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Our Shotokan Karate Heritage:

Discover the heritage of traditional JKA Shotokan karate. Learn about our lineage, training philosophy,and karate classes in Watford and Luton for children and adults.

The Heritage of Traditional JKA Karate 

Our Shotokan karate classes in Watford and Luton for children and adults are rooted in the traditions of the great shotokan masters. This heritage provides beginner karate students as well as seasoned Black Belt martial arts and karate students with a structured path to developing confidence, fitness, discipline and technical excellence.

What is Shotokan Karate ?

Shotokan karate was introduced to mainland Japain in the 9150's. It is the most popular & widely practised martial arts by Men & women in the world and we practise it in Watford and Luton areas. It has over 90 million practitioners world-wide.There are many Shotokan organisations but the top one is the JKA Shotokan World Federation based in Japan, Tokyo.

​Our Shotokan karate based on JKA WF karate structure,focusses on building your body, mind & spirit through:

  • Strong fundamental techniques

  • Character development

  • Lifelong learning and continuous improvement

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Training includes:

  • Kihon (basics)

  • Kata (simulated fight patterns)

  • Kumite (sparring )

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Benefits of our Shotokan JKA Karate Classes in Watford & Luton

Shotokan JKA Karate Academy proudly serve the Watford and Luton community with classes for:

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Children (6-14)

  • Build confidence & focus

  • Improve  physical co-ordination and discipline

  • Learn respect through structured, fun sessions

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Teens (14-18)

  • Develop resilience and self-control

  • improve fitness and strength

  • Gain confidence in a positive environment

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Adults (18 -80)

  • Get fit and stay active

  • Learn effective self-defence

  • Stress management

  • Personal challenge

  • Mental resilience

  • Train at your own pace

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All grades & levels are welcome to train with us in watford & Luton areas !

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Book Your Free Trial Class 

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From complete beginners to black belts.

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Why Train with Us ?

  • Established since 1979

  • 7th Dan Chief Instructor

  •  55 years Martial Arts Experience

  • Traditional JKA Shotokan Karate

  • Clear progression through belt grades recognised internationally by the JKA WF

  • Friendly, respectful inclusive environment

  • Focus on both technical excellence and personal self - development

  • ​Beginners welcome

Our Karate Heritage :

OUR MISSION  STATEMENT :

Building Character Through Karate 

We believe karate is more than physical training. It is a lifelong journey of self-improvement,helping students develop character,confidence,respect,resilience,and excellence in body mind and spirit. Through this way they can live their lives with full confidence.

Our UK JKA National  championships winners

Karate Journey Timeline:

Our Karate Journey

Our Journey :

1973 -Martial arts training begins

1979 - Club established 

1980s - 2000s - Training with leading Shotokan masters , visiting Japan, and China.

2024 -7th Dan awarded

Today - Teaching students across Watford, Luton and surrounding areas


 

Our Karate Heritage 
At Shotokan Karate JKA Academy we are proud to continue the traditions of original aunthentic JKA Shotokan Karate. 
Our chief instructor Shamim aktar 7th Dan has trained extensively over more than 5 decades and has been influenced by some of the most respected masters in the history of Shotokan karate.

Our teachings reflect the principles of :
Gichin Funakoshi  
​Masatoshi Nakayama
Hirokazu Kanazawa
Hidetaka Nishiyama
Taiji Kase
Keinosuke Enoeda
Hiroshi Shirai
Shiro Asano
Masao Kawasoe
Masao Tanaka
Mikio Yahara
Tetsuhiko Asai

Our aim is to preserve the technical excellence, discipline and spirit of traditional Shotokan Karate while making it accessible to modern students.

 

Book your free trial 

Whether you're looking for :​ ​

  • Children's karate classes

  • Adult karate training

  • Traditional Shotokan karate

  • Beginner-friendly martial arts

  • ​Progress through belt grades with confidence

  • Work towards black belt and beyond

  • Improve fitness,discipline, confidence, & mental toughness

  • Train consistently in a supportive  encouraging environment

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We would be delighted to welcome you

Book your free trial today 


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Our Shotokan Karate JKA Classes,Locations & Times Information :

Locations,Days and Times :
 
Watford Woodside (Hertfordshire )                                                           

Luton (Bedfordshire)

What Our Students Say :

" Great atmosphere and excellent teaching. " Matt. B.

"Perfect for beginners and advanced students alike." Fiona K.

"My confidence has improved so much." Dion P.

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Read more ...

                                                                                        Dojo Rules :

 

(Note: Minimum commitment required to join the Shotokan JKA Academy is 3 months.)

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1. All students must set up a standing order to pay the class dues into our SKC bank account at the beginning of each month (1st day of the month) .

2. Remove your shoes upon entering the dojo.

3. Bow as a sign of respect to the front of the dojo when entering or leaving the dojo.

4. Remove all jewelry before class.

5. Toenails must be clipped and clean.

6. No gum or candy chewing during class.

7. Keep your gi (uniform) clean and in good repair.

8. When adjusting your gi or belt, face the back of the dojo.

9. Do not lean against the walls during class.

10. Do not cross your arms or rest your hands on your hips during class. This is considered a sign of disrespect.

11. Answer the instructor with conviction, directness, and honesty when addressed.

12. Ask the instructor for permission before leaving the dojo during class unless using the washroom.

13. If you are late to class, warm up outside of the training area and wait for the instructor to acknowledge you before entering. No entry into Dojo before 5 minutes class due time.

14. Use proper titles (e.g., Sensei and Sempai) when addressing the instructor and fellow students. Never address the instructors by their first names.

15. Disrespect will not be tolerated.

16. No alcohol or drugs prior to training.

17. Fighting inside or outside the dojo is cause for immediate expulsion.

18. No talking during class.

19. Every student must help keep the dojo & washrooms clean.

20. Memorize and practice the Student Creed,Dojo Kun & these Dojo rules.

 

...Watch Dojo etiquette video

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Shamim Aktar - 7th Dan Karate Demo 

  Call:  0800 999 1959  OR  07956 553417

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