The easing of the COVID-19 rules as they apply to gyms now allows group classes to restart. From Thursday, 3 June adult classes will resume for all at 19:00 at the Salem Baptist Church Hall.
Seijitsu Karate Club first started in 1976, and was then known as Cheltenham Shinto Karate Club. It later changed its name to Cheltenham Phoenix to come under the banner of The Phoenix Karate Organisation. In those early days the club studied the art of Shotokan Karate under the instruction of the founder Sensei Steve Wheatley; the Club was affiliated to the KUGB, Karate Union of Great Britain.
In 2025, following a restructure in the PKO, Cheltenham Phoenix Karate became Sejitsu Karate, carrying forward the same ethos and the same commitment to high-quality traditional karate.
Those who are new to karate are invited to join us for a free trial lesson, and will be made to feel welcome by all of our members. Please drop us a line for more details.
Hello,
I am Steve Wheatley, founder of Seijitsu Karate and co-founder of Phoenix Karate Organisation under Chief Instructor Sensei Barry Tatlow. The club was formed in 1976, then training in the art of Shotokan, and, some years later, changing to Wado-Ryu with the Tera Karate Kai.
Now, having been involved in martial arts for over 50 years I have seen many clubs come and go; this is usually due to money, politics, or both. However, there are neither at Seijitsu for there are no professionals at the club. I don't take payment, and nor does anyone else, choosing instead to keep students as students, rather than as clients. In every other way the club is run in a professional manner. There are no joining fees and all profits, if any accrue, go back in to running the club.
What you see is what you get: a high standard of karate in a great karate family.
There are, of course, those out there that would offer you "martial arts", but what they really offer is some fighting techniques and exercise, all at a price, without understanding the damage that can be done when such techniques are performed badly or incorrectly.
Thank you for visiting our web site, and if you would like to train with us and be part of the Seijitsu Karate family, please drop us a line.
- Sensei Steve Wheatley
129 St George's Road
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3EQ
Thursday, 19:00 - 21:00
Monthly subs of £25 payable by card on the first Thursday.