Traditional karate · 18 venues · London, Kent and Surrey
Karate for the whole family, from 5 to 65
For the past 25 years we have taught thousands of students in London. Are you ready to join us? Pay as you go, no contract, and your first class is a trial. Sports clothes and a bottle of water are all you need.
Four regions, 18 dojos
Every venue runs one or two sessions a week, most in the early evening. Beginners are welcome at all of them, and there is a class for children and one for adults and higher grades at most.
West London
Shihan Eddie Bitton- West · SatActonSt Martin's Church Hall, W3 9SQTimes and fees
- West · TueEalingThe Church of the Ascension, W5 3EBTimes and fees
- West · Mon, Thu, SatGreenfordGreenford Sports Centre, UB1 2GUTimes and fees
- West · SunNortholtAlec Reed Academy, UB5 5LQTimes and fees
- West · WedStonebridgeSt Michael's Church, NW10 8LBTimes and fees
East London
Sensei Dmitriy- East · SatChingfordSt Anne's Church Hall, E4 6NPTimes and fees
- East · MonEdmontonEdmonton Scout Hall, N13 6BYTimes and fees
- East · WedHomertonNisbet Community Hall, E9 6ATTimes and fees
- East · WedPlaistowBarking Road Community Centre, E13 9EZTimes and fees
- East · TuePoplarTeviot Centre, E14 6QDTimes and fees
- East · SatPoplar-BowSt Paul's Way Secondary School, E3 4FTTimes and fees
- East · FriWalthamstowWalthamstow Leisure Centre, E17 8RNTimes and fees
South East London and Kent
Shihan Aaron Harris- South East · WedBelvedereBelvedere Community Centre, DA17 6AATimes and fees
- South East · Mon, FriBlackfenBlackfen School for Girls, DA15 9NUTimes and fees
- South East · Thu, SatDartfordDartford Methodist Church, DA1 2DRTimes and fees
- South East · TueGreenwichThomas Tallis School, SE3 9PXTimes and fees
South London classes are currently closed. In memory of Sensei Kevin.
Seven parts to every session
Each week the instructor sets a focus, so there is always something new to learn. A class contains some or all of these.
- 01
Warm up and stretching
When the body is properly warmed up and supple, the muscles become more efficient and are able to provide more strength and endurance. It also minimises the risk of pulling a muscle.
- 02
Basic techniques
The core principle behind developing good karate is the practice and repetition of strikes, blocks, stances and kicks until they become second nature.
- 03
Kata and combinations
Kata is a pre-arranged sequence of movements against imaginary opponents. Practising kata develops deep concentration, and improves coordination and awareness.
- 04
Sparring
Practising the basic techniques in a controlled "fight" environment with a partner develops reaction speed and helps prepare students for a possible self-defence situation.
- 05
Self-defence
Students are taught specific techniques that enable them to break out of holds and grabs, as well as to protect themselves against strikes and other attacks.
- 06
Fitness
Certain activities are incorporated into the class that improve the students' fitness and stamina and strengthen the arms, legs and stomach.
- 07
Fun activity and games
Children learn best when they enjoy themselves, so there is often an optional fun activity in the class aimed at improving coordination and reaction as well as teamwork. Whatever our age, most of us are still kids at heart, so the big kids are welcome to join in as well.
- More on training
A family club
Parents train with their kids
We welcome the whole family to come and train. There is always a range of ages in the class, and some parents choose to train alongside their children. The training environment is primarily non-contact, and instructors take account of each student's age and physical and mental ability.
- 25
- years teaching in London
- 18
- venues across four regions
- 5+
- minimum age to start
- £0
- contract. Pay as you go
Three steps, one evening
Pick a venue and a session
Choose the dojo nearest you and the class that fits: beginners for a first timer, mixed ability if you have trained before.
Book your place
Every class is pre-booked so the instructor knows you are coming. Book online in a minute, or ring the regional instructor.
Turn up in sports clothes
Loose clothing and a bottle of water. An instructor will greet you, answer your questions and introduce you to the other students.
Classes are pay as you go with no contract, from £9 to £12 a class depending on the venue. Joining is a one-off £20 registration, which never expires and gives access to every location, plus a £24 yearly licence for NAKMAS affiliation and insurance.
Confidence, fitness, and a belt you earned
“I have had a fantastic experience at Kenshukai Karate with Sensei Dmitriy. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher who really helped develop my skills over the last 6 months. I fully recommend anyone looking to learn to go see him.”
“Dear Eddie, thank you for the delivery of the sessions. Your enthusiasm did not wane even by the end of the day. The children found it fun, exciting and exhilarating.”
“Oliver enjoys attending karate with Sensei Eddie at his school. It has been extremely beneficial for Oliver (who is dyslexic and not very sporty) to learn a skill that helps him keep fit and to become more confident. He enjoys getting to the next level and being rewarded with the next coloured belt.”
The journey
White belt to black
Students grade when they have done the minimum number of classes and have their Sensei's approval. Black belt from age 15.
Grading criteria