The Chase Karate Clubs  TM  
Affiliated to the B.S.K.A. and BUDO of Great Britain


Current News and Events

Bournemouth, Poole & Verwood

 

THURSDAY 8th JUNE 2023

BREAKING NEWS - KNIFE ATTACK IN A CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA IN FRANCE

Some of you wonder why I'm so passionate about teaching Karate and self defence, and this is one of the many reasons that I do. I want you to be able to not only be stronger mentally and physically but able to defence yourself in various scenarios. You don't know what's around the corner for you, or for some nearby whom you don't even know. This horrendous knife attack on an adult and 4 children (2 and 3 year olds) some in pushchairs in the S.E. of France today. If you were there, what would or could you have done?

Information still coming out as it's breaking news.

Being ex-military and an expert in armed and un-armed combat, I teach many self defence techniques and specifically against a knife attack.

Be passionate about your Karate training. Tell your family and friends. Bring them along. It's time to really make the effort to lift this club to where it should be.

ALWAYS THINK OF ALL THE REASONS TO ATTEND KARATE CLASSES - NOT THE REASONS WHY YOU DID NOT !

THE ONLY TIME THAT YOU MAY REALLY APPRECIATE BEING FIT AND HEALTHY IS WHEN YOU'RE NOT!!

Karate is like hot water. If you do not give it constant heat, it will become cold-water - Gichin Funakoshi

HIGH STANDARDS

It's taken may years of hard work, for some of us to progress and reach a high standard in both physical and technical ability, in accordance with our own body limitations.

For others to follow, we must continue to work and train hard, demonstrating by example and attendance what is expected.

Dedication, concentration, control, patience, tolerance, understanding, etiquette and importantly respect.

I/we look forward to seeing you in class

 

 

28th November 2021 - BLACK BELT SUCCESSES

Congratulations to Tony Gent who graded to 4th Dan Black Belt and to Jonathan Rowbury who successfully graded to Black Belt 1st Dan in front of Senior instructors on Sunday 28th November 2021 at our St Aldhelms Branksome location.  It was a gruelling grading where Jonathan had to take the workout, show his teaching abilities, perform various difficult movements from the Black Belt Grading syllabus, advanced Kata, followed by Kumite/free-fighting. It was well supported by many members and it is hoped that they will not only be inspired but will encourage others and new members in the future.


 

28th March 2021 - OUTDOOR CLASSES BEGIN THIS WEEK :)

Saturday 3rd April and every Saturday thereafter (weather permitting) we commence our outdoor classes.
Along with our online classes every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday until we re-open our dojo's in May.

19th March 2021 - TWO WEEKS TO GO BEFORE OUTDOOR CLASSES

TWO WEEKS TO GO and we're planning our first outdoor class for Saturday 3rd April 2021. Details to be emailed to our members shortly. Our Wednesday, Friday and Sunday online classes will continue until we re-open our dojo's

 

22nd February 2021 - ENGLAND ROADMAP OUT OF LOCKDOWN

Further to PM Boris Johnson announcement last night and the up and coming easing of lockdown restrictions or Roadmap and my understanding for the returning to Contact Martial Arts

As always with everything COVID related, it’s really important we check, check and double-check again for these dates holding steady. Regular changes can occur based on available data presented to the Government.

29th March 2021 - Organised Outdoor Martial Arts Permitted (Adults & Children)
All being well, from 29th March 2021 organised outdoor sport will be permitted for both adults and children. This would include martial arts provided proper and full social distancing is enforced based on the prior definition issued by Government on organised sports. Crucially, there will be no limits to the numbers permitted within outdoor classes. We're awaiting clarity but it appears children may be exempt from the requirement to train outdoors only.

This would be weather dependent, the finding of a suitable time and location and enough interest !
Say one class a week as well as our online classes! OR would you prefer to wait until our locations are re-open?
PLEASE LET ME KNOW?

