Business Details
41 Years
experience
Expert Martial Arts Training for Young People in Lancaster
St. Martins Junior Karate Club has been dedicated to empowering young people through martial arts since 1985. Founded by the late Sensei Jack Parker, our club fosters discipline, confidence, and physical fitness while maintaining strong community ties. Our experienced instructors, Sensei Paul Turner (7th Dan) and Sensei Chris Haggan (6th Dan), bring over 60 years of combined teaching expertise to structured classes for children aged 5 and above. We prioritise mutual respect and personal growth, offering both traditional karate training and opportunities for competitive participation.Our commitment extends beyond martial arts, as demonstrated by our long-standing support for St. Johns Hospice, having raised over 7,000 since 2013. The club maintains affiliations with regional martial arts organisations and participates in international youth events, ensuring students receive comprehensive training aligned with global standards.
Services
Martial Arts Training
Self-Defence Classes
Fitness Development
Discipline Coaching
Competition Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Experienced black belt instructors with 60+ years combined teaching expertise
- Structured classes for ages 5-18 with progressive skill development
- Strong community engagement through charity fundraising and events
- International competition opportunities via youth games participation
- Affiliated with established regional martial arts organisations
Services
Martial Arts Training
Structured karate instruction for children aged 5 and above. Develops physical fitness, self-discipline, and confidence through traditional techniques. Classes led by experienced black belt instructors with tailored progression pathways.
Self-Defence Classes
Practical self-defence techniques integrated into regular training. Teaches situational awareness and non-violent conflict resolution. Emphasises personal safety while maintaining martial arts principles of respect and control.
Competition Preparation
Specialised coaching for competitive martial arts participation. Prepares students for regional and international youth competitions. Focuses on kata and kumite disciplines with experienced tournament guidance.
Fitness Development
Martial arts-based fitness programme for children. Combines technical training with cardiovascular and strength exercises. Promotes healthy lifestyle habits through engaging, structured physical activity.
Discipline Coaching
Values-based instruction fostering respect, focus, and perseverance. Integrates traditional martial arts philosophy with modern youth development principles. Encourages personal growth through structured achievement milestones.
People
Sensei Paul Turner
7th Dan Instructor
Co-founder with over 35 years teaching experience. Trained under Sensei Jack Parker since 1985. Specialises in traditional karate techniques and youth development programmes.
Sensei Chris Haggan
6th Dan Instructor
Senior instructor with 30+ years of teaching expertise. Joined the club shortly after establishment. Focuses on competitive training and technical progression pathways for students.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for children aged 5-9 and 10+ years, with separate sessions tailored to different skill levels and age requirements.
What should I wear for my first session?
Beginners can wear comfortable sports clothing. Full karate uniform (gi) is required after initial trial sessions, available through the club.
How often should children train?
We recommend weekly sessions for beginners, with option to increase to twice weekly as skills develop. Monthly kata/kumite classes available for advanced students.
Do you offer competitive opportunities?
Yes, we prepare students for regional and international youth competitions, including the annual International Youth Games in Lancaster.
What are your charity involvement details?
Since 2013, we've actively supported St. Johns Hospice through fundraising events, having raised over £7,000 to date through various community activities.
