This is my second club and hopefully my last. I've been at this club for a little over a year now, and I will stay here for as long as possible. When i saw this club online, I had quite a few questions to ask, for example, how old do you have to be, how much is it etc. Once I asked, i got a very clear answer, and I could see how friendly people were already. I saw all of the video's and photos that were in the gallery, and could see for myself that this club was organised and good. We are a non-profitable organisation, and all of the money that we give to the club goes back to buy the best, and most useful equipment for us to use. We're not a sporting karate, so we do not compete with other clubs. We train for the street, and in training we make it as realistic as possible. My favorite things about this club is that we are all like a big family, and look out for eachother. I also like how there are 3 instructors, and the senior grades have had courses on how to teach other students, so everyone gets observed more. All of the training we do is for a purpose and is very effective. We do Kata (Movements of techniques put into a sequence), Throws, Ground fighting, Pad work, Sparing, Conditioning (strengthening different parts of your body) and loads more. We do 'stress related' training too, and I think its good because you get to see how you react under pressure, and with lots of adrenaline. We go on residential courses to shropshire a couple of times a year and we go for a week or so to train and have a laugh with eachother. We also go to events and set up a tent and train in there. We sometimes go camping locally and chill out and get to know eachother more. The gradings are very good, there is a grading syllabus that will be tailored to your grade for you too follow by before gradings. If you pass, then you will get a certificate and a grading report/review. I think this is very good because you get to see what you did well, and what you might need to work on. I think its really good how much time the instructors put into the club. I recommend this club to anyone interested in learning self-defence and wanting to get fit. read more

Having not done Karate before, but knowing several people who have, this club was nothing like I was expecting. This club is not about the sport, but self defence right to its core. Having been training for just over a year now I'm still thoroughly enjoying it, and it has built my self confidence no end. If you want to train for fitness alone, go elsewhere, apart from a warmup at the start the entire lesson is focused on learning the art, exactly how a martial arts club should be. But don't think it's too serious, there are plenty of light hearted moments made by the Sensei's, usually at the expense of some unlucky student, but it gives the whole feeling to the club as a group of people who know each other and trust them to train with you. Plenty of support is given to new students, and you can always see up the line as to where you'll be in your training in time. And all of this without mentioning the training camps and chance to attend seminars with world renowned Sensai's, either going to or hosted by the club themselves. Also worth mentioning that it is a non-profit organisation and all your fees go back into making the club better, and as their website says, no contracts! If you find yourself unable to attend, or just don't want to any-more (Why would you not?), then they will always try to accommodate your changing situation and keep you training, they really do care about you more than just an income source. A great club all round and a great group of people to train with! read more

Having waited until I was well into my 30's, until taking up Karate (after a brief stint in my very early teens) I was looking for something more Practical than the usual Sports/Competition fare, that seems to be more extensively offered by Martial Arts schools these daysand at Grove Martial Arts I found just that. Although they are a Traditional Goju Ryu Karate School, all their Training is geared heavily towards Practical self-protection, and is therefore (at times) Tested in Real World Scenario Drills, which allows the Students to not only know the Strengths and occasional limitations of their Karate, but also the Strengths and Limitations of their own Mindsets, when Placed in a Real confrontational situation. Whilst the Training itself is at times quite Hard, it is also fairly Fun and Relaxed, and conducted in a very practical and informative manner, with each of the 3 Instructors taking a very keen interest in the progress of each and every one of their Students, both in and out of the Dojo. I would wholeheartedly recommend this club to anyone interested in learning real self-protection and wanting to spend some of their spare time with some great people that they will come to think of as Friends, if not Family, as I do! read more

I enjoy being at this club because the instructors are very kind. personally My favourite thing is going back to basics with kicks as it begins to highlight areas that you need to work on to improve your kicks these include flexibility, balance amongst others. The instructors are helpful and are always there on the forum to help you and if not another student will help you if the instructors are unable to. The club has grown very fast and it feels like you are with people you have known for a while. Another thing i enjoy is the clubs warriors cadre as it tests your physical and mental strength to carry on when you are tired or maybe when you are trailing catching up and also encouraging each other the cadre also acts as a team building exercise and brings you all together to help each other out and push each other to your limits. read more

Having tried a variety of martial arts, and with a past military career, I was immediately impressed by my first session at GMA. I have now been a student for several months, and intend to continue training very long term. It is an excellent club, with very experienced instructors, a wide variety of students, and a friendly atmosphere. The usual training sessions consist mainly of traditional Goju Ryu Karate, but very often includes less formal practical self defence exercises, geared specifically toward real world situations. The training syllabus starts with the traditional form, techniques and skills of Goju Ryu, but soon incorporates extremely realistic practical exercises. The club also organises attendance at, or hosts, practical training seminars run by external instructors or other clubs. read more

I started training at GMA a year ago having had no previous experience in martial arts. I joined with the mindset of just doing something for a bit of fitness and a bit of confidence in day to day life. Upon arriving, everyone at the club made me feel very welcome and having no contract to sign made me feel like I would give it a go and see how it went. During the course of my first year at GMA I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, there is always something new to learn and the instructors have a very realistic and patient teaching style.GMA is a great club to get involved in, from the friendly community feel within it members to the enjoyable, realistic and challenging sessions consistently delivered by the instructors.Well worth a go! read more

This is the second form of Karate i've had the privilidge of learning, and I must say it's the best one. GMA prides itself on teaching practical Karate that can be used for self defence, as shown with Scenario Training using day to say situations. With 3 generations of Sensei's, you can't go wrong. And a number of senior students who give their time and input into teaching as well, you can learn a lot, and from many talented people. Everyone is very friendly and we're more a large family, so everyone is willing to help you get the most out of your training. In short, there isn't another club like it! read more

I've trained at a few different clubs over the years and one of the first things I noticed when I came to train here was the friendly welcome I received from the everyone and the enthusiasm with which they taught their Karate. Between the instructors there is a wealth of real world practical experience. This shapes the way in which they teach traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu to ensure that it is both relevant to self defence and practical in confrontational situations. The training isn't easy, and it shouldn't be, but if you work hard you will get allot out of training here. read more

Having trained with Grove Martial Arts for 4 years I believe it to be one of the best clubs that teach GoJu Ryu karate in the local area. Everything that is covered is always practical and has realistic and gives you a real chance to push your own boundries beyond what you ever believed you could do. Everyone is friendly and always welcoming at the begining of every session wether your new or been training for years. If practical, realistic training in a defesive art is what your looking for look no further than Grove Martial Arts. read more

this is the first club i have trained at but i think its the best one i could have picked for me, they are very friendly, always willing to help if you need it and everyone in the club is like a big family. the training is to a very high and everyone helps everyone, the instructors are good and give you all the help you need. great club, great instructors, great students i wouldn't change what i have at this club for anyother read more

I had not tried any martial arts before but found everyone to be instantly welcoming and helpful. With 3 generations of Senseis there is a broad range of experience and knowledge. I joined looking to get fitter, learn self defence and enjoy myself whilst doing it and plan to keep going for many years. Sometimes it is tough but the only way you will get the best out of yourself is to push yourself. read more

I've been training just over a year now. Have to agree with all the above comments. GMA is a fantastic learning enviroment. I've gotten so much out of it such as fitness, self-confidence, while learning essential physical and mental martial arts techniques. read more