Paul Newman's clubs are some of the best run I've ever came across in all my years in the martial arts. On the many occasions I've met Paul and visited his dojo he and his people have never failed to impress. It's not just the high technical standard either; it the progressive nature of the syllabus, the way he structures his sessions and the links he has forged to all major groups within the UK.
Paul is also one of a handful of people who has achieved an instructor qualification with myself in practical kata application. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Paul and Kernow Karate to anyone looking for high quality instruction delivered in an exemplary way. Paul really does set the standard to which other groups should aspire.
Iain Abernethy 5th Dan, Author of Bunkai-Jutsu and BCA Coach.
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If you're looking to regain the fitness of your youth - or attain what you never had - then you could do a lot worse than try a few sessions of Kernow Karate. When I first joined I had four aims in mind - firstly, to seek the aforementioned grail; secondly, to share an interest with my son; thirdly, to learn self-defence; and finally, to improve mental discipline.
Initially I attended one session a week, but after a couple of months I found that I was enjoying myself so much that I decided to go the whole hog of thrice weekly - and it was almost incidental that my original aims were being achieved. Now the improvements are such that I can ride my bike the mile-and-a-half to the station and not feel out of breath, that I can talk about and practice martial arts with my son "out of hours", that I feel much more confident of being able to defend myself against potential assailants, and that I find I can deal with frustrating situations much more calmly.
Why not give Kernow a go? All of the club's punches, kicks and blocks are named in English, and their Japanese versions are only used to back up or illustrate points about them. The atmosphere is relaxed, and friendly banter flies freely both up and down the traditional ranks - you certainly won't find grade snobbery here, but you will receive a warm welcome and encouragement from all sides. After all, we all walked through the door for the first time once!
Tony Foster - Chelmsford
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My name is Kenny. I'm 46 years old and I've served in the Metropolitan Police for over 27 years. I am an inspector currently working in central London. I have had previous experience of both karate and judo over the years and have been public order (riot) trained for over 20 years.
It was my partner Harieth (Harry) that got me back into karate. She was looking for a new challenge fitness-wise and found Kernow Karate on the internet. Having been a couple of times, she told me how much she enjoyed it and suggested I should give it a try. Being something of a sceptic I wanted to know more and so read with website with interest. What impressed me was that not only were the aims of the club clearly explained, but the law relating to self-defence was accurate and quoted in context. The law and its application relating to self-defence is difficult even for those working with it on a day-to-day basis, and I thought Paul had as good a grasp of it as anyone I know who isn't a lawyer.
Having got this far, the only option was to give it a try. Despite Harry's reassurance, I have had experience of clubs where the sole aim is to increase your street fighting skills, and where the aim of a 'good session' is to inflict more damage on your opponent that they inflict on you. In addition, I had never been to a freestyle club and didn't know what to expect.
Despite being Paul's oldest 'new' student for some time (and by some years), I was made to feel very welcome, and some of what I had been taught years ago soon came back. I was also impressed by the diversity of the club in terms of both age and ability. Everyone who wants to learn is made to feel welcome irrespective of how old they are and how much or little they know. The other bonus was that 'freestyle' allows those of us who are not as flexible as we once were to successfully attempt moves without being criticised for a kick not being high enough of a punch not being fast enough.
I really enjoy the fact that the club teaches a good balance of karate and self-defence skills. The self-defence side really enhances the practical application of what is learned in the karate lessons. It enables students to be able to make a reasoned, effective choice should they be unfortunate enough to find themselves in a position where they might have to use them (assuming that the first rule - 'run away' is not an option).
Needless to say, I'm hooked again. Am I fitter? Of course, and feel better for it. Is it hard? Some lessons are harder than others simply by the nature of what is being taught, but you'll never be pushed beyond what you personally are capable of. Is it strict? It is a disciplined club, and by that I mean Paul creates a safe, challenging environment for students who want to learn and better themselves. Will I be laughed at if I make a mistake? Only when you've laughed at yourself first! Would I recommend the club? Whilst professionally police officers are not allowed to endorse clubs, I personally couldn't think of a better way to spend two hours, three times a week doing something different.
