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Meet Sable
Sable is our club mascot, this small teddy bear is a representation of a Japanese Kuroten, he attends all of our classes and seminars providing a gentle hug to all that need it.
Sable also trains in karate, he does this by the students in the club taking him on holiday with them. He has his own grading sheet of which the students choose something from to practise with him whilst they are away. After providing photo or video evidence of their practice, Sable then has that particular technique signed off of his grading sheet. Once all the techniques on his grading sheet have been signed off Sable grades up to a new cuddly belt. The students all love helping Sable to grade up!
The Story of Kuroten
Karate was originally taught by the old masters of Okinawa as an effective method of civilian combat.
At Kuroten Practical Karate we seek the same values and aim to make karate as effective as possible within the modern world. With an emphasis on karate techniques that can be applied in real life scenarios; we teach striking with various parts of the body, along with grappling, throwing, groundwork, impact work and power generation, we also include both kata (forms) and bunkai (analysis) within our syllabus. We incorporate elements of self-defence and self-protection, also teaching de-escalation and escape.
There are many benefits to karate and students often discover that their training helps in other areas of their life, such as improved self-confidence and coordination, self-discipline, concentration, flexibility and overall physical fitness and strength.
Our classes are split into four age groups, Infants, Juniors, Cadets and Adults. This enables us to tailor the needs of the individual students to match their life experience and keep the lessons both practical and fun.
Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to the martial arts after a break or an experienced martial artist, please do get in touch. We are a family friendly dojo, always ready to welcome new members and we would love to hear from you.
We look forward to seeing you in the dojo soon.
Since 2020
Teaching in Wivenhoe
Meet The Instructors
Led by experienced instructors dedicated to the practical application of karate values.
28+
YEARS EXP
3rd
DAN BLACK BELT
Tracey Radley
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR (SANDAN, 3RD DAN)
"Tracey began her journey in Wado Ryu in 1998. She now holds a 3rd Dan black belt in karate and has also cross trained in Shotokan, Judo, kick boxing, Brazilian Jujitsu, boxing and Muay Thai to create a truly practical syllabus."
Specialty: Practical Bunkai & Self-Protection
Liam Radley
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR (SHODAN BLACK BELT)
"Liam grew up in the dojo. He graded to Shodan in 2026 and is an expert in practical drills and self-protection for young people. A role model for our younger students."
Specialty: Kata & Youth Coaching
"I’ve had the privilege of working with Tracey Radley since before Kuroten even began and it’s been brilliant to see her go from strength to strength over the years. She has a passion for teaching; a true commitment to her own professional development and the progression of her students. She has built not just a club but a whole karate community which is welcoming, inclusive, and effective for both martial arts and self defence. Would highly recommend her school to anyone lucky enough to be in range"
- Mary Abernethy (Stevens), MA (Oxon) PGCE, Athena School of Karate/ VPAM UK, Fairfight.nl mentor, 500Rising UK/Europe Advisory group
"Kuroten Practical Karate is a wonderful place where you can learn the practical application of karate in a truly inclusive atmosphere. Head instructor Tracey Radley is an exceptional person who goes the extra mile to ensure that the individual needs of her students are met. She is a highly capable martial artist, demonstrating a level of humility and care that is rarely seen in martial arts. Whether you are looking to train yourself or your child, Kuroten Practical Karate is a place where you will not only receive excellent training but also find a second family"
- Les Bubka – Head Coach at Les Bubka all round Karate
"Tracey Radley is an inspirational innovator in the field of martial arts instruction, coaching and teaching. I have watched her take bold steps away from her foundational training and into an altogether more challenging environment, where she has thrived. As teacher with a lot experience both training martial arts teachers across multiple disciplines as well as working with some of the biggest groundbreakers in this culture and business, I can confirm that Tracey is one of those rarest of rising stars. It has been my total privilege to watch her grow both as a martial artist - never resting on her laurels - and in developing her own club brand with Kuroten Practical Karate. Like the best leaders in her field, Tracey not only takes on new material for her own personal development but ensures it is brought back into her classes and, whenever possible, brings her students and assistant instructors along for the ride. She keeps a critical eye on how everything can be improved, seeks out the knowledge and uses it to progress Kuroten. All of this is done with that same level of infectious enthusiasm, determination and a firm moral compass."
– Jamie Clubb – Established Author and Founder of Clubb Chimera Martial Arts
"I was lucky enough to train with Tracey at one of the Karate for Mental Health seminars led by Les Bubka. Tracey taught us how to take various applications & moves and alter them to suit people with differing needs (e.g. wheelchair users, amputees, people with long-term injuries etc). It was eye-opening to see how these small changes can make such an impact on our karate practice and make teaching more inclusive. I thoroughly enjoyed the session that Tracey led, and we incorporate a lot of her principles and teaching processes into our club to this day. Thanks Tracey!"
– Lara Elliott
Classes For Ages 6+: Join the Journey
We offer specialised programs tailored to different developmental stages, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their training.
Parent Spectators
We encourage parents to stay and watch! For safeguarding, in Infant and Junior classes, a designated adult must be present. Due to space, we accommodate one adult per child.