STUDENT & INSTRUCTOR REVIEWS

A fantastic club! My son joined 4 years ago and has blossomed. He has grown in confidence and has developed impressive physical strength and abilities. This is a friendly community that mixes discipline with healthy interactions of students at all levels. My son really looks forward to every session.

Aude

Parent

I have been a member of DART Karate for several years and it has made my confidence grow massively just by being part of a supportive, tight-knit community. Not only that but it has provided me with a set of self-defense skills that I can apply to real life scenarios.

DINUGA

STUDENT

Our 2 boys have attended DART karate for many years and are loving it. Good training, they are having fun and learning great practical martial arts skills for self defence in a supportive fun and social group. The special Simulation Days are also a fantastic opportunity to test and hone their skills.

Jaimy

Parent

Been with this club for several years now, and having had experiences with numerous martial arts clubs, and I always find myself coming back to DART. John has developed my martial arts techniques in a real-world fashion not only through general training, but specifically through scenario training - something I've yet to experience at another club. Above all however, the club is a great close-knit community and we have lots of fun together!

maxim

student

I first trained with John in 2017 at a seminar in Birmingham, having read the Heian Flow System and Pinan Flow System books, and it was a lightbulb moment in my karate. Over the years I have trained under many instructors and John is one of the very best I have come across and his influence on my karate and teaching approach cannot be understated.

Dan Young

4th Dan Karate

I have been a long-term member and have learned a huge amount about self-defence and how to keep myself safe anywhere.

A

UKSF & Former student

I am a 20 year Law Enforcement veteran, JKD teacher and founder of HAVOC JKD and it has been my singular pleasure to have Sensei John Titchen teach at my school. He is a consummate professional with an ability to apply the traditional systems within a modern setting.

John applies context and legality to the murky world of self defense and I have learned a great deal from him in our exchanges online and in person.

John is someone who I have known for some time now and I wholeheartedly endorse his approach and his teachings. Everyone - especially "seasoned" or experienced martial artists - should train with John any chance they get to see how much of what they know is applicable and more importantly how much isn't. I don't endorse many people, and believe me I do get asked a lot; this is one I am happy to offer without being asked.

Jay cooper

reality check

Been training here for about 3 years and must say it's boosted my confidence massively, and is perfect for younger and older teenagers and adults for staying fit, staying aware and giving you a legal perspective of violence.

I think other clubs offer solely a physical perspective on martial arts, whereas DART encompasses the physical, mental and leagl sides to violence and fighting.

Sensei John makes funny jokes too.

Teo

student

Karate is undergoing a revolution. Not a revolution that uproots the past, but instead one that returns to the past to water the roots of our tradition so that, after decades of stasis, it may grow and flourish. There is no doubt in my mind that John Titchen is one of the leading lights of this modern revolution (re-evolution?). John is someone who I always enjoy discussing karate and self-protection with. Every time we talk in person or online I find myself reassured by our commonalities and excited by our divergences. John is also someone who, to me, embodies the warrior spirit. Easygoing and thoughtful in nature, but who has a determination and love of what he does that is as infectious as it is inspirational.

John Titchen and his scenario training is excellent. John would probably be, in the UK at least, the go-to guy (for Scenario training). Instructors want to know what they are teaching is realistic, but how can they be sure if they've never had been involved in a real situation? Getting involved in real situations is obviously not the answer! So how do we solve the seeming paradox of wanting to gain the vital experience needed without doing anything illegal, stupid or unethical? The answer is realistic scenario training and, for my money, John Titchen is the Number 1 guy when it comes to providing such training in a professional, realistic and ego free way.

Iain abernethy

8th dan british combat karate instructor

A brilliant system, school and instructor. Run by a very intelligent, patient and thoughtful martial artist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, able to mix the influence of other arts when necessary, whilst still retaining the very pure karate form when required.

THOMAS VINCENT

INSTRUCTOR, MUSHIN BUSHIKAN JUJITSU

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at DART. Not only is it fun and good for fitness, but the self defence that is taught is applicable to everyday life (unlike some other martial arts).

