Training takes place at "The Old Mill" in the grounds of Three Valleys Water (Veolia) at Rickmansworth, opposite the White Bear Public House on The London Road, Rickmansworth, Herts

Click here for a map

As you drive over the canal you will see some black gates on the left, drive into the car park. The first building is a modern pump house, next to this and by the side of the river is "The Old Mill". Enter the door at the front and go to the top floor

 
Training times

 

Tuesday

Juniors 5:00 - 6:00

Seniors (12 and over) 6:00 - 7:00

Adults 7:00 - 8:00

 

 

Thursday

Juniors 5:00 - 6:00

Adults 6:30 - 8:00

 

 

Three Valleys Karate Practice Traditional Goju Ryu (Hard / Soft) Karate with an emphasis on health, fitness, personal development and practical self defense. We do not do "competition" fighting and you will not see anyone breaking paving slabs with their head (or any other part of their body). Some Karate clubs have a "Dojo Kun" or "Training Hall Code". The Academy of Karate Do Dojo Kun is:

CHARACTER
SINCERITY
EFFORT
ETIQUETTE
SELF CONTROL

 

 

Training can be crudely split into three area's: Fitness, Stretching and Karate movement and techniques. No one is expected to train any harder than they feel comfortable with and age, sex, disability, fitness level and general ability are all taken into account - in fact, the new student to the club will be positively discouraged from trying too hard

Having said that, we are a martial arts club. A certain amount of discipline and etiquette is involved and expected to be followed once the student understands. You will learn to count in Japanese very quickly and it would be unfair to say that a bead of sweat will not grace your brow occasionally

Although all grades train together, new students and lower grades are always partnered by a senior grade or instructor to help guide and give advice. This is a two way partnership - whilst the new student will benefit from the senior grades experience, the senior grade will also be gaining valuable teaching experience
 

 

KARATE TRAINING

Karate training can be split into a further three basic areas:

 
 

KIHON (Basics) - This is the learning and practice of the various strikes, blocks, kicks, etc that make up the karate techniques. Sometimes performed in thin air, sometimes on a bag or focus mitts, sometimes standing still, sometimes while moving, sometimes a single technique, sometimes multiple techniques combined together

KATA (Forms) - Please see KATA section for more information

KUMITE (Sparring) - This is the practice of the various techniques learned in kihon with a partner. It can take many, many forms ranging from a single, prearranged attack and defense, through to multiple attacks from multiple opponents. No one would ever be expected to take part in kumite at a level above what they are capable of and there is no "win or loose" mentality. At Three Valleys Karate, kumite is used purely and simply to practice the various moves and techniques against an opponent and is seen as a learning tool, NOT a competition
 

 

If you are considering taking up karate or are just looking for a way to keep fit and learn some practical self defense at the same time, why not give one of the instructors a call for a chat. Better still, come along for a chat on one of the training evenings - bring some loose clothing and you can even join in

Everyone knows what it is like to walk into a strange club where you do not know anyone and are not quite sure what to do or expect. All of our students remember what it is like themselves and it is for this reason that you can expect a very warm and friendly welcome at Three Valleys Karate