Oxford City SKC is not just about karate techniques and discipline; it's about the people who make it all possible. We take immense pride in the warm and supportive community that has flourished within the club. It's a place where everyone, from beginner to black belt, comes together to share their passion for karate. Our supportive atmosphere is a testament to the camaraderie and teamwork that our students have fostered over the years. Here, you'll discover a welcoming and inclusive space where the focus isn't on competition, but on learning and collective encouragement. Our instructors, who bring a wealth of experience and expertise, are an integral part of this tight-knit family. But it's our students, past and present, who truly define the spirit of Oxford City SKC.
Our Instructors
Our club is the culmination of the lifelong dedication of our two instructors, Sensei Martyn (5th dan) and Sensei Bjarke (4th dan). The club's existence is rooted in the passionate commitment of Martyn and Bjarke to both karate and teaching. They derive immense joy from sharing this enthusiasm with others. Witnessing the progress and achievements of students brings them a sense of pride and fulfilment.
They are passionate about passing down their knowledge to the younger generation, Bjarke, in a literal sense, as his daughter is in the England squad.
Our Philosophy
Our club places a strong emphasis on traditional karate, which is distinct from "sport" karate. While we do engage in competitive events, our primary focus is on the learning process and personal development rather than winning medals. Competitions serve as valuable tools to assess students' abilities and identify areas for growth. (Winning medals is nice too! )
Our Community
We welcome anyone who shares our enthusiasm for karate. Over the years, we have developed a strong sense of team & community, with students of all ages and skill levels supporting each other.
Oxford City SKC is proud to be affiliated with JKA-England (“JKA-E”). The Japan Karate Association (“JKA”) is celebrated globally as one of the most prestigious and historic Shotokan Karate organizations. JKA, and JKA-E are renowned for upholding the highest standards of traditional Shotokan karate training.
Both Sensei Martyn and Sensei Bjarke have undergone extensive (and ongoing) JKA-E teacher training. They are not only proficient practitioners, but have an in depth understanding of how to TEACH karate.
Being affiliated with JKA England ensures that our students receive authentic and top-quality instruction from highly skilled instructors. It provides opportunities for participation in national and international events, fostering growth and recognition within the karate community.
Every JKA England club chief instructor HAS to have an up-to-date DBS certification, first aid qualification, and undergo continued child protection training as a matter of course.
We have gone one further and been awarded the Safeguarding in Sport “mark” - recognised by Sport England.
Read more about this here
Sensei Martyn 5th Dan
Born in Oxford, Martyn has been involved in martial arts since the age of eight. He originally studied Judo before switching to Shotokan Karate in 1982.
He has coached many students from beginner through to black belt and higher and even on to England Squad. A number of his students have won National and European titles.
Sensei Martyn holds International Instructor, Referee and Examiner qualifications. As a result he referees at local, national and European competitions. Martyn has been invited to be a guest instructor at a number of clubs in London and the South.
Sensei Bjarke, 4th Dan
Bjarke started karate in high school. He was so taken with it that he took a gap year before university to go to Japan to train at Hashiguchi Shinobu Sensei’s Seishinkan dojo in Kyushu.
He studied Japanese at University and went back to Japan as a graduate student for one and a half years, training and experiencing the teaching of some of the great JKA instructors of the time.
He came to Oxford to work in the University in 1999 and started training with the Oxford University Karate Club, where he is now the Senior Member.
He is also an active referee and has refereed at both national and European competitions. His work teaching Japanese linguistics takes him to Japan several times a year and he always tries to take advantage of the opportunity to train there.
The club aims to keep growing and improving, whilst maintaining the amazing, supportive team spirit we have now.
The instructors are constantly working to improve their own karate, and attend regular instructor courses and are constantly seeking out innovative teaching methods where they can.
We already host special courses collaborating with some of the best instructors in the country and we will be expanding this further.
Although not a “sport karate” club, the benefit in terms of team spirit and overall standard from entering competitions is undeniable, so we hope to continue to grow our presense at competitions - and maybe come home with some more “bling”!
We intend to foster leadership that will help us develop a team of future instructors and mentors who will play a pivotal role in sustaining the club's legacy.
Call: 07836 646450
© Oxford City SKC 2023. All rights reserved.
