About Us
An association of vibrant karate clubs in South Wales teaching members of all ages
Developing students through fun & hard work
Ogwr Karate Association is one of the longest established karate associations in South Wales. For almost five decades our clubs have taught hundreds of students of all ages under the expert guidance of founder and chief instructor Sensei Colin Medway.
- Safe everyone goes home fit and well
- Fun make friends and enjoy learning the art together
- Productive get fit, keep you and your loved ones safe
Our karate clubs in Maesteg and Aberkenfig run classes suited to a wide range of ages from 6 to 66, and beyond. New members are always welcome, we would love to have you join us on our journey.
Joining is as easy as turning up, you don't need any special equipment, just bring yourself and dress for exercise. Better still, your first lesson is free. Read on or contact us for more information.
Benefits of Karate
The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants – Gichin Funakoshi
Mind
Exercise reduces stress and improves mental health, martial arts is an excellent way to get a break from the trials of work, school, and everyday life. Training in karate helps you to de-stress, improves your focus, builds confidence, and increases self-esteem.
Body
Karate is a comprehensive martial art that includes all the activities necessary to keep you physically fit and healthy. No matter what age or shape you are, everyone can benefit. Through training in karate you will gain better flexibility, speed, agility, balance, and coordination. You will build strength and endurance at the same time as learning a new skill. Our training drills improve mobility and hand-eye coordination. Regular training will give you more energy, make you less susceptible to injury, and help you sleep.
Spirit
Karate provides an excellent opportunity to test your resolve and develop your character through hard work and determination. Those that practice karate regularly will learn to develop patience, humility, perseverance, respect, and integrity.
Fun
People learn best when they are having fun, and we work hard to make sure that our lessons are fun and engaging for everyone. Our students enjoy meeting and making friends, developing their social and communication skills, and seeing themselves, and their friends, improve and progress.
Our Facilities
Combining traditional methods with modern equipment and facilities
Instructors
Friendly and experienced teachers trained in child safeguarding and first aid
Colin Medway
Chief InstructorColin is the founder and chief instructor of Ogwr Karate Association, he is a 6th Dan and since 1973 has trained with top Japanese and British instructors including his main instructor Shihan Ritchie Noblett 8th Dan, Mike O’Brien (Shotokan), Dave Mitchell, Peter Spanton, and Unel Wellington.
Matthew Vivian
InstructorMatthew is a 3rd Dan and has been training under Sensei Colin Medway since 2009.
Jamie Morgan-Sparkes
InstructorJamie has been with Ogwr Karate Association for over 14 years and is a 1st Dan.
Classes
The best support and tuition, with no subscription, only pay when you train
Maesteg
£4.50 / session
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 11:00 am
- Tuesday
- 18:30 - 19:30 pm
Aberkenfig
£4.50 / session
- Monday
- 18:30 - 19:30 pm
- Wednesday
- 18:30 - 19:30 pm
Concessions available for families training together
How to find us
Our Maesteg and Aberkenfig dojos are easy to get to and have plenty of free parking
Maesteg Dojo
Ogwr Karate Association Maesteg Dojo
Maesteg Sports Centre, Old Forge Site, Maesteg (located in Tesco car park)
Aberkenfig Dojo
Ogwr Karate Association Aberkenfig Dojo
Welfare Hall, Hope Avenue, Aberkenfig, CF32 9PR
Contact
If you have questions or want to chat about joining please feel free to get in touch
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I need to start training karate?
No special equipment is required for you to start, just turn up for your first session wearing clothing suitable for exercise (e.g. t-shirt and jogging bottoms).
After a few sessions, if you are going to continue, then we can supply you with a suitable gi (uniform) and arrange your license. Your licence provides you with insurance in case of an accident when training and also registers you with the Welsh Karate Governing Body.
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At what age can I start training karate?
We prefer to start our youngest students at the age of six. There is no upper age limit, training can be adapted to suit all abilities and levels of fitness.
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What are the costs?
We try hard to make learning and training with Ogwr Karate Association as inexpensive as possible. Your first lesson is free, if you come back (most people do!) then you just pay on the day for each session that you attend. We currently charge £4.50 for a session, concessions are available for families training together.
After a few weeks of training, when you are sure that you are going to continue, then you will need a license and a gi. Licenses cost £23 and are renewable annually. We can supply you with a gi, the cost varies depending on size but is usually around £20.
Broken down the costs are: £4.50 each session, £23 license paid annually, a one-off payment for a gi of around £20.
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What style of karate do you teach?
At Ogwr Karate Association we teach Wadō-ryū karate, a Japanese Martial Art founded by Hironori Ōtsuka Sensei (1892-1982), it blends elements of Shindō_Yōshin-ryū Jujitsu and traditional Okinawan Karate to form a highly effective combat system.
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I have more questions
Feel free to contact us with any questions you have, we are always happy to help.