A sport, a club: Caribbean Karate Oyama
What child hasn’t dreamt of being Jackie Chan? Yet, whilst many people think of martial arts simply as a series of moves exchanged on a tatami mat, these disciplines teach far more than that. Body control, respect and perseverance lie at the heart of these combat sports. At Hope Estate, Caribbean Karate Oyama has been teaching this discipline for body and mind for over twenty years, from ‘baby karate’ right through to competition level.
Founded in 2004 by Thierry Saint-Auret, the club has nearly a hundred members. A former professional footballer, the instructor discovered martial arts ‘by chance’, before devoting himself fully to them and travelling to Japan to train. A 5th dan black belt in karate, 7th dan in kickboxing, 4th dan in Goshin Jutsu and 1st dan in aikido, he founded this school to pass on his passion for martial arts.
What
is the minimum age, and who is it for?
Caribbean Karate Oyama is open to everyone. From the age of two and a half, the youngest children can join ‘baby karate’, a programme focused on motor skills, body awareness and learning respect. Karate classes then begin from the age of 5, whilst kickboxing is available from the age of 11 or 12. “Children often come looking for structure and to learn how to channel their energy,” explains the dojo manager. Those who show an aptitude for competition can take part in more intensive training sessions, sometimes alongside adults. Adults, for their part, can start and practise at any age.
How do you progress?
In both karate and aikido, an annual examination assesses practitioners’ progress and allows them to advance through the grades. Regular attendance is essential for gradually mastering the techniques and preparing for competitions. The club teaches Shindokai karate, a comprehensive discipline combining strikes, throws and ground fighting. In kickboxing, progression relies more on technical and physical training.
Club news
The club has several experienced competitors in its ranks, including a four-time French champion. As head of Shindokai karate for the Northern Islands, Thierry Saint-Auret now aims to organise the first competition in this discipline in Central America. Following a hiatus, the aikido section is also set to be relaunched at the start of the new academic year. Throughout the sporting season, the club also offers various training camps, notably in Guadeloupe, to enable members to further their training and test their skills against other practitioners.
Training sessions and equipment
All classes are held at Hope Estate and attract an average of between 15 and 20 students. Adult karate takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.00 pm, whilst kickboxing training sessions are held on Mondays and Fridays, also at 6.00 pm. Each session lasts an hour and a half. For children, karate classes take place on Wednesdays from 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm and on Saturdays from 9.00 am to 10.00 am. ‘Baby karate’ is offered on Wednesdays at 5.00 pm and on Saturdays at 10.00 am, with sessions lasting forty-five minutes. Aikido classes, meanwhile, are held on Mondays and Fridays at 7.30 pm. The first trial class is free. Kickboxing equipment can be loaned to beginners, and for both karate and aikido, beginners can attend their first sessions without a gi. The club also offers self-defence classes and Thai Bo, a non-contact cardio workout.
Registration and fees
Registration takes place during the back-to-school fair. To complete your application, you will need to bring a medical certificate, passport-sized photos, a photocopy of your passport and proof of civil liability insurance. The annual fee is €100 and includes the licence. Members must then pay €50 per month for ten months to attend the classes. You can try out each discipline before choosing, or even practise several at once. For further information, please call 06 90 32 15 60.
