Sensei Liddle has been teaching since 1993 and working with children and adults, teaching them the history and philosophy as well as the art of Shotokan Karate, building confidence and self-esteem. The students learn to believe in themselves.

Sensei Liddle believes that his work in Karate has been very important to the community. Sensei Liddle has competed in 35 tournaments and won 78 metals over the years. He continues to compete in one or two tournaments each year. In 1999, Sensei Liddle qualified and competed in the AAU National Championships at Disney’s Wide World of Sports,OrlandoFloridaand won Silver in Weapons, Silver in Kata and Bronze in Sparring. He again qualified and competed in the 2000 AAU National championships inRichmond,Virginiawhere he won Silver in weapons, Bronze in Kata, and Bronze in Sparring.

The Central Bucks Karate Club is flourishing under Sensei Liddle’s leadership. “I have grown in my capacity as Head Karate Instructor over these 6 years and I have learned much from my students. With the help of my fellow black belts, we have been able to grow as a club and improve our karate skills. Our club gets bigger and stronger every year, and we consistently outperform our competition in tournaments.”

Our Mission

The Central Bucks Karate Clubs purpose is to teach and improve the quality of Shotokan Karate. We do this by promoting the spiritual, mental and physical health of our students and encourage individual and family memberships for building respect, courtesy and developing character.

What is Shotokan Karate?

Shotokan Karate is a martial art that emphasizes skill, self confidence, and patience through karate training. Three major aspects of present day Shotokan Karate include self defense, the physical art (Kata), and sport karate (Sparring).

What is Kata?

The most common translation of the word “kata” is “form”. Kata, to the unknowing, may appear to be nothing more than a dance, but in reality, it can give us deep insight regarding the whole “personality” of Karate. Kata is the essence of the art of Karate. The purpose of kata is the development of balance, coordination, timing, effective combinations and utilization of techniques and correct mental attitudes. Katas include all of the various hand techniques, foot techniques and body shifting. Before the recent development of kumite (sparring), these formal exercises were the major form of Karate practice. Most of the formal exercises were created by the early Karate masters who wove into them the various techniques of attack and defense. Katas are based on imagined combat with three or more opponents. They provide the basis from which present day Karate techniques developed and are still the textbook of the art.

What is a Shotokan karate class like?

A Shotokan class begins with a warm-up period followed by practice of the basic techniques, punching, kicking and blocking. Students are not in competition with each other but with themselves. Each class includes sparring drills for one to three types of attacks, as well as the introduction and refinement of new techniques. Students may also participate in semi-free and free sparring (sport karate) situations. Advanced students are trained in advanced self-defense, sparring techniques and Bo Staff training. The Bo Staff is one of the most effective martial art weapons. All classes include Kata practice and end with a cool down exercise period.

Objectives of the program:

• Develop character, humility, proper etiquette, and self control
• Gain complete & precise control over physical movements
• Increase ability to function under pressure and respond without distraction
• Develop physical and mental strength, flexibility, and stamina
• Realize ongoing personal growth through regular training
• Body conditioning, weight control, and exercise the heart and lungs
• Belt advancement with successful completion of testing requirements