My personal goal is to see how far I can get by my 50th birthday. It's a long road, and sometimes it's hard, but the journey and the people you meet make it worth while.
For those that are thinking about it, give it a try, you never know what you will achieve.
Kenny Reeves - Laindon
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Since my daughter started training with the adults due to the introduction of the children's cadet system, I have felt inspired to return to Kernow Karate after I left some time ago to experiment with other forms of martial arts and competition sparring.
I never really had a love for the Kata, technique and the spiritual side of Karate, but training back at Kernow with Paul I have gained a completely new appreciation and understanding of Karate and all of these elements. Kata and technique now make much more sense to me and are a lot more enjoyable; it’s also a great way to keep fit.
In the time that my daughter has been training with Kernow Karate I have watched her become dedicated, more disciplined, fitter and grow in confidence. In this day and age, as a father, it is reassuring for me to know that she trains and has knowledge of self-defence.
Now that we train together, Karate is a great way for the two of us to spend some quality time together and share an interest. The element of competition between us drives us both on, it will be a proud moment for my wife and I when she gets her black belt.
The club has a really friendly, encouraging and helpful atmosphere with a wide range of ages and fitness levels. There is none of the egos and "showsters" that can be found in some martial arts classes.
As an instructor Paul has a great awareness and knowledge of all aspects of martial arts and an incredible indeed enviable dedication to his art. He has a friendly concise teaching style that drives, motivates and keeps you coming back for more, which is exactly what you need if you want to obtain that black belt.
So if the following points apply to anybody reading this then they should try Kernow Karate, as these are just a few of the many benefits you will gain from this club:
Its a great way to get fit
Weight loss
Curious about martial arts but felt a uncertain about what to expect or maybe you think its to late
Looking for a new interest, challenge or goal
Want to improve your stamina and energy levels
Want to Improve your confidence
Considering an interest to share with your children
Considering a self-defence class
Put off by the thought of walking into an unfriendly gym or club.
If any of these points strike a chord and you are looking for a friendly, helpful, non-intimidating club, whatever your age and fitness levels, see ya there!
Ray Barnett - Chelmsford
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I got into Kernow Karate by accident. My children started first, then one of the other Dads and I decided to give it a go. I started at 37 and my main reason for doing so was to lose some weight, get fit and find a new challenge.
A year and a half later and with over a stone in weight gone, I’m now chasing the kids and wife around and wondering why I never took it up when I was younger.
I’d always had an interest in martial arts but I’m now finding it a passion to push myself onto the next belt. I enjoy all the aspects of Kernow, whether it is Kata, self-defence, sparring (Kumite) or the general fitness. All of it is done in a controlled environment, done with some amount of fun and laughter but most of all done in the true spirit of a martial art.
I can’t see at the moment when it will end - with a black belt or when I am too old to tie the knot up on my Gi trousers! All I know is I’m enjoying it now and would recommend it to anyone – regardless of age.
Andy - Brentwood
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An “Older Woman’s” Perspective
Having sat and watched my children, who are 7 and 10, go through their karate classes and both attain orange belts, I decided to have a go myself. I thought, at 39, it would help keep my brain and body active. I also considered the self defence aspect to be pretty important.
My main worries were that I can’t do a press up to save my life and I really can’t kick my legs very high, but I was assured that that wouldn’t be a problem.
Since joining the club I have found that everyone is very friendly and helpful and we do have a laugh sometimes.
Paul and the other instructors are always willing to give advice and help without making you feel like a total idiot! They also take into account any physical problems you may have, like back problems etc.
So, I need to work on my press ups and kicks. I do find some things quite hard work, but I don’t mind that - I just do my best. At the end of the day its much more interesting and worthwhile than aerobics!
