Washinkai Karate

The British Traditional Karate Association (BTKA) and Washinkai Karate extend a warm welcome to visitors to our website. We are a proud community with a rich heritage and a commitment to the practice and promotion of traditional karate in the modern world. Our group is known as the BTKA in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) and is registered with the English Karate Federation (EKF), of which we are members. Our style, Washinkai Karate, was created in 1977 by our Chief Instructor, Shihan Chris Thompson, who remains the Chief Instructor for all Washinkai groups worldwide.

Our History: Over 50 Years of Karate Excellence

Shihan Chris Thompson began his karate journey in 1969, a date he remembers well as it coincided with Neil Armstrong orbiting and about to land on the moon. During his early years, he trained with many of the first Japanese Wado Ryu instructors to come to England and Europe, including Suzuki, Fuji, Maeda, Kitamura, Kobayashi, and Shinohara. These influential teachers played a significant role in shaping Shihan Thompson's approach to karate.

Our Style: Washinkai Karate

Washinkai Karate is an eclectic style based on Wado Ryu, developed by Shihan Chris Thompson and inspired by his early training with renowned instructors. With a focus on physical, mental, and spiritual growth, Washinkai Karate offers a comprehensive approach to traditional karate.

The Dojo Kun: The Karate Way of Peace, Truth, and Harmony

At the heart of Washinkai Karate is the Dojo Kun, which in Japanese means "the way of the training hall." Our Dojo Kun consists of the following seven principles:

1. Tsuyoi Seishin: Strong spirit

2. Utsukushii Kokoro: Beautiful heart

3. Kenko Na Karada: Healthy body

4. Humility

5. Honesty

6. Responsibility

7. Respect

8. Courtesy

9. Integrity

10. Equanimity

These principles guide our members in their training and personal development, emphasising the importance of character building in the practice of karate.

The Logo: The Circle of Karate Excellence

Our logo incorporates the three kanji characters of Washinkai - Wa, Shin, and Kai, translated as 'The Way of Peace, Truth and Harmony'. The seven petals symbolise the seven constituents of good physical karate, while also representing seven aspects of a karate-ka's character. The logo serves as a reminder of the true purpose of karate, self-improvement, and the pursuit of physical training in this context.

Our Structure and Governance

The BTKA is a non-profit members' club governed by an Executive committee and a Council, which meet on a regular basis. We are dedicated to the practice and promotion of safe and competent karate instruction and are proud of the strong social and business community that exists within our group. We play an active role in supporting and nurturing these important areas.

Our Commitment: Safety, Competence, and Community

The British Traditional Karate Association is committed to providing a safe, competent, and inclusive environment for the practice of traditional karate. We take pride in our strong social and business community, and our active role in supporting and nurturing these important areas.

Join us in our pursuit of traditional karate excellence, and experience the Washinkai way of peace, truth, and harmony.