Essex KDS - Karate-do Shotokai martial arts club in Harlow, Essex

Welcome to the website of the Harlow, Essex KDS group. Karate-Do Shotokai (KDS) is a traditional karate style which focuses purely on the practice of karate as a martial art.

We run a friendly, social club where questions are encouraged and everyone is allowed to get the very best out of themselves – all in the spirit of developing quality karate practitioners. If you want to find out more then come along to one of our regular weekly practices. Our sessions are open to men and women of all ages and abilities.

Our instructors are all highly experienced and qualified and we run a small club to ensure every student gets direct, personal practice with us each and every lesson. Our senior instructor, 4th Dan Adrian Quick has taught Karate in Harlow since 1989.

The first lesson is free and no previous experience is required. All you need to practise is a t-shirt and tracksuit trousers! All are welcome!

Instructor Bio - Harminder Mudhar

Could you tell us a little about how you became involved with the martial arts?

My dad convinced me to try karate when I was younger, in order to toughen me up. I trained in Shotokan karate for a few years as a junior, gaining my brown belt before finally losing interest around the age of 14. After finishing uni, getting a job and a car, I realised I was going to have to take up some form of exercise or face getting fat. I thought I'd try karate again, with a club being advertised through work, this time older and wiser and with more motivation. I've gained a lot more from it this time round!

What grade do you currently hold?

1st Kyu (brown belt)

What was it about Karate that so appealed to you?

When I was younger, I guess The Karate Kid probably had some influence in getting me to agree to it in the first place. The second time around, it was a matter of convenience - I could join through work and it was local, but also the idea of fitness and self defence and something I was familiar with. Still, it requires more than that to keep someone interested, so now I'd say it's the fitness, self-defence and the underlying principles that make Shotokai work. It's not a case of "it works because it does/because you're strong" - that wouldn't really apply to me - it works because of the way we use our biggest body muscles, levers and forces. If you want it to be, it can be quite scientific, but by no means does it have to be.

What does your own training consist of?

Right now I'd say trying to understand the concept of the "karate body", how to connect/engage my body muscles and find a strong support without being rigid or tense, yet not too loose. On top of that, trying to correct my stances and footwork, passing on my own knowledge and understanding to the other club members and finding the link between kata and practices such as Sambon Kumite.

What is your best memory from training over the years?

So far, I'd definitely say my first summer school. By no means my best in terms of personal performance, experiencing it for the first time was amazing - the intense level of practice, the great social experience and sharing a billet with the guys from North Shields KDS was an experience itself!

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Posted by Martyn Gooding

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Harada Sensei MBE

Our senior instructor, Sensei (master) Mitsusuke Harada, was born in Manchuria in 1928. He started his karate training with Master Funakoshi's group in Tokyo. Master Harada entered Waseda University in 1948, and immediately joined the University karate club which was at the time very strong. During this period, Harada Sensei continued to receive instruction from Master Funakoshi, who, by this time, was very old.

In 1951 Harada Sensei gained the Batchelors' Degree in Economics and Commerce, and then proceeded to further his education by studying for another two years. In 1953, he was awarded a Master's Degree. After leaving University, he started work in a Tokyo bank, and in 1956 was sent to Sao Paulo, Brazil by his company. Master Harada founded his own group in Brazil, and at this time, at the age of 28, he received his 5th Dan black belt directly from Funakoshi. 5th Dan remains the highest level of black belt in the Shotokai organisation.

In 1963, Harada sensei was invited to Paris to teach karate. It was during this period that Harada Sensei decided to devote his life to karate. He resigned from the bank, and was invited by Kenshiro Abbe of the British Judo council to come to London to teach karate. In 1963, Harada Sensei gave a demonstration of karate at the Albert Hall, and became the first resident Japanese instructor in Britain.

In the mid 1960's Harada formed the Karate-do Shotokai (KDS). Master Harada's role is that of overall Sensei (instructor) of the Association, and advisor to the technical Executive, on matters pertaining to the practice of Karate-Do.

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