top of page
Would You like to
Learn Shotokan Karate?

kids karate Leeds

karate for beginners Leeds

adult martial arts Leeds

  • Increase Self Discipline

  • Increase Self-Esteem and Confidences

  • Learn and Earn Respect

  • Get Fit and Active​

  • Increase Coordination

  • Set and Achieve Goals - Boost Motivation

  • Increase Physical, Mental Health, and Wellbeing

  • Make New Friends

​​

JOIN OUR CLASSES

Don't worry if you've never done Karate before - our club instructors have much experience in teaching beginners of all ages.

Our range of classes is designed to help students to progress and achieve their own personal targets.

Many of our students practice Karate for different reasons, some to get/keep fit, some for self-defence, some people enjoy meeting new friends and others enjoy training with us to improve self-awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Parents and teachers continually report on the improvement in the behaviour of children who train regularly.

Most adults we speak to are slightly apprehensive about starting something new. We often hear comments like ‘I’m too old to start’ or I’m not fit enough’. Many of our members didn't start until they were in their 40s, 50s or 60s and one of the many benefits of Karate training is that your fitness and health will steadily improve. Have a look at joining our classes.

Leeds Shotokan Karate Club is currently taking new members, if you have an interest in learning Karate or have a question about the lessons please contact us.​

​

kids karate Leeds

karate for beginners Leeds

adult martial arts Leeds

News:

JKA England Squad News – 13th October 2026:

We are delighted to announce that Owen Cook has been selected for the JKA England Squad.

This is an outstanding achievement and a reflection of Owen's hard work, dedication and commitment both in training and competition. Selection at this level is highly competitive and represents a significant milestone in his karate journey.

Sensei Backhouse said:

"Owen's selection is thoroughly deserved. He consistently demonstrates the discipline, commitment and spirit that we encourage all our students to aspire to. Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of his achievement and fully supports him as he takes this exciting next step."

Owen's success is an inspiration to all members of the club, and we look forward to following his progress with the England squad.

Congratulations, Owen. We are all proud of you and wish you every success in the future.

​

HDKI National 10th Championship  – 10th October 2026:

Congratulations to all of our students who represented Leeds Shotokan Karate Club at the HDKI National Competition 2026.

Although we attended with a small team, our competitors delivered an outstanding performance, demonstrating determination, skill and excellent fighting spirit throughout the day. Every participant represented the club with pride, and the results speak for themselves.

Competition Results:

  • Silver (2nd Place) – Suzanne Wallis – Female Kumite

  • Silver (2nd Place) – Suzanne Wallis – Female Kata

  • Silver (2nd Place) – Lillian Gray – Girls Kumite (12–15 Years, 10th–4th Kyu, 5'2" and Above)

  • Silver (2nd Place) – Theodore Gray – Mixed Kata (11 Years, 10th–4th Kyu)

  • Bronze (3rd Place) – Tom Wallis – Men's Kumite

  • Bronze (3rd Place) – Theodore Gray – Boys Kumite (10–11 Years)

  • Finalist – Tom Wallis – Men's Kata

These achievements are a credit to the hard work and commitment shown by our students in training, and we are extremely proud of how they conducted themselves both on and off the tatami.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the tournament organisers and volunteers for delivering a well-run and professionally organised event. Their hard work behind the scenes helped make the competition an enjoyable and successful experience for everyone involved.

Congratulations once again to all of our competitors on their fantastic achievements.

​

Leeds Shotokan Karate Club Annual Social at Leeds International Beer Festival – 5th September 2026:

Members of Leeds Shotokan Karate Club recently enjoyed a fantastic annual social gathering at the Leeds International Beer Festival, held in the spectacular surroundings of Kirkstall Abbey.

The event provided a great opportunity for club members, friends and family to relax and spend time together away from the dojo. With excellent company, a wide selection of craft beers and one of Leeds' most iconic venues as the backdrop, it was a memorable day enjoyed by all.

As a club, we place great value not only on training together but also on building friendships and strengthening the sense of community that makes Leeds Shotokan Karate Club such a welcoming place to be.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success. We are already looking forward to the next social gathering!

​

JKA England Kyu Grade & Black/Brown Belt Northern Course with Sensei Dave Paulus – 7th June 2026:

A huge well done to all the dedicated karateka from Leeds Shotokan Karate Club who attended today’s incredible session!

