Ken Hori Sensei, a 6th Dan black belt, is the Chief Instructor and founder of Cambridge Karate Dojo. With a passion for karate since 1987, Ken initially trained with Cambridge University Karate Club under Eric Pich Sensei, with regular visits by Keinosuke Enoeda Sensei. Ken continued his training at Oasis Shotokan Karate Club in London under Yoshinobu Ohta Sensei, the 7th Dan Chief Instructor of JKA England, from 2005 until 2019.
Ken has an impressive competitive history, participating in both kumite (fighting) and kata (set forms) until 2015. He has achieved individual and team medals at various championships including the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) Championships, where he was awarded the Cambridge Full Blue in 2001. Ken has also excelled at the KUGB Central Regions, KUGB National Students, KUGB Nationals, JKAE (Japan Karate Association England) Nationals, Shotokan Cup, and Four Nations Championships.
In 2012, Ken was crowned as the Men's Individual Kata champion at both the JKAE Nationals and JKAE Four Nations Championships, where he also won bronze in kumite. Following his success, Ken was appointed the JKAE national team Squad Coach until 2019. Currently, Ken serves as a referee at JKA competitions in England and Europe, and frequently assists in translating for Japanese instructors at international courses held in England and Japan.
Cambridge Karate Dojo is affiliated to JKA WF England, under the leadership of Kawasoe Masao Sensei, an 8th Dan. The club is also a member of the Japan Shotokan Karate England group. The style of karate practised at Cambridge Karate Dojo is traditional shotokan karate, with a focus on closely following the teachings of JKA HQ.
Founded in 2014, Cambridge Karate Dojo initially started as a way for Ken to teach his own children. However, in 2017, the club officially opened its doors to other karate enthusiasts, and it has since grown to over 100 members, with over a quarter of them holding black belts. The club warmly welcomes participants of all levels, from beginners to experienced black belts.
Classes at Cambridge Karate Dojo are mixed in age, but there is a minimum age limit of 8 years old. If you're interested in joining, contact Ken Sensei through the provided contact information.
To get a glimpse of the dojo's training style and techniques, there are videos available of Ken Sensei teaching on Karate@Home to a global audience in April and May 2022. Additionally, there is a video by Sensei Bob Hague of Sheffield Shotokan Karate Club, showcasing the North Region Seminar that Ken Sensei conducted in Barnsley in November 2019.
If you're looking to learn authentic Japanese karate in the heart of Cambridge, Cambridge Karate Dojo is the place for you. Join today and experience the art and discipline of shotokan karate under the guidance of Ken Hori Sensei and his team of dedicated instructors.
