Welcome to TISKA Stamford, a friendly and well-disciplined Shotokan Karate club where students work hard, make progress and enjoy their training.
The Stamford club was originally opened in 1999 by Mr Matharu and Mrs Redman, who ran the club together for many years.
After time away from the club, Mr Matharu returned as the main instructor in 2021. It was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with students and families who had trained at the club over the years, while also meeting and teaching a new generation of karateka.
Today, the club continues that tradition of combining serious karate training with a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.
Shotokan Karate is a traditional martial art and an excellent way to improve your fitness while learning practical self-defence skills.
Regular training can help develop:
Training is both physical and mental. Students are continually learning, developing and challenging themselves.
Whether you have never tried a martial art before or have trained in karate previously, you can start from where you are.
Beginners learn the fundamentals step by step, developing their techniques as they progress through the grading system.
With regular training, students can work towards higher grades and Black Belt, while those who wish to can also take part in competitions and other TISKA events.
There is always another goal to work towards and another aspect of karate to discover.
You don’t have to be fit, flexible or experienced to start karate.
Our classes welcome beginners as well as students who already have experience, and we aim to provide an environment where everyone can learn and improve.
Whether you’re looking for a new activity, a way to improve your fitness, to build confidence or simply to learn something new, we’d love you to come and try karate.
Contact us today to find out more about your free trial.
My name is Mr Matharu and I am a 6th Dan Shotokan Karate instructor with a passion for helping people discover the benefits of karate.
I have been training under TISKA Chief Instructor Shihan Gursharan Sahota, 9th Dan, since 1990. Over the years, karate has become much more than a martial art to me. It has been a lifelong journey of learning, discipline, competition, friendship and personal development.
I achieved my 6th Dan in 2022 and continue to train and develop my own karate by attending classes every week, as well as taking part in TISKA courses, gradings and international masters courses.
Competition has also played an important part in my karate journey.
I have competed successfully at both national and international level, giving me the opportunity to test my skills, learn from other karateka and experience the challenges and rewards that come with competition.
Although competition is an important part of karate for some students, it isn’t the goal for everyone. Whether someone wants to compete, work towards Black Belt, improve their fitness or simply learn a traditional martial art, I believe there is a place for everyone in karate.
I currently teach TISKA Karate clubs in Corby, Kettering, Stamford and Market Harborough.
As an instructor, my aim is to create classes where students are encouraged to work hard, learn properly and enjoy their training.
I believe that good karate training should challenge students without making them feel that they have to be perfect from the beginning. Everyone has to start somewhere, and progress comes through regular practice, patience and perseverance.
For younger students, karate can help develop confidence, concentration, discipline and respect. For adults, it can provide an excellent way to stay active, learn self-defence and continually challenge yourself.
For everyone, there is the satisfaction of learning something new and seeing your own progress over time.
One of the things I value most about karate is that you never really stop learning.
Even after many years of training, there are always techniques to improve, new things to understand and new challenges to take on.
I attend classes and train every week, as well as attending TISKA courses and gradings in the UK and international masters courses. This helps me to continue developing my own karate and bring new knowledge and experience back to my students.
You don’t need any previous experience to start.
You don’t need to be particularly fit, strong or flexible either. Beginners are taught step by step and are given time to become comfortable with the training.
Whether you’re looking for a new activity for your child, want to improve your fitness, would like to learn self-defence or simply want to try something different, you’re welcome to come along.
I’d be delighted to help you take your first step on your karate journey.
Gusharan Sahota
Gursharan Sahota was born in Kenya, East Africa but moved to the UK at the age of 12. He took up Karate at the age of 14 in the local Bedford club and was awarded black belt 1st dan (shodan) four years later.
Now a 9th Dan, Gursharan has competed in a multitude of kata and kumite events, many at national and international level. But the most significant event in his career was the visit he made in 1984 to Japan. There, he fulfilled a great ambition by training in a Japanese dojo under the instruction of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa.
This experience proved to be a turning point for Gursharan. On his return to England, he realised the trip had been the inspiration he needed to dedicate his future to training and teaching karate as a way of life.
Gursharan’s first club was opened in Luton/Dunstable in 1981 and this is now the association’s hombu (HQ). Having been a teacher of the art for many years, he formed his own association in 1993 – TISKA (The Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association) which is now one of the biggest associations in the UK.
Gursharan’s love of karate has never diminished. He still teaches over 35 classes a week in the UK and regularly takes master classes internationally. All in all, he has brought hundreds of students of all ages up to black belt standard and beyond.
He is also involved in charity work, helping to subsidise trips for surgeons to third world countries to operate on underprivileged children. He has, for many years, funded many projects in India, and is at present helping to fund the building of a new school.
Gursharan lives in Buckinghamshire and is happily married with a son and daughter who already show signs of following in their daddy’s footsteps.
Contact your school instructor to get started
