their technical ability, teaching skills, and contribution to the art.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the course such a success. The enthusiasm, hard work, and willingness to explore the deeper principles of Wado-Ryu created a fantastic learning environment. It was particularly encouraging to see students from different clubs training together, sharing ideas, and preserving the traditional principles of Wado-Ryu Karate-Do.
Congratulations once again to Julie and Hayley on their 4th Dan promotions and thank you to Phill Shepherd and his students for their support and attendance.
Paul Elliott
8th Dan Kyoshi
Chief Instructor, SEMKA
Chairman, British Wado Federation (BWF)
Senior Director, International Wado Federation (IWF) 🥋

03/06/2026

05/03/2026

🥋 KARATE CLASSES IN HORSHAM – ADULTS & CHILDREN WELCOME 🥋
Build Fitness • Confidence • Self-Defence

Thinking about learning Karate but worried you might be too old, unfit, or inexperienced?

Most of our adult students started exactly the same way.

Our friendly classes help you:

✔ Improve fitness and flexibility
✔ Learn practical self-defence
✔ Reduce stress and improve focus
✔ Build confidence and discipline
✔ Become part of a supportive club community

You don’t need to be fit or experienced to begin — just take the first step.

👨‍🏫 Instructor
Sensei Paul Elliott – 8th Dan Kyoshi
Over 50 years martial arts experience

Teaching traditional Wado-Ryu Karate in Horsham.

📍 Tanbridge School Sports Hall
Farthings Hill, Guildford Road, Horsham RH12 1SR

Monday
👦 Juniors (Ages 7–11) – 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Tuesday
🥋 Beginners (Adults & Ages 12+) – 7:30 – 8:30 pm
🥋 Advanced – 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Thursday
🥋 Beginners (Adults & Ages 12+) – 7:30 – 8:30 pm
🥋 Advanced – 7:30 – 9:30 pm

📍 Swindon Road Scout Hut
Swindon Road, Horsham RH12 2HF

Wednesday
👦 Juniors (Ages 6–11) – 5:00 – 6:00 pm

⭐ Why join our club?

• Friendly and welcoming atmosphere
• Beginners start together – no pressure
• Improve health, balance and coordination
• Learn authentic Japanese Karate
• Suitable for adults and children

📞 Contact Paul to book your first class

📱 07778 058 482
📧 [email protected]

New members always welcome.

08/01/2026

Start the New Year Strong with Wado-Ryu Karate
For Juniors & Seniors – Beginners Welcome
Looking for a positive, confidence-building activity for the New Year?
Wado-Ryu Karate offers a traditional yet modern martial art suitable for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors of all abilities.
Why Wado-Ryu Karate?
🥋 Develop confidence & discipline
💪 Improve fitness, balance & coordination
🧠 Enhance focus, self-control & resilience
🛡️ Learn practical self-protection skills
🤝 Train in a friendly, supportive environment
Wado-Ryu is known for its natural movement, timing, and efficiency, making it ideal for both young beginners and older students returning to or starting martial arts later in life.
What We Offer
Junior & Senior classes
Structured syllabus & clear progression
Safe, traditional teaching with modern understanding
Emphasis on respect, posture, movement & personal development
No previous experience required
New Year Taster Sessions Available
Start with a free or low-cost taster session and see if Wado-Ryu Karate is right for you or your child.
📍 Local classes
📅 January start
👕 Just wear loose clothing for your first session
Train with an Experienced Instructor
Classes are taught by Paul Elliott,
8th Dan Kyoshi – Wado-Ryu Karate
📞 Contact: 07778 058482
📧 Email: [email protected]
Build confidence. Improve fitness. Learn a traditional martial art.
Make this New Year the start of your Wado-Ryu journey.

