Started in the 1970s, we are one of the oldest karate clubs in Lincolnshire. Our chief instructor Garry Pettit began training in 1973 and in 2022 was awarded his 7th Dan along with the title Shihan (Master) for Kofukan Shitō-Ryū. Garry also teaches karate for the RAF Martial Arts Association, and we have a good relationship with the University of Lincoln who have their own Kofukan karate club which we train for national competitions.
Our Instructors
Shihan Garry Pettit
(7th Dan)
Nigel Parsons
(5th Dan)
Lawrence Petty
(4th Dan)
Clive Petty
(3rd Dan)
Jeff Law
(3rd Dan)
Mark Longstaffe
(3rd Dan)
All Kofukan England instructors are DBS checked and first aid trained.
What is Kofukan?
Established in the 1970s by Sensei Tomiyama and Sensei Omi in order to spread the Tani-ha Shitō-Ryū style of karate around Europe, Kofukan International is now a worldwide association with annual competitions bringing everyone together. Our symbol is the three swords representing Shin (mind), Gi (technique), and Ta (body), all unified as one.
What is Shitō-Ryū?
The first character, "Shi", is derived from the first part of Master Itosu's name. This style of karate, known as Itosu or Shuri-te, is generally performed with straight, sharp movements. The second character, "Tō", comes from the first part of Master Higaonna's name. Originally taught in Naha, Okinawa, this style is generally performed with circular, soft movements.
The founder of Shitō-Ryū, Master Mabuni (pictured), studied under both Master Itosu and Master Higaonna and based his style of karate on these two schools; Shitō-Ryū therefore incorporates both of these contrasting methods - primarily through its kata, which can be categorised by their respective origins:
Itosu (Shuri-te) Kata Group
Pin'an (Shodan-Godan), Naihanchin (Shodan-Sandan), Bassai-Dai, Bassai-Sho, Kosokun-Dai, Kosokun-Sho, Shiho-Kosokun, Jitte, Jiin, Jion, Wanshu, Rohai (Shodan-Sandan), Chinto, Chintei, Useishi
Higaonna (Naha-te) Kata Group
Sanchin, Tensho, Gekisai (Ichi & Ni), Saifa, Seienchin, Seisan, Seipai, Sanseiru, Shissochin, Kururunfa, Suparinpai