12th April 2021 - Indoor Gyms & Leisure Centres Re-Open
At least 5 weeks after Step 1 and no earlier than 12th April, indoor leisure (including gyms) will be open for use individually or within household groups. There will still be restrictions on the rule of 6 and households will not be able to mix, so it seems unlikely organised sport will be able to resume with larger, more traditional indoor martial arts sessions at this stage. Outdoor classes without limits on students can continue.

17th May 2021 - Indoor Martial Arts Resumes
At least 5 weeks after Step 2 and no earlier than 17th May, organised indoor adult sport can resume. The Government have defined this as Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes. Social distancing and further COVID-Control measures will remain vital at this stage as people transition to indoor sport once again.

21st June 2021 - Full Contact Sparring & Grappling Return
At least 5 weeks after Step 3 and no earlier than 21st June, the Government plan to remove legal limits on social contact. This COULD signal a return to full contact martial arts in every form as social distancing is largely removed. Sparring, grappling, padwork, close-contact supervision, floor work and all other elements of combat training which have been so desperately missed should be given the green light to return provided proper assurances can be given. There is a question mark surrounding how this might happen and whether or not the Government will allow a full return to contact as they will presumably promote safe social space and hygiene post-lockdown. This will be very much a situation to monitor as lockdown eases.

30th DECEMBER 2020 - ALL OUR CLASSES ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED

We're now in TIER FOUR.... unfortunately, we once again find ourselves in a position of lockdown 'Tier 4' - karate classes must stop both indoor and outdoor from Thursday 31st December 2020 for at least the next two weeks until the next review, but it may go on a little longer!

In the mean time - Our classes are back online

 

3rd DECEMBER 2020 - ALL OUR CLASSES RE-OPEN

We're in TIER TWO.... So all our clubs can open to all members as per EKGB and Sport England whilst following CSKC Guidance.... In short, as we were before lockdown two.
 
Our classes are listed on the locations page of our website where you can click the link and see on a map the precise location.

IF YOU CAN - Please let me know your intentions to attend so that we can ensure that we can accommodate all participants safely.

REMEMBER:
You should NOT attend class if you have a continuous cough, fever or showing symptoms of Covid-19. Stay away and contact NHS 111 with any concerns.

 

1st NOVEMBER 2020 - 2nd Lockdown

The NGB Karate England has received confirmation from Sport England that all grassroots sport, including karate classes, must stop both indoor and outdoor.  We will re-open again in December. Until then stay safe and join our Wednesday and Sunday online classes.

 

23rd SEPTEMBER 2020 - Rule of 6 DOES NOT APPLY TO KARATE TRAINING

The NGB Karate England has received confirmation from Sport England that the recent changes in relation to the rule of 6 DOES NOT APPLY TO KARATE training. However, all clubs must strictly follow without deviation, the CSKC Covid-19 Risk assessment and training guidelines.

 

20th SEPTEMBER 2020 - National Governing Body Karate England

The EKF are aware of the forthcoming government announcements in relation to the reduction in social gathering capacities from 30 to 6 people. It is their understanding that this will not apply to Organised Sports.

The EKF is seeking clear clarification and further information will follow in the coming days.

In the mean time, we advised our members to continue to follow our COVID 19 Risk Assessments and training guidelines.

 

15th SEPTEMBER 2020 - ALL OUR CLASSES ARE NOW OPEN!

I'm pleased to inform everyone that ALL our classes are now OPEN!

Our classes are listed on the locations page of our website where you can click the link and see on a map the precise location.

IMPORTANT: IF YOU CAN - Please let me know your intentions to attend so that we can ensure that we can accommodate all participants safely.

REMEMBER:
You should NOT attend class if you have a continuous cough, fever or showing symptoms of Covid-19. Stay away and contact NHS 111 with any concerns. However, for extra peace of mind, I have just ordered a non contact forehead thermometer to be used at the club.

