What is Chikara?

Chikara literally means 'Strength and Ability'. We should always strive to achieve these goals showing good manners, etiquette and spirit. The style of Karate taught by Chikara Kai is Shotokan and we are a member of the Japan Karate Shotorenmei, associate members to the Federation of English Karate Organisation (FEKO). The JKS teaches traditional style Shotokan Karate - Do, meaning we are not only concerned with the sporting aspects of Karate, but with perfection of character and technique. Chief Instructor is Shihan Tetsuhiko Asai (10th Dan) and Chief technical director is Sensei Masao Kagawa (8th Dan), both based in Japan. We also regularly hold and attend courses with Senseis Scott Langley (5th Dan) Technical Director GB and Ireland and Alan Campbell (5th Dan) Chairman GB and Ireland and National Squad Coach of the JKS in Great Britain

Chikara Kai West Midlands was formed by Sensei Paul Murphy (3rd Dan) in September 1997 and has continued to grow steadily since. We have strong ties with Chikara North West (Merseyside) who's club president was Sensei Dougie Phillips (6th Dan) who sadly passed away in September 2003. Chief instructors are Senseis' D'Arcy and Young (4th Dan).

In December 2003, Chikara Kai joined the Japan Karate Shotorenmei with the intention of promoting and strengthening Shotokan Karate-Do, based on traditional principles, to encourage students onto courses taught by recognised senior instructors and to promote and encourage all Karate-Ka in achieving their personal full potential within Shotokan Karate.