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.
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World class self protection training based in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.
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Fully endorse it
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 the body armour just makes it so much more real for people. Fully endorse it. Thank you John. Read more … “Fully endorse it”
Alan Murphy
7th Dan, Mushin Bushikan JuJitsu
wholeheartedly endorse
I am a 20 year Law Enforcement veteran, JKD teacher and founder of HAVOC JKD and it has been my singular pleasure and honor 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 Read more … “wholeheartedly endorse”
Sifu Jay Cooper
Canadian Director of the Jeet Kune Do Athletic Association.
the ‘go-to’ guy
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 to we solve the seeming paradox of wanting to gain the vital experience needed without doing anything illegal, stupid or unethical? The answer is realistic simulation 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 Read more … “the ‘go-to’ guy”
Iain Abernethy
7th Dan, British Combat Karate Association.
physically tough and emotionally challenging
One of the most enjoyable days training ever, after many years of traditional tkd training 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! Read more … “physically tough and emotionally challenging”
Tom Coleman
7th Dan, Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain.
a fantastic experience
Sensei John delivered a remarkable seminar, leaving us with a deeper 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 involved and interested 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. Read more … “a fantastic experience”
Sensei James Galea
6th Dan, Malta Karate Federation.
a true understanding of his subject matter
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. Read more … “a true understanding of his subject matter”
Simon Sheridan
Chief Instructor, HAVOC UK.
Enjoyable and rewarding
My second simday, another enjoyable and rewarding day. It reassured many aspects of my training under pressure. It also showed some weaknesses and areas to concentrate on. Again loads to take away. I highly recommend… John Titchen’s Simday, if you want to test what you think you do. Read more … “Enjoyable and rewarding”
Graham Palmer
5th Dan, Norwich Shotokan Karate Club.
fantastic
Sensei John was fantastic as an instructor and as a person. His teaching method was structured and pleasant and kept all of us involved and interested throughout.
Sensei Jesmond Schembri
4th Dan, Malta Karate Federation.
a brilliant system
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 very pure karate form when required. I will always encourage others to go and train at any events involving John and these guys whenever possible! Read more … “a brilliant system”
Thomas Vincent
Mushin Bushikan JuJitsu.
a positive role model
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 to recommend Dart Karate, John is a very positive role model. Read more … “a positive role model”
Ellie
Parent
safe, fun and effective
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
Student.
learnt a huge amount
I have been a long-term member and have learnt a huge amount about self-defence and how to keep myself safe anywhere.
Alex
UKSF & Former Student.
an excellent club
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 ow you personally perform under pressure. Read more … “an excellent club”
Robbie
Former Student.
applicable to everyday life
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.
perfect self defence skills
Sensei John Titchen has been training my son for three years now. John’s sessions are engaging and the drills help perfect self-defense skills for many varied (and dangerous) real-life situations. My son’s self-confidence and defense… technique have grown immensely thanks to John’s advice and tutoring. Read more … “perfect self defence skills”
Daiva Simaite
Parent
Excellent class
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. Read more … “Excellent class”
Robert Davis
very relevant
My son trains with Dr Titchen and from what I’ve seen, his classes are very relevant to the name of the club.
Andrew Pinto
Parent
really enjoys it
My son has attended for 3 years and really enjoys it. It helps him grow in confidence whilst keeping him fit and off the xbox!
Elaine Rose
Parent
provided with a skill set that can be moulded depending on any instance
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 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. You have the opportunity to train several times a week with people of all ages and walks of life. As with most martial arts gradings are also an important part of DART. After the requisite amount of time you are provided with the opportunity to grade for the next belt, you will not only be tested on the practical side of things but also your knowledge of the legal aspect e.g. your rights to defend yourself. John himself has written an extensive syllabus detailing all this information. You leave the grading feeling deserving of the belt you’re holding. Throughout the year seminars and simulation training days are held where you are given the opportunity to train and test your skill set with martial artists from other clubs and disciplines. Overall, I highly recommend DART. Read more … “provided with a skill set that can be moulded depending on any instance”
Haaqan Chaudry
DART Instructor