There are many varied styles of martial arts. Traditional martial arts, such as karate, have deep historical influences that were developed for self-defence or for defending others. Combative martial arts, such as kick boxing and mixed martial arts, are developed for sporting contests. Generally, these are one-on-one bouts, governed by rules and weight divisions.
Each martial art focuses on a particular type of technique or style, and this can be an important choice for those interested in self-defence. For example, jujitsu and judo emphasise the use of grapples, throws and fighting on the ground. In karate we prefer the combat to take place at a distance. Striking techniques of kicks and punches are used as a karateka learns to control the space between themselves and multiple opponents.
Our school teaches traditional karate for self-defence. We start with simple blocks and strikes against a single opponent to build confidence and ability. As students develop two or more opponents are introduced so that they can learn how to defend themselves against attacks from all directions. Martial arts techniques such as throws, grapples and weapons are also taught as students become more advanced.
The Worksop Shotokan Karate School was founded in February 2023 by Sensei Natalie Jordan, a dedicated 2nd Dan Black Belt with a passion for helping students reach their full potential. Thanks to the school’s rapid growth and positive reputation, Natalie has since established additional clubs in Retford, Doncaster and Grantham. She also runs several local after‑school programmes and supports Primary School PE lessons, making traditional Shotokan Karate accessible to children across the area. Alongside leading her own schools, Natalie continues to support and train under Sensei Tyers (5th Dan) at the 3 Counties Shotokan Karate School in Chesterfield, Dronfield, Mansfield and Sutton‑in‑Ashfield.
Our schools pride themselves on delivering high‑quality, patient and enjoyable Traditional Shotokan Karate training for everyone; children from the age of 4, adults of all ages and abilities, and even whole families training side by side. Students can expect to improve their fitness, build confidence, learn practical self‑defence skills and develop a strong sense of wellbeing. And of course, you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming community where new friendships are often formed.
Beginners are always welcome and receive free taster sessions
Physical, zoom and 1-2-1 classes available
No contracts or hidden costs
Accredited grades and licences
Enhanced DBS certified
Safeguarding certified and the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Children) – Any concerns please contact Natalie Jordan
Prevent Certified
First Aid certified
Sensei Natalie Jordan – 2nd Dan (Nidan) Black Belt
Sensei Natalie Jordan brings passion, discipline and over a decade of focused commitment to Shotokan Karate. Born in Chesterfield and raised in Inkersall, Natalie settled in Barlborough in 1999, where she continues to be an active and positive part of the community.
Her journey in karate began in 2008, when a simple leaflet through her parents’ door introduced her and her two children to the world of Shotokan Karate. Training under Sensei Tyers, Natalie quickly developed a deep respect for the art. Although family commitments and her dedication to long‑distance running led to a break in 2012, her passion for karate never faded.
After seven years away, the draw of the dojo became impossible to ignore. Natalie returned with the intention of training casually once a week, yet within weeks, she found herself fully immersed once again. With her husband and son joining her back in the Dojo, her training quickly intensified to five sessions per week, a level of commitment she still maintains today.
Natalie continues to expand her knowledge and skill by travelling weekly to Leicester, Dunstable and Northampton to train under Shihan Sahota, Founder and Chief Instructor of TISKA. Her dedication to excellence pushes her to continually refine her technique, understanding and teaching ability.
Beyond her own training, Sensei Jordan plays a vital role within the association. She assists at Regional Gradings, supports the TISKA National Championships and regularly attends Master Courses across the UK and Spain to deepen her expertise.
What motivates her most is seeing students grow; listening, learning and developing confidence, discipline and skill. For Natalie, sharing the art of karate is more than teaching; it is giving others the same life‑changing gift that once inspired her own journey.
Gusharan Sahota
Gursharan Sahota was born in Kenya, East Africa but moved to the UK at the age of 12. He took up Karate at the age of 14 in the local Bedford club and was awarded black belt 1st dan (shodan) four years later.
Now a 9th Dan, Gursharan has competed in a multitude of kata and kumite events, many at national and international level. But the most significant event in his career was the visit he made in 1984 to Japan. There, he fulfilled a great ambition by training in a Japanese dojo under the instruction of Sensei Hirokazu Kanazawa.
This experience proved to be a turning point for Gursharan. On his return to England, he realised the trip had been the inspiration he needed to dedicate his future to training and teaching karate as a way of life.
Gursharan’s first club was opened in Luton/Dunstable in 1981 and this is now the association’s hombu (HQ). Having been a teacher of the art for many years, he formed his own association in 1993 – TISKA (The Traditional International Shotokan Karate Association) which is now one of the biggest associations in the UK.
Gursharan’s love of karate has never diminished. He still teaches over 35 classes a week in the UK and regularly takes master classes internationally. All in all, he has brought hundreds of students of all ages up to black belt standard and beyond.
He is also involved in charity work, helping to subsidise trips for surgeons to third world countries to operate on underprivileged children. He has, for many years, funded many projects in India, and is at present helping to fund the building of a new school.
Gursharan lives in Buckinghamshire and is happily married with a son and daughter who already show signs of following in their daddy’s footsteps.
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