Hanshin Martial Arts
About this club
Hanshin is one of the few WYSOK clubs teaching both traditional karate and kickboxing, and it runs them as two separate classes rather than a blend of the two. Kickboxing is on a Tuesday evening and Wado Ryu Karate on a Friday, both at Sharlston Community Centre and both open from ten years old upwards. You are welcome to train in one or in both — and a good number of students do both, which is the quickest way to understand what each style is actually for.
It is run by Sensei Simon Diaz, who started training with his brother in 1997 as a student of Shihan Ann Walker, the association’s founder. He holds 3rd Dan in karate and 3rd Dan in kickboxing, which is an unusual pairing — the two reward quite different instincts, and few instructors carry real depth in both. Close to thirty years on, he is one of the most respected instructors in WYSOK, and someone who will tell a beginner honestly which of the two would suit them best rather than simply selling the one he happens to teach.
Class timetable
| Day | Time | Class | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Kickboxing | 10+ |
| Friday | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Wado Ryu Karate | 10+ |
Term-time and holiday variations are announced in class and on the club’s Facebook page.
What to bring to your first session
Nothing you do not already own. A T-shirt and jogging bottoms, bare feet, and a bottle of water. Once you decide to continue you will need a gi (suit) and a NAKMAS licence — the instructor will sort both, and there is no rush.
Getting here & parking
Yes
Postcode for satnav: WF4 1AA.
Common questions
Do I need a karate suit to start?+
No. Come in a T-shirt and jogging bottoms for your first few sessions. You train barefoot, so no trainers are needed either. Once you decide to carry on, your instructor will sort out a gi and a licence — there is no rush and no pressure.
How much does it cost?+
You pay per session, on the night. There is no joining fee, no contract and no monthly direct debit. Your first session is free so you can see whether it suits you before spending anything.
What age can my child start?+
Our Pee Wee classes take children from four years old, in separate shorter sessions pitched at that age group. Main classes generally start from around ten, though this varies by club — ask the instructor.
Can I stay and watch my child?+
Ask the instructor at your club. Some halls have room for parents to sit in and some do not, so it varies from venue to venue.
How often are gradings?+
Kyu gradings run roughly every three to four months across the association. Your instructor will tell you when you are ready — nobody is pushed to grade before they are.
Are the instructors checked?+
Every WYSOK instructor holds an enhanced DBS certificate, current first aid training and full insurance through our NAKMAS affiliation.