Kenbu Dojo - Martial Arts Club

Don’t forget we are closed for a one week summer break!

No classes on:

Thursday 6th August
Saturday 8th August
Monday 10th August

All other classes on all summer long! And don’t forget to come and join us for our Kenbu sports day on August 22nd!

We are looking for 5 ladies who would like to try something new!

We have some spaces available in our super friendly and welcoming ladies only Kenpo Karate class right here in the heart of Gloucester.

Our current ladies group ranges in age from 15-72 years old and has a wide range of abilities, fitness levels and experience. But one thing is for sure, we are a social group who love to learn together and have fun.

Come give the class a try for free or just come along and say hello. We are a family run group, no contracts, no big business, just good old fashioned martial arts.

Text Sinéad directly for more info or to ask any questions you may have, no question is too big or too small. What ever we can do to help you get along to a class, we will help each step of the way, in any way that we can.

Plus if you sign up by the end of August you’ll receive a full uniform and your first belt completely free too!

Contact Sinéad today! 👊🏻😊👊🏻

Join us in wishing Shidoshi Sinéad a big Happy Birthday today! We hope she has a wonderful day as she deserves the world for all she does for us as students at Kenbu Dojo!

Sinéad goes above and beyond what any instructor should do to inspire, support and keep her students happy each week. She’s always there for each of us no matter what. We truly hope she has a great birthday that she deserves.

However there will be Birthday bashings at the sparring class tomorrow! Join us as we get to punch Sinéad for a change, 12:30-1:30! Be there or miss out, this day only comes round once a year! 😂

An exciting event ahead!! Who’s joining us???
🙌🏻 🙌🏻 🙌🏻

Contact Sinéad for further info! As we bring back to life our most loved and sought after event of the year!!

Last week saw some Kenpo Theory based lessons at Kenbu Dojo as we delved into forms and basics. Discussing what principles are taught at each level and how one form shows snippets of the next one to come!

A slower pace than the usual masses of burpees and torture…. 😂

This week’s lessons in our advance groups are about reading up techniques and learning from nothing but the words on a sheet of paper. From Kenpo techniques to Bujinkan weapons techniques from 3 different schools. It’s going to be a fun and interesting week ahead!

Happy Pride Month from Kenbu Dojo! 🏳️‍🌈

So why is LGBTQ+ inclusivity important in martial arts?

From a survey of LGBTQ+ people in Europe:
90% Consider homophobia, and particularly transphobia, a current problem in sport
20% Refrain from training in their sport of interest due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
Reference: OutSport EU Study (2019) https://www.out-sport.eu/research/

Stereotypically, martial arts is seen as a straight, masculine sport, with little LGBTQ+ representation

How Kenbu Dojo supports LGBTQ+ students

Gender neutral and accessible toilet / changing space
Only one person can enter at a time to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe using the toilet. Menstrual products are provided, and we also have a separate accessible toilet for those who need it.

Unisex uniform
Everyone in the club wears the same uniform, the sizing is unisex and based on height. The only difference is the colour, depending on age and rank (red, blue, or black). Students who can sew are also welcome to make their own modifications if something isn’t fitting right, for example, taking the trousers up if they’re too long.

A diversity of LGBT identities
We have LGBT members across a range of ranks in the club, from lower ranks to assistant instructors. If you ever need support or to talk to someone from the community, we have some super kind and friendly students who will help you feel included. There is no pressure to reveal or discuss your identity, but sometimes simply knowing that one other person on the mats can relate to you is enough.

Q***r students are treated just like anyone else! Everyone is included, and no one has to announce or justify their identity. You are who you are, and we accept you. You will receive the support you need in order to participate in martial arts, but we will also respect your privacy and confidentiality.

The learning never ends, and the instructors will always look to improve our inclusivity and meet students’ needs. We have previously been to events such as ‘Trans People in Sport’ organised by Active Gloucestershire.

www.kenbu.co.uk

We have 3 spaces available in our beginners 4-7 year old group on Mondays! Due to some children aging up to our next group. 🥳

These spaces will fill up fast but please contact Sinéad through the contact details on the poster to book your FREE taster session and see what we are all about.

Our classes are small groups and aim to bring out your child’s confidence and fundamental movement skills, all whilst having fun and learning the basics of martial arts.

Book a FREE taster and come along and say hello, meet the group and instructor and see what you think. Sinéad is happy to answer any questions or worries you may have ahead of the taster and looks forward to meeting you and your child very soon!

www.kenbu.co.uk

Don’t forget…. No classes tonight or Saturday.

These are part of our annual closure times and so we will see you all from Monday onwards! 😊😊😊