Let's now encourage new members (They have first two classes FREE)

SUPPORT YOUR CLUB - SUPPORT THESE CLASSES

 

3rd AUGUST 2020 - DW SPORTS UPDATE

The DW Sports company is going in to administration.

The company is expected to appoint insolvency specialists on Monday after its income was wiped out by the protracted closure of stores and gyms during lockdown.

DW Sports which was founded by former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, operated 73 gyms and 75 retail sites across the UK but announced plans to shut 25 of its retail stores last month. The company said it will now wind down its retail business.

According to the PA news agency, there are plans to protect as many jobs and gyms as possible through the restructuring process.

The administrators intend to support employees, customers and gym members as far as possible while they look to secure a buyer of buyers for some or all of the DW Sports portfolio.

Branksome location is currently open to members and the resumption of hire for our club and others may still be okay. If not, do not worry, we will seek another location for these classes.

I'll keep you posted if I hear anything more.

 

23rd JULY 2020 - UPDATE

DW FITNESS FIRST

Disappointingly, Head Office DW Fitness First has decided that hiring of studios will NOT take place in their first wave of opening. I will keep you up to date with any progress. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long !

 

20th JULY 2020 - UPDATE

RE-OPENING

Our Verwood Class is re-opening from Saturday 25th July 2020

Our URC Winton class is re-opening from Wednesday 5th August 2020

Our DW Fitness First classes currently remain closed awaiting confirmation from H.O. when we can resume at this location.

 

10th JULY 2020 - UPDATE

RE-OPENING

On Friday 10th July 2020. PM Boris Johnson announced that from 25th July Sports facilities and venues, including indoor gyms, fitness and dance studios, indoor swimming pools and indoor water parks can re-open.

I have been in communication with our various locations, so it won't be long before we can welcome you back! We'll be starting off pretty much exercising and training as we did before lockdown. They'll be some additional measure in place to ensure that everyone is safe. In this regard I've produced a detailed additional 'Risk Assessment' to enable us to satisfy hiring requirements. Everyone will get a copy of such guidance shortly.

Watch this space / emails / FB for updates and details of our classes re-opening soon :)

28th JUNE 2020 - UPDATE

EASING OF THE SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES

As we now know, PM Boris Johnson has announced the reduction of the social distancing to 1 metre plus, which will significantly help in the decision making for bars, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres to re-open from 4th July 2020. Unfortunately he missed out the re-opening of Gyms and leisure centres on 4th July as he originally said, although there is immense pressure on him to do that as soon as possible, and by mid-July. So we're nearly there!

23rd MARCH 2020 - COVID-19

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE COVID-19

DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK, SOME CLASSES ARE NOW TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

WE WILL RESUME AS SOON AS WE ARE ABLE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT

Inevitably, I think the remainder of our classes will soon follow. Even though we are following strict social distancing. Do not attend if you have a continuous cough, fever or if you're worried. We continue to comply with official health and fitness industry recommendations from Public Health England (PHE) to ensure that our classes that are open remain safe for use. PHE guidance is that for those who are feeling well, exercise is actively encouraged as long as guidelines around social distancing are followed. The physical and mental benefits of exercise are well documented and we will support members to stay fit and healthy in body and mind through these challenging times.

 

21st January 2018 - BLACK BELT SUCCESSES

Congratulations to Steve Ayre who graded to 3rd Dan Black Belt and to Sam Stone who also successfully graded to Black Belt 1st Dan in front of Senior B.S.K.A. instructors on Sunday 21st January 2018 at our DW Sports location.  It took a gruelling 2 hours, where the participants had to workout, show their teaching abilities, perform various difficult movements from the Black Belt Grading syllabus, advanced Kata, followed by Kumite/free-fighting. It was well supported by many members and it is hoped that they will not only be inspired but will encourage others and new members in the future.

