Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Shotokan Karate Training in Leicester
Established in 1966, Leicester Karate Club stands as the oldest martial arts dojo in Great Britain, dedicated to the practice and teaching of Shotokan Karate. Our instructors, including internationally renowned 8th Dan Dave Wilkins and 6th Dan Lauren Frearson, bring decades of expertise and championship experience to every class. We prioritise character development alongside technical skill, fostering confidence and discipline in students of all ages. With a heritage rooted in traditional Japanese martial arts, we offer structured training programmes for beginners to advanced practitioners, including competitive opportunities and grading syllabuses.Our dojo, located in the historic Secular Hall building, provides a welcoming environment with state-of-the-art facilities. We maintain strong global connections while serving the local Leicester community, offering both in-person and online classes for accessibility. Our commitment to affordability and ethical teaching ensures martial arts remain accessible without compromising quality.
Services
Karate Classes
Shotokan Training
Black Belt Programmes
Competitive Coaching
Online Karate Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of continuous operation with globally recognised instructors
- Our instructors include former European and National Champions
- We focus on character development alongside technical martial arts proficiency
- Affordable pricing with flexible class options for all skill levels
- Maintain traditional Shotokan principles while embracing modern teaching methods
What people say
World-class instructors
Strong technical focus
Supportive environment
Championship experience
Traditional values
Services
Karate Classes
Structured Shotokan Karate classes for ages 7+ with graded instruction from beginner to black belt levels. Sessions focus on traditional techniques, self-defence applications, and character development. Suitable for complete novices and experienced martial artists seeking progression.
Black Belt Programmes
Comprehensive black belt preparation following official Shotokan syllabuses. Includes technical mastery, kata performance, and kumite (sparring) development. Led by 8th Dan chief instructor with international grading experience and championship coaching expertise.
Competitive Coaching
Specialist training for competition participants in kata and kumite disciplines. Delivered by former European Champions with proven track record of developing medal-winning athletes at national and international events since the 1970s.
Online Karate Lessons
Live-streamed classes via Zoom platform maintaining same structured curriculum as in-person sessions. Requires prior registration and payment, offering flexibility for remote students while preserving traditional teaching methods.
Shotokan Training
Authentic Shotokan instruction preserving techniques developed by Gichin Funakoshi. Emphasises powerful linear movements, dynamic stances, and practical self-defence applications within a framework of character cultivation and martial discipline.
People
Dave Wilkins
Chief Instructor
8th Dan master with 46 years' experience at Leicester Karate Club. Former European Champion, graded by Okinawan masters in Finland and Japan. Specialises in Shotokan technical development and competitive strategy.
Lauren Frearson
Senior Instructor
6th Dan expert, 1998 Leicester Sportswoman of the Year. Trained in Japan under Taiji Kase, specialising in kata precision and women's martial arts development since 1973.
Questions
What Shotokan Karate styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Shotokan Karate as developed by Gichin Funakoshi, preserving the dynamic techniques and character-building principles established in Japan.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our instructors hold 6th to 8th Dan ranks with decades of experience, including international competition success and training under Okinawan masters.
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students aged 7+ with separate children's classes and mixed adult sessions for all experience levels.
Do you offer competitive training?
Yes, we provide specialist tournament coaching in kata and kumite disciplines with proven success at European competitions.
What facilities do you have?
Our historic dojo features sprung flooring, changing rooms, and climate control while maintaining traditional training atmosphere since 1946.
Can I train online?
We offer live-streamed classes via Zoom with the same structured curriculum as our in-person sessions.
