All abilities welcome, from beginner to Dan grade!
Lydd Karate Club is open to anyone over the age of 6, and is held at the Community Centre in Lydd, TN29 9HU.
Shihan Chris Thompson
9th Dan – Washinkai Founder
Founded in 1977 the British Traditional Karate Association (BTKA) has for 30 years been at the forefront of Karate in England and are members of the only governing body in English Karate to be recognised by the World Karate Federation.
Derived from Wado-Ryu, the Washinkai style of Karate was created by its Chief Instructor Shihan Chris Thompson.
Sensei Chris Wateridge
6th Dan – Lydd Club Senior Instructor
Chris is the Lydd Washinkai senior instructor. He started karate at the age of 40. Like most parents, he started by watching and encouraging his own children. He is currently a 6th Dan and a member of the executive Committee, as well as an associate judge. Although Chris started later in life, he is passionate about his karate and the Lydd Dojo. Chris has also been training for nearly 30 years.
Sensei Celine Godd
4th Dan – Lydd Club Instructor
“I began my martial arts journey in secondary school in France, where my parents took my sister and me to watch a Viet Vo Dao class to address bullying. We trained together until I moved to England after university. Missing martial arts deeply, I discovered the Washinkai karate club in Lydd after a few months, and felt an instant sense of belonging. Since joining, I’ve not only learned new techniques and gained confidence but have also now taken on the role of assisting in teaching new students. Every day brings new lessons and growth in my martial arts journey.”
Tsuyoi seishin utsukushii
kokoro kenko na karada
“Learn with your soul as well as your body”
The logo of the British Traditional Karate Association
This depicts a fist at the centre of a flower with seven petals.
These two symbols represent the soft (ju) and hard (go) sides of karate.