Torikai Martial Arts Association reviews

I have been training with the club for 8 years now. Walking through that door was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. Karate hasn’t just changed my martial arts ability, it has made me stronger both mentally and physically, my fitness has improved a lot and it has also made me much more confident and happy person.

My instructors really know how to get the best out of me and I look forward to many more years of training.

The benefits from doing it aren’t just inside the dojo it’s impacts your whole life, I would recommend anyone to join. 

~ Steven W

I brought youngest daughter Tarryn to Torikai karate yaxley class in April this year as she was getting bullied in school and had no confidence in herself at all! Since Tarryn has been doing her regular karate classes every Tuesday night in yaxley since April, her confidence levels have gone up and beyond! She is already a red belt and she loves every minute of her karate and has made great friendships along the way! 

Tarryn encouraged me (her dad) to start doing karate with her on a Tuesday night as well! I have to say I started doing karate from March this year, and personally I have never looked back! I am a full time lorry driver, and doing karate with Torikai helps me keep fit and well excerised every week! I am currently a red belt myself, and very much enjoy doing regular karate classes in our home village in yaxley. 

My eldest daughter Rebecca has also joined in with myself and tarryn and we all train together every Tuesday night. Rebecca is also a red belt and very much loves learning karate, and personally I think it has brought Rebecca and Tarryn a lot closer as sisters and working as a team! 

I cannot describe how good Torikai karate is! The sensei’s / Shihan are all amazing people with years of experience and help us all learn in a very fun friendly atmosphere. Me and my daughters have never looked back! Choosing to do karate with Torikai was the best decision I have made for my daughters and myself! 

Thankyou Torikai karate 😁 

~ Kevin S

I joined torikai 18 months ago with my son and what a journey its been so far. We were made welcome and part of the club instantly and have made friends for life. I've known shihan brian for many years and his reputation precedes him. All the instructors are incredible and the collective knowledge  they have is amazing . This truly is not your average karate club every lesson I'm blown away by what we have been taught. Everyone involved in torikai has helped me massively both physically and mentally and has gave me the confidence to enter competitions and believe in myself again

~ Ben A

I have trained with these guys for a long time now and I can say from experience that ToriKai Martial Arts is a brilliant club and association to be a part of, friendly and helpful instructors with an absolute wealth of knowledge and experience, great club mates and training partners and most importantly, no big egos or anyone acting like they are better than you. 

Whether you’re a beginner on your martial arts journey (as I was), or a more experienced martial artist, there is always something new you can learn, and I am still blown away by the depth and knowledge that is held by our instructors, and always learning and improving all the time- as Shihan Brian (a 7th Dan black belt with over 40 years of experience) says- “we are all students”- and he means it. So if you’re looking to make friends, get fitter, build confidence and learn new and invaluable skills, I would wholeheartedly recommend giving ToriKai a go. And just remember- “A black belt is a white belt that never gave up”.

~ Nathan E

I've been traing with Torikai for 35 years. This club is more than just a group of karatka, its an extended family. 

I relocated up north but still feel the need to travel, My wife asks me why I travel 4 hours to train at Torikai and I tell her I don't just travel to train, I travel to train with family. 

If you are thinking of starting a new journey then look no further. I have trained all over the country and you will find it hard to find anywhere with a combined font of knowledge that this club has. Ous 

~ Steve T

Over the years I have made many friends, some have formed more meaningful relationships than others, and some been more like fun time friends. Some however (only a few) have become a strong and lasting bond of friendship that regardless of the situation when we truly need each other we are there and though we don't talk for a period of time when we donits like nothing ever changed, this is because we truly know each other, we have seen each other succeed and fail. We have been there through the great times and ultimate lows.

One of these friends, and absolute role model for every one around him and some one who I class my self as being so lucky to have in my life as friend, was recently awarded a 6th Dan in Karate. In true humble style he did not want many to know about this.

Brian Whatford. You are an outstanding man an incredible Sense who has a wealth of knowledge and real talent for passing that knowledge on. I remember we started karate at around the same time both kids really. We go to many competitions Brian would be the hot favorite for the Kata event but also would enter the fighting categories. With myself and people like Mike McRanor in the squad in was a talented squad. Though Brian was not as natural a fighter as some on the squad no one and I mean no one ever wanted to fight him. His determination, power, and shear will to win made him a nightmare for many gifted fighters. When I think abut to this day all I can think of is Brian coming forward non stop punching as hard as possible.

Brian no one is more proud of your achievement, you have overcome adversity and have developed into a true and respected Master of Karate.

Know this. Hundred and hundreds of people's lives are better for their interactions with YOU and lessons in life that you have taught them.

OSS

Your sparing partner And very good friend

~Sensei Dave Ritchie

Only seen Brian Whatford perform Kata once, with him then breaking down every element of it and expertly articulating its purpose and relevence/ connection in the sequence. I was blown away by his knowledge, skill in performing and in particular his energy and enthusiasm still for something he has spent a lifetime learning and doing.

A much overused term and really not befitting of many it's used to describe, but in Brian's case I have no hesitation in saying he is a true master of his craft.

~Steven Burton - Black belt in many disciplines including BJJ

I can't speak more highly of this karateka, true credit to the art and a gentleman. The way he conducts himself is how martial artists should be.

A fantastic athlete that leads by example. If there are any up and coming martial artisits reading this post, by mirroring Shihan Brian Whatford is the way karate should be practiced.

Well.done on your amazing achievement.

If anyone deserves their 7th Dan it's

Shihan Brian Whatford. Trains, competes and mentors how martial artists should. A credit to karate and an honour to be able to congratulate you on this fully deserved award. Far to many grades are given away these days but this one is truly deserved for fantastic role model of how a martial artist should be.

~Shinhan Dave Treadwell