TISKA – Hendon
This is the Hendon website if you are looking for another location please see the following websites:
Edgware www.tiskakarate-edgware.co.uk
Hornsey www.tiskakarate-hornsey.co.uk
Finchley www.tiskakarate-finchley.co.uk
Mill Hill www.tiskakarate-millhill.co.uk
TISKA Hendon was established in 2012 under the instruction of Sensei C Gregory (6th Dan), who started karate at the age of 14 with TISKA St Albans in 1994.
The clubs consist of a range of Students from 4 years old, through to adults. Children, adults and families training together. Our members range from beginner to 3rd Dan Black Belt (Sandan). Members come from a broad range of professional and social backgrounds.
In our clubs you will learn the 3 main disciplines of Karate: Khion (Basics), Kumite (Sparring) and Kata (Form)
To add variety and fun to each class we also train with:
Gradings are held regularly throughout the year, where students take an exam to achieve their next grade. For many young students this promotes self-confidence and a sense of achievement and motivation.
Students can participate in courses run by Shihan Sahota and take part in an annual TISKA National Competition, giving students the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have learnt and developed through their training.
What is Karate?
Karate is a martial art that focuses on striking techniques such as punches, kicks, knee strikes, and blocks. It originated in Okinawa, Japan, and the word karate means “empty hand,” showing that it was designed for self-defence without weapons. Over time, karate spread around the world and developed into different styles, but they all share the same core values. Karate is a powerful martial art, it is much more than fighting. Karate is about;
Structure of our clubs at TISKA – Hendon
Karate Kids Class (Aged 4 to 6 years )
This class is designed for the younger student ages 4 to 6 years. These classes are smaller than the other classes so we can dedicate more time to each individual and run at a slower pace. At this age, karate classes are designed to be fun, active, and easy to follow, not as strict or intense as for older students. In Karate Kids classes, they learn basic skills like listening, following directions, balance, and coordination. They practice simple punches, kicks, and blocks in a safe and fun way. Classes often include fun activities to keep them engaged. Children remain in this class until they are 7 years old or have obtained Green Belt.
Beginner to Intermediate Class (Aged 7 to Adult)
This karate class is designed for students ages 7 through to adult. This consists of beginners up to Purple tag (Int 5th Kyu). At this level, training is at a medium pace and becomes more focused and structured while still being supportive and motivating for all ages. Students work on improving technique, speed, balance, and control. Basic punches, kicks, and blocks are refined, and combinations become more advanced. Students also spend more time practicing kata, which helps develop focus, memory, and precision. The application of Kata is also demonstrated. Student spend more time sparring with different partners that teaches timing and distance in a safe environment. Students develop confidence, perseverance, and goal-setting abilities as they work toward higher belt ranks. Training regularly helps improve focus at school, work, and daily life. Students remain in the class until achieving Purple Belt.
Advanced Class
This class is for students that have achieved Purple Belt and have normally been training for approximately two years.
Students work on advanced combinations, faster transitions, and precise execution of punches, kicks, and blocks. Greater emphasis is placed on kata performance, understanding, application, including timing, power, balance, and breathing.
Advanced classes also include controlled sparring and partner drills, helping students develop distance management, reaction speed, and strategic thinking while maintaining safety and respect.
Students are expected to set personal goals and serve as role models for lower-ranked students. Students remain in this class until they achieve at least Brown and Red Stripe Belt.
Black Belt Class
This class is for our advanced Brown belts who are preparing for Black Belt and all existing Black Belts. At this level, training is more focused on mastering technique, precision, and deeper understanding of karate.
Classes emphasize on more refined execution of punches, kicks, blocks, and transitions. Students work on advanced kata and a deeper understanding of application. Controlled sparring and partner drills continue as an important part of black belt training. Black belt students are also expected to demonstrate leadership, discipline, and responsibility. They serve as role models within the dojo, supporting lower-ranked students and upholding traditional values such as respect, humility, and perseverance.
Learning never stops and this class is for students committed to continuous improvement.
I started karate at the age of 14 with TISKA St Albans in 1994.
Karate has helped me in many aspects of my life, building my confidence, self discipline, perseverance and social skills.
It was rewarding and motivating for me to achieve Black Belt in May 1999 and this inspired me to become a Karate Instructor. I opened my first club in 2005 and now run five clubs in the North London area.
I have a huge passion for teaching and passing on my knowledge to others. The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing students grow in their karate and confidence.
I train under Chief Instructor Shihan Sahota 9th Dan at our Hombu (Headquarters) and also attend regular Instructor classes and Master courses to improve my own development. I continue to expand my own knowledge through studying, training, and my students.
Key Achievements:
Shodan (1st Dan) — 23/05/1999
Nidan (2nd Dan) — 04/11/2001
Sandan (3rd Dan) — 17/01/2006
Masters Course, Dubai — August 2010
Yondan (4th Dan) — 06/08/2010
Godan (5th Dan) — 16/10/2016
Masters Course, Spain — July 2025
Rokudan (6th Dan) — 10/07/2025
TISKA instructors are fully insured and enhanced DBS checked.
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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