 


Floral tribute and donations

Some have already made kind donations to the floral tribute for Sensei Colin's funeral pictured below. If you haven't already and would like to donate some money, the donation box will be at every class until the end of November. All donations much appreciated. Any surplus monies raised will be donated to Myton Hospice, Warwick who made Colin as comfortable as possible during his last few days.

The Card on the floral tribute read... 'Sensei Colin, you have help and touched so many lives in your teachings. Truly Inspirational. We are your legacy. Rest in Peace. All B.S.K.A. Instructors and Students'.

Sensei Colin couldn't have had a better send off. Nearly 100 paid their respect including Instructors and students from Bournemouth. Beautiful emotional service, lovely flowers, wake, fireworks, five big rockets sent upward from Margaret and four sons. Balloons with message from some of the grandchildren. Remember remember the 5th of November. R.I.P. Sensei Colin.

5th November 2015 - Sensei Colin Mann passed away

It is with great sadness that I tell you that Sensei Colin Mann (my dad) passed away on 5th November 2015. Only 3 months before, after having a CT scan, was told that he had inoperable liver cancer and had only 3-4 months to live. Even so, he still wanted to come to Bournemouth to judge the black belt grading. I said to him that it wasn't necessary and the least of his worries. But he insisted that if he was well enough, he would, and he did. Karate was one of his passions in life. This was his last photograph with me. He said that 'this was one of his best days' and I was really pleased about that. It was emotional for all those that knew what was to come. He will be sadly missed and respected by so many. His funeral takes place on 19th November 2015 and I'm really pleased that quite a few of our members are travelling to Warwickshire to pay their respects. R.I.P. Sensei Colin (dad) x

18th October 2015 - BLACK BELT SUCCESSES

Congratulations to Jim Sheppard and Jamie Wollen who graded to 3rd Dan Black Belt, Richard Heath and Paul Bremford to 2nd Dan Black Belt, and to Mike Kempton, Steve Clarke and Alex Gent who also successfully graded to Black Belt 1st Dan in front of Senior B.S.K.A. instructors on Sunday 18th October 2015 at the Sir David English Sports Centre.  It took a gruelling 3 hours, where the participants had to workout, show their teaching abilities, perform various difficult movements from the Black Belt Grading syllabus, advanced Kata, followed by Kumite/free-fighting. We were honoured to have present Sensei Colin 5th Dan Black Belt who has dedicated much of his life encouraging many to be the best that they can be. He is always a stickler for detail and was very pleased with the high standard of all the participants. It was well supported by many members and it is hoped that they will not only be inspired but will encourage others and new members in the future.


DW SPORTS FRIDAY TRAINING TIME CHANGE

I am pleased to inform you that we are amending our training times at our DW Sports location on Friday’s to 7 – 8.30 pm as of Friday 18th October 2013 onwards, on a permanent basis.

DW Sports
Friday 7 – 8.30 pm (from 18th October 2013)
Sunday 6 – 8 pm (unchanged)

 

Please note that our Friday class on 11th October 2013 is our last training time starting at 7.30 – 9 pm :)

 


23rd June 2013 - BLACK BELT SUCCESSES

Congratulations to Tony Gent who graded to 3rd Dan Black Belt, Robert Dorey and Steve Ayre to 2nd Dan Black Belt, and to Sean Moran who also successfully graded to Black Belt 1st Dan in front of Senior B.S.K.A. instructors on Sunday 23rd June 2013 at the Bournemouth SportBU.  It took a gruelling 2 hours, where the participants had to workout, show their teaching abilities, perform various difficult movements from the Black Belt Grading syllabus, advanced Kata, followed by Kumite/free-fighting.


what is g.k.r. karate?
and why you and your friends should stay well clear OF THEM!

There has been much talk and complaints about the door to door selling from Go-Kan-Ru Karate and the inexperienced teaching at their clubs. Just click this link and check out what everyone's saying about them!! Why? because they're here, in around Bournemouth!!


 

Back to top