Business Details
45 Years
experience
Karate Classes in York for All Ages
Haxby Shotokan Karate Club has been delivering high-quality karate instruction since 1981, maintaining a proud 40-year heritage as a non-profit organisation. Our club welcomes participants aged six and above, offering structured training programs tailored to all skill levels. Led by Chief Instructor Mike Gude (6th Dan) and a team of experienced instructors with over 140 years of combined expertise, we prioritise member development through traditional Shotokan karate principles. Affiliated with the Japan Karate Shoto Federation, we provide access to world-class training methodologies and grading opportunities. Our family-oriented environment fosters discipline, physical fitness, and personal growth while maintaining exceptional value through transparent pricing and community-focused operations. The club's commitment to excellence is evidenced by its long-standing reputation, instructor credentials, and emphasis on perfect practice as advocated by our senior instructors.
Services
Karate Classes
Children's Karate
Adult Karate
Family Discounts
JKS Affiliated Training
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40 years of continuous Shotokan karate instruction in York
- Non-profit structure ensures affordable, transparent pricing
- Instructor team with 140+ combined years of martial arts experience
- Family-friendly environment with age-specific training programs
- Affiliated with Japan's premier karate federation for authentic training
Associations and certifications
- Japan Karate Shoto Federation
What people say
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly
Structured programs
Affordable rates
Community focus
Services
Karate Classes
Structured karate training sessions for all ages and abilities held at Wigginton Recreation Hall. Our programs develop physical fitness, self-discipline, and traditional Shotokan techniques. Classes combine basic kihon practice with kata and kumite training for comprehensive martial arts development.
Children's Karate
Specialised classes for ages 6-11 focusing on fundamental karate skills through engaging activities. Early sessions incorporate games and agility exercises to build foundational techniques while maintaining child-friendly instruction ratios.
Adult Karate
Comprehensive adult training programs covering advanced techniques, kata performance, and competitive kumite strategies. Evening sessions include dedicated time for brown and black belt development with expert instructor guidance.
Family Discounts
Concessionary pricing available for multiple family members training simultaneously. First household member pays full rate with subsequent members receiving 2.50 monthly discount to encourage family participation.
JKS Affiliated Training
Official Japan Karate Shoto Federation curriculum delivered by qualified instructors. Includes access to national courses, standardised grading systems, and competition opportunities through our JKS affiliation.
People
Mike Gude
Chief Instructor
6th Dan chief instructor with over 50 years teaching experience. Joined karate in 1970, graded by Enoeda's assistant in 1973. Leads club since 1989, awarded 6th Dan in 2015 by Kagawa Shihan.
Ian Shaw
Senior Instructor
Co-founder and 5th Dan instructor with 40+ years experience. Trained under Asano and Kato, graded by Kagawa in 2014. Emphasises kihon fundamentals and karate philosophy development.
Ian Teasdale
Senior Instructor
3rd Dan instructor returning to karate in 2014 after career break. Graded to Sandan in 2019 by Kagawa Shihan. Focuses on technique refinement and competition preparation.
Ben Lacey
Instructor
2nd Dan development officer with rapid progression since joining in 2016. Manages club website and online training. Graded to Nidan in 2021 following lockdown training challenges.
Helen Baker
Welfare Officer
1st Kyu welfare officer with nine years' experience. Organises club events and ensures safeguarding compliance. Active in demonstrations and national championships participation.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for training?
We accept children from age 6 upwards with separate classes for 6-8 year olds and main classes for ages 8+.
Are there family discounts available?
Yes, first family member pays full rate with subsequent members receiving £2.50 monthly discount.
What are your current training times?
Monday and Thursday evenings 6:15-9:00pm at Wigginton Recreation Hall.
Do you offer trial sessions?
Main class is free for new members to try before committing to membership.
What grading opportunities exist?
Official JKS gradings available through our affiliation, with instructors graded up to 6th Dan.
How experienced are your instructors?
Our team holds 140+ combined years experience with ranks from 1st Kyu to 6th Dan.