S.D. SCHOOL OF MARTIAL ARTS
When former England karate international and European gold medal winner Sean Doyland established the SD School of Martial Arts with wife Karen, he was determined to create a venture which set new standards in instruction and, more importantly, a holistic approach to encourage better health and well-being, particularly among younger members.
"In my experience, too many clubs were too happy to take people's money and not offer an awful lot in return. That wasn't the course I wanted to take. When parents bring their children here, it is the responsibility of myself and my staff to help them become not just proficient in martial arts, but to exploit their full potential and become better people in both body and mind," he said.
Ten years on, and Sean's lofty ambitions have been more than realised.
The club has just become the first ever club to win the Toyakwai Karate Association's best overall club title for the fourth year running, beating off competition from clubs not just across the UK but around the world.
The triumph caps a stunning year for the club, which has been included within London's 2012's Pre-Games Training Guide, the only martial arts centre in the East of England to achieve this distinction.
The club has been selected by the English Karate Federation as a regional training centre for the England karate squad.
The club is also busily working with the NHS locally to help tackle obesity among younger people. Instructors have been on special training courses by NHS North East Essex to enable them to work with younger people on nutritional advice and exercise.
Sean runs classes for younger people who don't normally have access to such activities.
The club's achievements have been picked up near and far. The club has featured on the BBC and the club's demonstration team was invited to perform on the Paul O'Grady Show.
Sean added: "It's been - and continues to be - very hard work for everyone but it's really a labour of love. It's incredibly rewarding to see youngsters progress. We run special groups for younger members including Little Dragons. Some of those who started as Little Dragons are now holders of black belts. When you see that happen, it makes all the work more than worth while."
The SD School of Martial Arts runs a number of classes throughout the week including:
Little Monkeys (crawling-three years)
Soft play for toddlers in a fun, safe environment. An opportunity for children and parents to meet others and make friends.
Little Grasshoppers (18 months-three years)
A unique programme designed, with parental participation, to encourage youngsters to improve and explore their motor fitness, balance and hand-to-eye co-ordination.
Little Dragons (three-five years)
These positive classes teach younger students respect and good behaviour, both in and out of their martial arts classes.
Kid Kick (six-eight year)
An excellent introduction to martial arts which not only helps get children fit but improves their confidence and develops the leadership skills required to succeed in life.
Korean Karate (adults and children beginners/advanced)
Whether practised as an art, sport or for self-defence, karate gives an increased sense of well-being, confidence and, of course, improved fitness.
Kickboxing (adults and children 14+)
Kickboxing was formed from many different types of martial art styles and has developed into one of today's top dynamic sports.
Krav Maga (adults)
Krav Maga is an unarmed combat system pioneered by the Israeli defence forces. It has become widely acknowledged as the world's most effective unarmed self-defence system and is a practical means of street defence.
Colchester Amateur Boxing Club (10 years+)
A training regime recognised as one of the best cardio-vascular fitness and strength programmes available.
Further information can be obtained on 01206 860 008 or www.sd-martialarts.co.uk
S.D. School of Martial Arts
Unit C, Global Park
12 Moorside
Eastgates
Colchester
CO1 2TW
01206 860 008
Please mention that you found us in the Martial Arts section here on The Best of Colchester