Bushido Shotokan Karate
Traditional Karate Classes for Children, Adults & Over 40’s
Strong in Karate. Strong in Life.
Friendly, traditional Shotokan karate classes for children, adults and families.
Whether you’re completely new to karate or returning after many years, you’ll find a welcoming environment where everyone can learn, improve and progress at their own pace. No experience necessary. No special clothing required.
FIRST LESSON FREE — THEN 4 WEEKS FOR £39
🥋 Tiny Tigers Karate Classes for Ages 5–7
Confidence starts young
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” — Japanese Proverb
A Fun and Confident Start to Karate
Build Confidence – Encourage independence and self-belief from an early age.
Improve Listening Skills – Learn to follow instructions and stay focused.
Develop Coordination – Improve balance, movement and body awareness.
Learn Self-Control – Understand patience, respect and managing emotions.
Make New Friends – Develop social skills through enjoyable group activities.
Have Fun While Learning – Discover karate through exciting, age-appropriate exercises.
🥋 Children’s Karate for Ages 8–15
Discipline today. Success tomorrow.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
— Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
Building Confidence, Discipline & Life Skills
Develop Self-Confidence – Build the courage to face challenges and try new things.
Improve Concentration – Strengthen focus and attention through structured training.
Learn Practical Self-Defence – Develop awareness, confidence and personal safety skills.
Build Discipline & Respect – Encourage responsibility, self-control and positive behaviour.
Improve Fitness & Strength – Develop stamina, flexibility, coordination and physical ability.
Set & Achieve Goals – Gain motivation and a sense of achievement through belt progression.
🥋 Adult Karate Classes for Beginners
Get fitter, stronger and more confident
“Thy modesty’s a candle to thy merit.” Henry Fielding 1707 – 1754.
Gain Confidence & Learn Self-Defence
Improve Physical Fitness – Develop strength, endurance and cardiovascular health.
Learn Effective Self-Defence – Build practical skills, awareness and personal confidence.
Reduce Everyday Stress – Switch off from daily pressures through focused training.
Increase Flexibility & Mobility – Improve movement, posture and coordination.
Develop Mental Focus – Strengthen concentration, discipline and decision-making.
Build Confidence & Resilience – Overcome challenges and achieve personal goals.
🥋 Karate Classes for Over 40s – Beginners Welcome
It’s never too late to begin
“He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.” — Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching,
It’s Never Too Late to Start Karate
Maintain Strength & Mobility – Keep your body active and moving comfortably.
Improve Balance & Stability – Develop coordination and greater confidence in movement.
Support Joint Flexibility – Encourage a comfortable range of movement through controlled exercises.
Stay Mentally Sharp – Challenge your memory, concentration and coordination.
Train at Your Own Pace – Enjoy karate adapted to your fitness, experience and abilities.
Enjoy Social Connections – Meet like-minded people in a friendly, supportive environment.
🥋 Family Karate Classes – Parents & Children
Train together. Grow together.
“When three walk together, there is surely a teacher among them.” — Confucius,
Train Together, Grow Stronger Together
Enjoy Quality Family Time – Share a rewarding activity away from everyday distractions.
Strengthen Family Bonds – Encourage teamwork, support and understanding.
Create Shared Goals – Work towards achievements and celebrate progress together.
Encourage Healthy Habits – Make regular exercise a positive part of family life.
Reduce Screen Time – Enjoy an active alternative to phones, tablets and television.
Create Lasting Memories – Share the excitement of learning new skills and earning belts.
“A leader is best when people barely know they exist. When the best leader’s work is done, people think they’ve done it themselves.- Lao Tzu
Over 50 Years of Karate – A Lifetime of Passion, Dedication and Teaching
My name is Lawrence Elcock, founder of Bushido Karate, and I have dedicated over 50 years to the study and teaching of Shotokan Karate. For more than 40 years, I have proudly helped students of all ages build confidence, discipline, respect, and fitness through karate training.
I started Bushido Karate because I wanted to create a traditional and welcoming club where students could learn authentic karate while developing strong character and self-belief. My goal has always been to pass on the values of discipline, respect, perseverance, and self-control that karate has given me throughout my life.
For the past eight years, I have also been teaching a karate course in Hawaii, sharing my passion for traditional Shotokan karate with students internationally. Through Bushido Karate, I continue to encourage students to achieve their best both inside and outside the dojo.
Your First Lesson
Click here to find out what to expect on your first visit.
Children’s Lessons
Click here for full details about our children’s karate classes.
Adults & Over 40s Lessons
Click here to discover how our adult and Over 40s classes work.
Tiny Tigers Lessons
Click here for information about our classes for younger children.
Family Lessons
Click here to see how families can train together.
Tiny Tigers karate classes 5-7
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” This is the tiny tiger philosophy. Tiny Tigers karate classes for ages 5–7 build confidence, discipline, and focus while improving fitness, coordination, and balance. Children learn respect, self-control, and teamwork in a fun, structured environment. Classes also enhance social skills, listening skills, and concentration, supporting better behaviour and performance at school and at home. Guided by experienced instructors, students grow resilient, positive, and motivated every single week.
Family karate classes
Starting karate as a family can be a rewarding way to spend quality time together while improving fitness, confidence and wellbeing.
At Bushido Shotokan Karate, families are encouraged to learn in a friendly, supportive environment where beginners are always welcome. Parents and children can share the experience of learning new skills, working towards goals and supporting each other as they progress.
Training together can help strengthen family bonds because everyone is taking part in the same activity rather than simply watching from the sidelines. It also gives children a positive example when they see their parents learning, practising and persevering alongside them.
Karate offers benefits for every age. Children can develop confidence, concentration, coordination, discipline and self-control, while adults can improve fitness, flexibility, balance, strength and stress management. Everyone learns at their own pace, so there is no need to worry about keeping up with younger or more experienced students.
At Bushido Shotokan Karate, the emphasis is on traditional karate, good technique, respect and personal development. You do not need previous experience, you do not need to be especially fit, and you do not need a karate uniform for your first lessons.
For families, karate can become much more than a weekly activity. It can provide shared goals, shared achievements and something positive to practise and talk about together.
Whether you are a parent looking for an activity to enjoy with your children or several members of the family would simply like to try something new, Bushido Karate offers a welcoming place to begin.
Why not start your karate journey together?
Your family could discover a healthy, enjoyable activity that stays with you for many years.
