Practical Karate Association
DART KARATE FOR SELF DEFENCE

The aim of DART Karate
The primary aim of DART Karate is to provide appropriate self protection training. We teach people to avoid, deter, negate and escape abuse, aggression and violence. Our regular High Wycombe karate classes focus on using force in self defence against realistic types of violence.
Our DART Karate training includes:
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Avoiding and preventing Aggression, Abuse & Violence
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De-escalating Conflict
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Use of Force and the Law
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Escape strategies
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Using fundamental techniques with pads
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Self defence focused kata based sparring
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Edged weapon defence and escape
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Reasonable Force scaling and control techniques
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Kata training to rehearse combinations
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Physical Fitness, balance and mobility
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Self Protection Scenario Training
There is no false machismo and we make no exaggerated claims. We provide high quality karate training designed by International Coach John Titchen to keep you safe and healthy. Coach John Titchen has taught Karate in Canada, the USA and Europe and his books on Self Defence and applying kata are respected worldwide.
We welcome complete beginners and experienced practitioners. Two of our former cross-training students are now 5th Dan Black Belts running their own groups. Adults and teenagers are welcome!
What is the history of DART Karate?
The DART approach to training is modern, developed from applying research in Sports Science, Psychology, Criminology and UK Law to Karate tactics.
Our physical training comprises both grappling and striking and is similar to MMA apart from being self defence focused. Originally working under the banner of 'Practical Karate', the name DART – defence, attack & resolution tactics – was adopted in 2006 to sum up our approach.
DART Karate combines the traditional training with modern legally underpinned application to create a unique approach. You can read more about the history of karate here.
DART Karate Class Times & Locations
Wycombe Leisure Centre
Handy Cross, High Wycombe, HP11 1UP
Mondays: 19:30 - 21:00 (adults and teenagers)
Thursdays: 19:30 - 21:00 (adults and teenagers)
RGS High Wycombe
RGS Students only (male & female)
Wednesdays: 15:45 - 17:10 (Yrs 7 - 13)

Benefits of DART Karate for Self Defence
Scenario-Based Skills
Develop practical decision-making and physical skills through evidence-based training designed to address the most common types of real-world violence and abuse.
Situational Awareness & Confidence
Improve your ability to identify individual and environmental red flags, enabling proactive avoidance and early de-escalation of potential conflicts.
Legal Understanding
Gain a clear ethical and legal framework regarding the Use of Force, ensuring your responses remain within the bounds of UK law while keeping you and others safe.
Physical Fitness
Improve your coordination, agility, mobility, balance and aerobic and anaerobic training through the physical training we offer in our fun and friendly classes.
Membership for You
Our flexible membership plans can be tailored to offer family and military discounts.
ADULT MALES
£70 PCM
Price includes access to all grade appropriate classes, gradings, personal accident insurance and uniform in second month.
TEENAGE MALES
£60 PCM
Price includes access to all grade appropriate classes, gradings, personal accident insurance and uniform in second month.
ADULT & TEENAGE FEMALES
£45 PCM
Price includes access to all grade appropriate classes, gradings, personal accident insurance and uniform in second month.