Key Focus Areas:

  • Kyu Grade Course – Refining the finer details of fundamentals

  • Black & Brown Belts – Advanced basics and precision

  • Shodan Applications – Practical insights for 1st Dan Grading

  • Bassai Dai – Deep dive into form and technique

  • Kumite Drills – Sharpening sparring skills with structured practice

A massive thank you to Sensei Dave Paulus (JKA England) for sharing his expertise and passion. The attention to detail and intensity brought everyone’s karate to the next level!

Osu!

Big thank you to Sensei Bianca Webb for organising the course.

​

Club Kyu Grading News – Successful Course and Grading with Sensei Otha – 29th March 2026:

We’re delighted to announce some brilliant news! All students from Leeds Shotokan Karate Club have successfully passed their grading, expertly led by Sensei Otha. The grading took place at our Newark Shotokan Karate Club Dojo and was a resounding success.

​

Congratulations to the following students:

  • Michaela Finlay – 9th Kyu

  • Stephen Badland – 9th Kyu

​

Congratulations to everyone—your commitment and effort have truly paid off!

​

Keep up the momentum and continue striving for the next level!

​

Competition News – JKA Northern & Central Region Competition 2026 – 8th March 2026:

A huge congratulations to all the incredible athletes who competed at this year’s JKA Northern & Central Region Competition!

Your dedication and skill made the event truly unforgettable.

​

Medal Winners:

  • Gold (1st Place) – George Phillips – Male Kumite (19 – 39 yrs) – Black Belts

  • Gold (1st Place) – Sonny Thornton – Boys' Kumite (13 – 15 yrs) – Brown and Black Belts

  • Silver (2nd Place) – Tom Wallis – Male Kumite – Veterans – Brown and Black Belts

  • Silver (2nd Place) – Theodore Gray – Children's Kata (10 – 12 yrs) – 6th – 4th Kyu

  • Bronze (3rd Place) – Stacey Gray – Female Kata (16+ yrs) – 6th – 4th Kyu

  • Bronze (3rd Place) – George Phillips – Male Kata (21 – 39 yrs) Black Belts

  • Bronze (3rd Place) – Stacey Gray – Female Kihon Ippon Kumite (16+ yrs) – 6th – 4th Kyu

  • Bronze (3rd Place) – Lillian Gray – Female Kata (13 - 15 yrs) - 6th - 4th Kyu

​

A special thank you to the organisers for putting together such a well-run and exciting tournament. Your hard work ensured a fantastic experience for everyone involved!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Club Kyu Grading News – Successful Course and Grading with Sensei Adel – 23rd November 2025:

We’re thrilled to share some fantastic news! Every student at Leeds Shotokan Karate Club successfully passed their grading under the expert guidance of Sensei Adel. The event was held at our Newark Shotokan Karate Club Dojo and was a great success.

​

Congratulations to the following students:

  • Tom Wallis – 1st Kyu

  • Sonny Thorton – 2nd Kyu

  • Stacey Gray – 6th Kyu

  • Lillian Gray – 6th Kyu

  • Theodore Gray – 6th Kyu

  • Marius Videika – 8th Kyu

  • Emius Videika – 8th Kyu

​

Well done, everyone! Your hard work and dedication have paid off.

​

Keep training and aiming for the next level!

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Club Kyu Grading News – Successful Course and Grading with Sensei Mick Lowe – 14th May 2025

Great news! Every student at the Leeds Shotokan Karate Club passed their grade with Sensei Mick Lowe. The Leeds Shotokan Karate Club Dojo served as the venue for the grading.


The following pupils from the Leeds Shotokan Karate Club received passing grades:

​

  • Stacey Gray - 6th Kyu

  • Lillian Gray - 6th Kyu

  • Theodore Gray – 6th Kyu

  • Joanna Johnson - 9th Kyu

  • Koby Sheldon - 9th Kyu

  • Marius Videika - 9th Kyu

  • Emius Videika - 9th Kyu

​

Well done, everyone!​​​

​

Course News - JKA England Spring Gasshuku  - 25th/26th/27 April 2025

​

Well done to all who attended from Leeds Shotokan Karate Club who attended the JKA England International Spring Course in K2 Crawley with the following instructors deserves a hearty congratulations:

  • 8th Dan - OGURA Sensei [JKA Japan]

  • 7th Dan - NAKA Sensei [JKA Japan]

  • 8th Dan - SAWADA Sensei [JKA Belgium]

  • 8th Dan – OHTA Sensei, [JKA England's] 

 

Lots of detail and insight into the kata and technique and especially the budō.