02/01/2026

SEMKA End of Year Course & Awards – 14th December 2025
The SEMKA End of Year Course, held on Sunday 14th December 2025, marked an excellent conclusion to the training year and was very well received by all those in attendance.
The course was led by Paul Elliott, 8th Dan Kyoshi, who delivered an in-depth and practical session focusing on wrist locks, unbalancing (kuzushi), and body control, all drawn directly from the core principles of Wado-ryu Karate.
Throughout the session, students were shown how effective control techniques do not rely on strength, but instead on:
Correct tai-sabaki (body movement)
Precise timing and angle
Subtle off-balancing
Efficient use of centre and posture
Particular emphasis was placed on how wrist locks naturally arise from Wado-ryu movement, rather than being forced techniques. Students explored how unbalancing an opponent first makes locks, controls, and follow-up techniques both safer and more effective — a key concept within Wado-ryu’s jujutsu heritage.
The course was suitable for all grades, with techniques adapted progressively so that everyone could benefit, from junior kyu grades through to senior students. The relaxed but focused atmosphere encouraged learning, questioning, and refinement of detail, reflecting the spirit of Wado-ryu training.
End of Year Awards
At the conclusion of the course, End of Year Awards were presented to a number of students in recognition of their commitment, improvement, attitude, and consistency throughout 2025. These awards highlighted not only technical progress, but also dedication to training, respect, and support of fellow students.
The presentation provided a positive and motivational end to the year, celebrating the hard work shown across the SEMKA Karate group.
The SEMKA End of Year Course once again demonstrated the depth and practicality of Wado-ryu Karate and provided an excellent opportunity for reflection, learning, and recognition before the festive break.
Well done to all students who attended, and congratulations to those who received awards.

07/12/2025

Well done to all the students who graded today, Sunday 7th December, with the SEMKA Karate group.
Everyone worked extremely hard and demonstrated good spirit, focus, and technical improvement throughout the grading. I’m very pleased to announce that we now have new 8th Kyu, 7th Kyu, 6th Kyu, 5th Kyu, and 3rd Kyu students in the dojo.
Each of you should be proud of your achievement. Every grade earned reflects dedication, consistent training, and respect for the traditions of Wado-Ryu. Keep practising and continue progressing towards your next level.
Congratulations to you all.

04/12/2025

🎉 SEMKA End-of-Year Dan Grading Results – 30 November 2025 🎉
A huge well done to everyone who took part in our Dan Grading this weekend. It was a fantastic day showcasing dedication, spirit, and true SEMKA determination.
Grading Panel:
• Kyoshi Paul Elliott – 8th Dan
• Renshi Roger Ingebrigtsen – 6th Dan (Invited Guest Examiner, Norway)
• Sensei Ray Brown – 5th Dan
• Sensei Julie Jeffries – 3rd Dan
We are very proud to announce that three students successfully achieved their 1st Dan Black Belt! 🥋
A brilliant achievement and a testament to their hard work and commitment.
👏 Congratulations to our new Shodans!
This is just the beginning of the next stage in your martial arts journey.
Thank you to all students, parents, and instructors for your support throughout the year. SEMKA continues to grow in strength because of you.
⭐ Well done everyone — onwards to 2026! ⭐

29/08/2025

Horsham Karate Club — Free Taster Sessions!
Discover confidence, focus, and fitness with friendly, structured Wado-Ryu Karate classes in Horsham. Beginners welcome—no experience or uniform needed for your taster!
Venues & Times (Horsham)
Tanbridge School Sports Hall Gym
Tanbridge School, Farthings Hill, Guildford Road, Horsham, Sussex, RH12 1SR
Monday: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. — Juniors (ages 7–11)
Tuesday: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Beginners (ages 12+)
(Advanced: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Thursday: 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Beginners (ages 12+)
(Advanced: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.)
Scout Hut
Swindon Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2HF
Wednesday: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Juniors (ages 6–11)
Why Train with Us?
Clear, step-by-step instructions in traditional Wado-Ryu Karate
Build strength, coordination, discipline, and confidence
Friendly club atmosphere with structured progression
Chief Instructor: Paul Elliott, 8th Dan
Book your FREE taster:
📞 07778 058482
✉️ [email protected]