Dojo History

Introduction

The British Karate Kyokushinkai (B.K.K.) Crawley Dojo has been running since 1969 and as such is one of the areas longest established clubs in the region.

The dojo has a number of other highly respected and recognized instructors. Shihan David Pickthall 6

7th Dan, the President of the IFK, is Chief Instructor along with the assistance of Shihan Neil Madeley 5th Dan.  All instructors for the dojo are DRB checked and licenced to the national organisation the BKK and to the world body, the IFK Kyokushin.

Whether you are a member of the dojo or the B.K.K, an experienced martial artist or just a visitor to the website please feel free to browse the site and learn more about us and the martial art that we practice.

Karate is an excellent way of improving both your physical and mental abilities for the young and young at heart alike. In addition it helps children to learn discipline, respect, self confidence and also allows them to channel all the energy that they have.

Within this site you will find information on all aspects or the dojo from training times to it’s history as well as a wealth of information about Kyokushinkai in general.
We value any feedback that you may have to offer so feel free to contact us and of course please feel free to visit our dojo at one of our training sessions.

Our History

The club or ‘Dojo’ using the Japanese term was first started in 1969 by John Jenkins and Peter James in the Montefoire Hall, Three Bridges until it moved to Crawley Sports Centre  in 1973. Two years later it acquired its permanent resident in Tilgate Recreation Centre and has been there ever since leasing hut 25 in 1990 and gradually refurbishing it into the fully matted and equipped facility it is today.

We have been privileged to have Hanshi Steve Arneil (founder of the International Federation of Karate and Chief Instructor of the B.K.K) as Chief Instructor at the dojo for the majority of that time. Since July 2008 Hanshi has decided to relinquish his responsibilites due to the huge workload of running the International Federation of Karate and his extensive foreign travel.

dojoe

Dojo Etiquette

  • When entering or leaving the dojo you should bow and say Osu
  • Osu should also be used as an acknowledgement during training
  • Students should refrain from swearing in the dojo
  • Students should not misbehave or fool around – training can be dangerous if instructions are not followed
  • Dan grades should be addressed by their title i.e. Hanshi, Shihan, Sensei, Senpai
  • Nails should be kept short and clean so as to prevent injury to yourself and your fellow Karateka
  • Hair should be tied back in a soft hair band and not metal clips
  • Although specticles can be worn during training they can not be worn during sparring. Soft contact lenses can be worn but at the wearers risk
  • Karate Gi should be washed and ironed prior to training. Belts must never be washed they are symbolic of the effort that you have put into your training
  • Should you be late for a training session you should wait in seiza at the back of the class until acknowledged by the senior instructor
  • When instructed to either demonstrate a technique or move to another part of the dojo by a senior grade you should acknowledge them with Osu and then move swiftly, do not amble
  • If you are going to be absent from training for an extended period of time then it is polite to inform the senior instructor