A fantastic weekend, and a special thank you to Sensei Richard Backhouse.

​

Competition News - JKA Northern  and Central Region  Championships  2025 - 22nd February 2025

​Congratulations to our incredible competitors at the JKA England Northern and Central Region Championships 2025!

​

Medal Winners:

  • Gold (1st Place) - Theodore Gray - 9th/7th Kyu Boys 10/12 Yrs Sanbon Kumite

  • Gold (1st Place) - Stephen Riley - Male Kumite

  • Silver (2nd Place) - Suzanne Wallis - Female Kumite

  • Silver (2nd Place) - Sonny Thornton - 10/12 Yrs Boys Kumite

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Stacey Gray - 9th/7th Kyu Female Sanbon Kumite

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Lilian Gray - 9th/7th Kyu Girls 10/12 Yrs Sanbon Kumite

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Stephen Riley - Male Kata

​

A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise the event and to all who came to support the club.

Your dedication and team spirit make all the difference!

​​

IMG_1452_edited.jpg

Student of the Month News — January 2025

Congratulations to Allan Dawkins for being named Student of the Month at Leeds Shotokan Karate Club for January 2025!

Your dedication and hard work continue to impress—keep it up!

​​

Christmas  Social Event  - 28th December 2024

Leeds Shotokan Karate Club Adult Christmas Get-Together.

Plenty of Christmas cheer and lively conversations as we look forward to kicking off the New Year with karate!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us!

​

A special thank you to Suzanne who organised it all. OSS. 

 

Social Event - Children's Christmas Party - 14th December 2024

Leeds Shotokan Karate Club An excellent kids' Christmas party at Ninja Warriors showing off our ninja skills and determination to complete the assault courses. Great fun for all.

​

A special thank you to Suzanne who organised it all. OSS. 

 

Club Kyu Grading News - Successful Course and Grading with Sensei Mick Lowe - 7th December 2024

Excellent news: all our Leeds Shotokan Karate Club students successfully passed their grading with Sensei Mick Lowe. The grading was held at the Leeds Shotokan Karate Club Dojo.

​

The following Leeds Shotokan Karate Club students who passed their grading are:

​

  • Leigh Gill - 2nd Kyu

  • Christopher Owen - 2nd Kyu

  • Tom Wallis - 2nd Kyu

  • Sonny Thornton - 3rd Kyu

  • Stacey Gray - 7th Kyu

  • Lillian Gray - 7th Kyu

  • Theodore Gray - 7th Kyu

  • Taylor Boreham - 7th Kyu

  • Oscar Gray - 8th Kyu

  • Nick Redding - 9th Kyu

​

Well done, everyone!

​

Competition News - HDKI GB National Open Championships 2024 - 12th October 2024

Well done to all from Leeds Shotokan Karate Club who competed at the HDKI GB National Open Championships 2024.

​

The results are as follows:

​​​

Medal Winners:

  • Gold (1st Place) - Stephen Riley - Kumite - Male Veterans

  • Gold (1st Place) - Suzanne Wallis - Kumite - Female

  • Silver (2nd Place) - Male Team Kumite - Will Byram, Jonathan Kibble, Stephen Riley and Tom Wallis

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Jonathan Kibble - Male - 3rd Kyu and Above - 20 to 39 years old

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Theodore Gray - Kata – 10th – 7th Kyu – 11 years old and below 

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Lillian Gray - 10th – 4th Kyu - 12 - 15 years old (below 5’ 2”) 

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Theodore Gray - Kumite - Any Grade - 8 to 9 years old 

​​

Well done, all.

​​

Massive thanks to all who came down to support the club.

​

Student of the Month News - September 2024

Well done to Sonny Thornton on his achievement of being Leeds Shotokan Karate Club - Student of the Month for September 2024.

Keep up the hard work.

​

Competition News - JKA Northern  and Central Region  Championships  2024 - 29th September 2024

​​Well done to all who competed at the JKA England Northern and Central Region Championships 2024.

Medal Winners:

  • Silver (2nd Place) - Suzanne Wallis - Female Kumite

  • Silver (2nd Place) - Stephen Riley - Veterans Male Kumite

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Sonny Thornton - 10/12 Years Ippon Kumite

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Tom Wallis - 19/39 Years Male Kumite

  • Bronze (3rd Place) - Tom Wallis - 19/39 Years Male Kata

​

Massive thanks to all who came down to support the club.