WILL

FORMER STUDENT

I enrolled my two sons to DART Karate to help my boys gain self confidence and techniques to defend themselves. My sons are now very confident, they carry themselves differently and John gives them all the support and encouragement they need to progress through the different stages of the DART Karate curriculum. They really enjoy the simulation days as they put into practice what they have been taught, every lesson is different and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend DART Karate, John is a very positive role model.

ellie

Parent

Sensei John delivered a remarkable seminar, leaving us with a depper understanding of the 5 Shotokan Heian Kata. His knowledge on the subject is staggering, spanning some 25 years of training. His teaching method was structured and pleasant and kept all of us interested and involved throughout. It was a fantastic experience for all who took part. Truly an amazing experience for us all by a gentleman Sensei who not only shared with us openly an integrated system of Heian applications to make our Karate more complete, but also taught us invaluable life lessons with his example, attitude and indomitable spirit. Thank You Sensei John.

sensei james galea

7th dan malta karate federation

Sensei John Titchen has been training my son for three years now. John's sessions are engaging and the drills help perfect self-defence skills for many varied (and dangerous) real-life situations. My son's self-confidence and defence technique have grown immensely thanks to John's advice and tutoring.

DAIVA

Parent

I have been training in the martial arts for over twenty years and have been fortunate enough to have had some very good instructors. It is not often that I am truly impressed by another instructor, but John Titchen struck me as being on a different level to most. A true understanding of his subject matter, backed up by a very impressive CV. Since training with John and his students I am keen to expose my own students to his training.

simon sheridan

reality check - uk branch

My son attended for 3 years (11 now) and really enjoys it. It helps him grow in confidence whilst keeping him fit and off the xbox!

elaine

Parent

Excellent class based around practical skills for self defence against likely scenarios that most people would see (without ending up in prison yourself). Nobody dressing up and playing "special forces" here :) just sound advice and sound training.

robert davis

4th Dan karate

My son trains with Dr Titchen and from what I've seen, his classes are very relevant to the name of the club.

andrew

Parent

This is my third time visiting with John. Excellent session as ever, development of everybody that comes up here. It is a challenge for any martial artist to come and test what they've done through the years, and see how they cope in enclosed environments and tough challenging situations, wearing body armour just makes it so much more real for people. Fully endorse it. Thank you John.

Alan murphy

7th dan mushin bushinkan jujitsu

Trained on the Sim Days and also personally with John. Always had a blast. Highly recommended if you're looking for something specifically self defence orientated. Particularly in regards to the law, self protection and application.

thomas hepburn

mma coach & competitor

An excellent club to learn how to defend yourself as well as spot and prevent dangerous situations from escalating. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to improve their fitness, learn an extremely effective (and fun!) martial art and participate in real life scenarios allowing you to see how you personally perform under pressure.

robbie

former student

One of the most enjoyable days training ever, after so many years of traditional TKD this felt like the missing piece of the jigsaw! Well constructed with good feedback, a great leveller, physically tough and emotionally challenging but ultimately most enlightening... must come back!

tom coleman

8th dan tae kwon do association of great britain

DART karate provides safe, fun and effective self protection classes. I have trained with some great people and have learned loads in the five years I have been training.

david

former student

Sensei John was fantastic as an instructor and as a person. His teaching method was structured and pleasant and kept all of us interested engaged and interested throughout.

sensei jesmond schembri

5th dan malta karate federation

Professional and excellent training. My son has been with the club for 9 years and it has transformed him.

angela

Parent

DART Karate is unlike other karate clubs you might have joined. Head coach Dr John Titchen teaches with enthusiasm and years of experience. He's always welcoming to newcomers and after every class you leave with that exhausted bliss after a great workout and learning opportunity.

DART differs from 'traditional' karate in the sense that there is a strong emphasis on practical self defence application. You aren't bombarded with different moves for different situations, instead you're provided with a skill set that can be moulded depending on any instance.

Overall, I highly recommend DART.

haaqan chaudry

2nd dan dart