Join Us
We are recruiting younger students (Aged 5 to 12) for our 2026 Junior Dragons Classes.
For more information please register below for an information pack.
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Woodlane Instructors
Chris Vant
Head Instructor (5th Dan)
Chris Fennessy
Instructor (4th Dan)
Woodlane Links
Members of the British Ishinryu Karate Association
Woodlane Memories
We take Safeguarding very seriously at Woodlane Ishinryu. Our dedicated safeguarding lead is Pearl Vant. Pearl attends every session and is always available to oversee and assist our younger students. Pearl has enhanced DBS cover, as do both our senior instructors.
Many of our students are under 16 years old and the safety and well-being of our younger students is always our first priority. Please see our safeguarding page for more detail.
Woodlane Ishinryu Karate
Woodlane was the first ever Ishinryu club, formed by our Association founder, sensei Ticky Donovan (10th Dan) OBE, in 1973. Although much has changed since that time, we strive at every lesson to uphold and support the legacy of this very special club.
Today, our focus is very much on the future and growing our club as demonstrated by our club motto – “Onward and upwards”.
Two ways to join us
(1) Turn up for your first free lesson wearing track suit trousers and T-Shirt. No need to book in advance – just arrive 10 minutes before any session.
We’ll take a few essential details and give a short safety briefing, and then you’re all good to join your first lesson. Alternatively, you can just sit in and watch a lesson.
All training is in bare feet. Further lessons will be paid on a pay as you go basis at £6 per session.
Two ways to join us
(2)Â Our Starter Class bundle gets new Dragons up and running with a Karate Uniform (Gi) and four weekly lessons.
After your four free lessons, further lessons will be charges at £6 on a pay-as-you go basis.
Training Times
Monday:
5.45 p.m. Dragons junior Class
7.00 p.m. General Class
Thursday:
5:45 p.m. Dragons junior Class
7.00 p.m. General Class
Location
Harold Hill Community Centre
Gooshays Drive
Romford
Essex
RM3 9LB
There is free parking on-site, but please be sure to register your vehicle on arrival to confirm you are attending the community centre.
Join our Club
We welcome new members and it’s very easy to join.
- Turn up at least 10 minutes early
- Wear track bottoms and T-shirt
- Join the session
There is no up-front joining fee. Just pay for each session (£6) as you go. Your first lesson is free.
If you decide to stay you will be required to purchase a Gi (karate suit) and licence within your first month of training.
Who can join?
Adults or Children. There is no upper age limit and we welcome those with disabilities who wish to train.
Children from 5 years old are eligible to join our Dragons class, as are children up to 12 years old.
Woodlane for Juniors
We have dedicated Dragons (Children only) classes every Monday and Thursday from 5:45. New starters are very welcome from 5 years to 12 years old.
We train every week throughout the year (except for Xmas week) and we train throughout the School Holidays.
The Woodlane Legacy
Woodlane is the oldest club in Ishinryu. Our club was founded by sensei Ticky Donovan OBE in 1973.
Our original location was Wood Lane in Dagenham. Since 2021 our club has been located in Gooshays Drive at the Harold Hill Commuity Centre.
Many students and Instructors have moved on to seed other Ishinryu clubs over the years and we are now one of eight UK based clubs making up the British Ishinryu Karate association.