As far as my daughters are concerned I feel it is important for them to know how to defend themselves. I hope they will be confident, but also aware of situations that should be avoided. They look forward to passing their badges and belts and love the games played at the end of some classes.
My husband is very proud and supportive of his wife and daughters and makes sure that we have whatever equipment we need and that our Gis are well pressed for every class!
L - Brentwood
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I have known Paul for many years now and it has given me great pleasure to see him grow as a person & as a karateka. I have been impressed by the steady progress his students are making and look forward to their development over the coming years.
Kernow Karate is not your average Martial Arts Club – the unique thing about this club is that the drop out rate is very low. Usually a Martial Arts Club has a high turnover of students, but it would seem that once you start at Kernow, you just keep coming back for more.
This can only be a testament to the great atmosphere that Paul is cultivating – Karate should be fun but hard work, and I feel Paul has the balance just about right.
David Davenport
4th Dan Karate England
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I had been wanting to take up karate for a while, but like most people
always seemed to find a reason not to. However, when I came across the
Kernow Karate website I was impressed and after reading a number of personal
experiences just like this I decided to give it a go. I go to the gym once
or twice a week and would consider myself reasonably fit, so I viewed this
as a chance to improve personal fitness and learn some defence should I ever
need it.
I was welcomed into the club and quickly felt at ease. Was a scary thing to
walk in on the first day but thanks to Paul and some of the regulars I felt
right at home after just a few sessions.
I have been training for a few months now and am feeling the difference
already. I feel fitter and at the same time feel more confident that should
I need to defend myself or someone else I would at the least have a few
ideas !.......still along way to go before I become the next Bruce Lee
though.
I would recommend karate and this club to anyone. Have a go, try the
beginners sessions and you will be addicted.
John - Chelmsford
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There are many reasons why a person may want to join a Karate Club. Some of the benefits I found to be include:
- Better fitness levels
- Improved self discipline
- Improved balance & co-ordination
- Self-confidence increased
- ...........and you meet new people
These were some of the reasons why I decided to join Kernow Karate.
I began my search for a Karate Club after I felt myself becoming a bit de-motivated/bored solely using the gym to (try to) keep fit. Don't get me wrong, the gym is great, especially in summer when the weather is hot, and you feel a natural energy that needs to be used up, all in all it's a great place to go to help your general fitness and/or muscle definition. The problem comes when you get stuck in a rut as it were, using the same machines over and over again, with not much to do but look out the window or watch the television in front of the treadmill.
I decided to compliment my gym attendance with something else that includes physical activity but also something that is useful. I have always had a desire to learn a martial art from a young age, but like many, never got round to it, be it college, work etc. Now I thought would be a good a time as any. Using the Internet I did some searches on Karate, finding out information of the different styles, traditions etc. After doing a search on www.google.co.uk for Karate club and Essex and wading through them I found a site that was well presented, easy to navigate and in general looked quite good. The site was www.kernowkarate.co.uk. I made a few enquires and came along to their Sunday session in Chelmsford.
It can be a daunting experience walking into a room full of strangers, especially when they all look like they could beat you up! However, upon walking in, I was welcomed in and was given a partner (Phill) to work with. The whole session was excellent, and after that I knew it was something I wanted to continue. The instructors are patient and polite, but they want to see you get the best from yourself, which is much to their credit. I was at first worried about my fitness level and whether or not I could keep up with the pace but much to my relief we didn't spend an hour and a half of physical training then 30 minutes of Karate. It was much more well balanced. The initial part of the 2-hour session is focused on warm-ups & stretching. We then concentrate on Karate, until the end of the session.
Starting off as a white belt can at first seem embarrassing, but there is a very good reason for it. I am happy to say that only last week I passed my grading assessment to achieve my first graded belt - Red. The next belt is Yellow, it seems a long way from achieving a black belt but it is a journey of self-discovery and at Kernow Karate, I know it will be made an enjoyable one.
J - Chelmsford