​

Social Event and Beer Festival News - 7th September 2024

Thanks to all who attended the social event/get-together at the Leeds International Beer Festival with Leeds Shotokan Karate Club. It was entertaining and a great pleasure to get to know everyone.

 

A special thank you to Suzanne who organised it all. OSS. 

​

Student of the Month News - July 2024

Well done to Taylor Boreham on her achievement of being Leeds Shotokan Karate Club  - Student of the Month for July 2024.

Keep up the hard work.

​

Club Kyu Grading News - Successful Course and Grading with Sensei Mick Lowe - 21st July 2024

Excellent news: all our Leeds Shotokan Karate Club students successfully passed their grading with Sensei Giuseppe D'Onofrio. The grading was held with the following clubs: Newark JKA Karate Club and Sheffield Mu-shin Dojo at Newark JKA Karate Club.

​

The following Leeds Shotokan Karate Club students who passed their grading are:

​​

  • Stacey Gray - 8th Kyu

  • Lillian Gray - 8th Kyu

  • Theodore Gray - 8th Kyu

  • Taylor Boreham - 8th Kyu

  • Oscar Gray - 9th Kyu

​

Well done, everyone!

​

Student of the Month News - June 2024

Well done to Suzanne Wallis on her achievement of being Leeds Shotokan Karate Club  - Student of the Month for June 2024.

Keep up the hard work.

​

JKA England Open Course - North  - 30th June 2024

A fantastic day at the JKA England Open Course today in Sheffield! Thank you to Ohta Sensei for a brilliant session. Always a pleasure to train with you Sensei.

Thank you to Sensei Dave Paulus for the putting our student through the coaching licence course!

Well done – Sensei Steve Cuddy, Sensei Stephen Riley and Sensei Jonathan Kibble on passing the coaching licence. 

​

Social Event and Gin/Rum Festival News - 22nd June 2024

Thanks to all who attended the social event/get-together at the Leeds Gin/Rum festival with Leeds Shotokan Karate Club. It was entertaining and a great pleasure to get to know everyone.

 

A special thank you to Suzanne who organised it all. OSS. 

 

Student of the Month News - May 2024

Well done to Stacey Gray on her achievement of being Leeds Shotokan Karate Club – Student of the Month for May 2024.

Keep up the hard work.

​

Student of the Month News - April 2024

Well done to Theodore Gray on his achievement of being Leeds Shotokan Karate Club  - Student of the Month for April 2024.

Keep up the hard work.

​

Club Kyu Grading News - Successful Course and Grading with Sensei Mick Lowe - 24th March 2024

Excellent news: all our Leeds Shotokan Karate Club students successfully passed their grading with Sensei Mick Lowe. The grading was held with the following clubs: Newark JKA Karate Club and Sheffield Mu-shin Dojo at Newark JKA Karate Club.

​

The following Leeds Shotokan Karate Club students who passed their grading are:

​

  • Leigh Gill - 3rd Kyu

  • Christopher Owen - 3rd Kyu

  • Tom Wallis - 3rd Kyu

  • Sonny Thornton - 4th Kyu

  • Madeleine Lamb - 7th Kyu

  • Stacey Gray - 9th Kyu

  • Lillian Gray - 9th Kyu

  • Theodore Gray - 9th Kyu

  • Taylor Boreham - 9th Kyu

​

Well done, everyone!

​

​
"There is No First Attack in Karate" Gichin Funakoshi

There is more to Karate than physical techniques, at its foundation is a tradition of spiritual and physical development and as Master Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate said: "the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participation". Karate training builds self-discipline, suppleness, coordination, the speed of reaction, overall fitness, stamina and a sense of inner calm. It is also highly enjoyable!

​

Events:

No events at the moment

© Copyright - Leeds Shotokan Karate Club - All Rights Reserved®
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter App Icon
  • YouTube Social Icon
  • Yelp
Apple Maps Logo
Google Maps Logo
What3words

https://www.leedsshotokankarate.co.uk/

JKA England Logo

Leeds Shotokan Karate Club is affiliated to the JKA England (JKAE).

Thank you for JKA England (JKAE) for the use of Photography. All pictures credited to the JKA England.

bottom of page