We have been in North Port since 1995.  We train at the Gene Matthews Boys and Girls Club in North Port. We train Mondays 6:30pm to 7:30pm and Wednesdays and Fridays 6:30 to 8:00pm. Training is also available at the Port Charlotte Boys & Girls Clubs on Tuesdays from 6pm - 8pm. Before we came to North Port we had a club in Newton Abbot Devon England for 23 years. It was also affiliated to the KUGB.

Can anyone practice karate?

Karate can be practiced by men, women & children, our students range from the very young to senior citizens, anyone who is in reasonable health can train karate.  We observe the improvement in the behavior of our children, who regularly train at our club.  This is because of the emphasis we place on good manners and discipline.

Who will be teaching me?

North Port Shotokan Karate Club is under the instruction of qualified black belts. Chief Instructor Sensei Paul Moon and his wife Sensei Soo Moon, who each have over 30 years experience were trained by Sensei Andy Sherry, top international instructor and chief instructor of the KUGB.  Sensei Andy Sherry was trained directly by the late Master K. Enoeda of Japan, one of the highest ranked Sensei in the Japan Karate Association or JKA. One of Chief Instructor Paul and Sensei Soo Moon's  four children Sensei Julie Moon, who has trained under her parents and their teachers with 17 years of experience is also a Senior Instructor. Together they are the perfect combination for a successful club & have proved this in a very short time in their North Port club. The club has had many Regional, National, and even World Champions.  The club has received awards from the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) for being one of the top 20 clubs in the USA. The club is affiliated with the AAU, KUGB (Karate Union of Great Britain), and TKO (Traditional Karate Organization) which is headed by Sensei Joe Mirza. The club often has seminars with top international instructors.

What are the benefits of karate?

The hard physical training required to reach a high level of skill in karate promotes overall good health, fitness, and well-being. The concentration, commitment and dedication required helps have strong confidence and determination. There is a Dojo Kun, or training code, which only ensures a disciplined training environment, but serves as a tool for molding behavior so the true karateka will fight with words and only employ physical violence as a last resort with obvious benefits to society.

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