About Oslo Budokan Karate

Club History

Oslo Budokan Karate was established in 1989 by Torild Næsheim, Norway’s first female black belt and John Groves, an English martial artist and one of the pioneers of karate in Norway. Kjersti Lerien Boag was Torild Næsheim’s assistant instructor from the beginning and continues to instruct in the club today.

 Karate in Oslo Budokan

Goju Ryu karate is the style of karate practiced in Oslo Budokan. Goju Ryu is a very good all round martial art which places strong emphasis on the development of practical techniques for use in self-defence. Practitioners learn how to effectively use technique rather than strength alone to overcome a more powerful opponent, thus making it an excellent form of self-defence for both men and women. Goju Ryu karate is an excellent way to take care of and improve one’s general health. A beginner in Oslo Budokan will benefit from improved strength , flexiblity and fitness after several months training.

Part of the philopsphy of Oslo Budokan is an open minded approach to karate and martial arts in general and we regularly host courses and seminars with martial artists from other clubs and styles. These courses are always open and we welcome attendees from different styles and associations, something which we feel helps to promote co-operation and friendship in the martial arts environment.

Al though competition karate is not discouraged in Olso Budokan the teaching focuses on developing the practitioners understanding of karate as an art of self-defence and self-discipline.

 What you will learn in Oslo Budokan

While there is nothing wrong with sports karate training as an end in itself we recognise that sport karate is limited in terms of practical application for self-defence. Students are taught how to apply techniques such as locks, throws and holds which are often disallowed in competition but crucial elements of any self defence system. These techniques are taught in addition to basic striking, blocking, kicking and evasion techniques.

Supplementary training with equipment such as focus pads and kicking shields is done regularly to develop use of body dynamics and application of power. Karate is a contact discipline and it is essential to strengthen the body by regular conditioning. This is done through various partner exercises which help toughen the body in preparation for contact in blocking and absorbing blows. Although this training is uncomfortable and may result in some bruising it is necessary to help withstand the impact of blows. Safety is a key factor in our method and all conditioning training is introduced gradually so that students are not exposed to unnecessary danger or risk of serious injury. This type of conditioning is not practiced in the children’s class.

Other necessary elements of self defence including weapon defence and defence from the ground are taught in special classes which are open to all adults on training sessions which take place one Friday of each month.

Karate is a serious activity and is not something which can be learned by dropping into a class now and again. Beginners are welcome to come and take one free class and then decide whether they want to join the club. Information about joining and prices for a training semester can be obtained on this website